The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology were created in 1976 by Rom and Zai Whitaker to protect the three endangered species of crocodiles, the mugger, the saltwater crocodile and the gharials. They were immensely successful and soon enough, they began to include turtles and snakes for breeding and protection. This place is very important as it houses many rare and threatened species of animals. The bank is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry tickets cost INR 50 for adults and INR 30 for children below 10 years. They also have night safari facilities from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the cost of INR 200 for adults and INR 100 for children.