Crocodile zoo
Less than 10 minute drive from the main town, situated along the Amo Chu river and spread across about half an acre of area, this place is a centre for gharial crocodile breeding under the gharial conservation programme of the Bhutan government. Gharial is one of the critically endangered species.The place is divided into many ponds and one can watch this powerful reptile at close quarters separated only by a hog wire type of fencing. They are mostly lazing around in the water or on the side of the ponds. There also was a pond with many hatchlings in it.We were told that these crocodiles are breed and looked after till they are able to take care of themselves after which they are released in Bhutan’s protected forests. Except when the gharials are fed, there is not much activity that can be seen at this place. It is now on the list of tourist attractions offered by Phuentsholing. The centre is a laudable initiative of Bhutan Government to protect their natural heritage by breeding and conservation of this endangered species.
