STORY: Myanmar's largest crocodile farm integrates conservation with education efforts
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 1, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 2, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:35
LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Thakayta Crocodile Farm

STORYLINE:

Nestled in Yangon's Thakayta Industrial Zone, the Thakayta Crocodile Farm is a hidden gem where conservation, education and adventure come together.
   
As Myanmar's largest crocodile farm, it plays a crucial role in protecting the country's endangered saltwater crocodiles, also known as sea crocodiles, while offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness these ancient reptiles up close.
   
The crocodile farm, operated by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, opened to the public in 1997. It serves as a sanctuary for crocodiles, supporting conversation and research efforts.
   
"Here, there are a total of 631 crocodiles now," said Daw Myat Khine Mar, a deputy director from the Department of Fisheries and section head of the crocodile farm, on Saturday.
   
"The crocodiles here are an endangered species. They belong to the species Crocodylus porosus, commonly known as saltwater crocodiles and locally referred to as Nga Moe Yeik crocodiles," she explained.
   
She said that visitors can observe the full life cycle of crocodiles at the farm, as it has eggs, hatchlings, juveniles, and adults, adding that the farm's biggest crocodile now is 17 feet long and around 20 years old.
   
The farm is not only for conservation and education, but also for an exciting attraction.

"Visitors come to see the crocodiles, and we organize thrilling shows, like putting hands inside the crocodiles' mouths," she said. "For those curious about the life cycle of the crocodiles, we are also happy to answer their questions."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yangon, Myanmar.
(XHTV)