A Memorable Family Visit to Singapore's Last Surviving Crocodile Farm

This weekend, we embarked on a unique adventure to Singapore's last surviving crocodile farm with my 3- and 6-year-old children. It was a chance for them to experience firsthand the world of these prehistoric creatures, and we were in for a tour that left us with plenty of exciting memories and thought-provoking reflections.

A Glimpse into Crocodile Life

The tour began with a walkthrough of the farm’s Rearing Pens and Breeder Ponds, where crocodiles at different stages of life are kept. My children were mesmerized by the massive breeder crocodiles, and they couldn’t stop asking questions as we watched these powerful reptiles lounge in the water. We were fortunate to witness the feeding of the growers and breeders. My kids were both thrilled and a little nervous as they saw the crocodiles snap up their food with their strong jaws.

One of the highlights was the chance for visitors to feed the crocodiles under the supervision of the farm personnel. My 6-year-old couldn’t wait to toss a piece of food into the crocodile pen, while my 3-year-old preferred to watch from a safe distance, wide-eyed with curiosity.

Educational Tidbits: Crocodile Biology and Sustainability

During the tour, we learned fascinating facts about crocodiles. One interesting point was that temperature determines the gender of the crocodiles during the incubation period of their eggs. Lower temperatures typically produce females, while higher temperatures result in males. It’s amazing how such a small detail in nature can shape the future of an entire population.

We also learned about the process of preserving crocodile skins. While it was uncomfortable to think about animals being reared for their skins and meat, the farm owner emphasized his commitment to sustainability. We discovered that no part of the crocodile goes to waste—their skins are used for leather products, the meat is sold as a delicacy, and even other body parts like bones are utilized. This thoughtful approach to reducing waste was an important takeaway for my family, as it underscored how industries can be more mindful of the environment.

Mixed Feelings about Captivity

As much as my children were fascinated by the crocodiles, I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable at times. Seeing such large, powerful creatures in relatively small enclosures brought up difficult questions about the ethics of keeping animals in captivity. It was even more thought-provoking when we discussed how these animals are reared for their skins and meat. This reality might be distressing for some, and it certainly was something my family and I had to grapple with as we went through the tour.

On the flip side, the farm's owner shared his efforts in promoting sustainability and conservation. He increased the crocodile population from 3,000 to over 20,000, which is an impressive feat. The farm also rehomes rescued crocodiles that are too dangerous to be released back into the wild, allowing them to live to natural ages. This commitment to conservation added a positive dimension to the experience, and it was a good opportunity to discuss with my children the complexities of human interaction with animals and the importance of sustainability.

Tasting Crocodile Delicacies and Bringing Home Farm Produce

At the end of the tour, we sampled crocodile herbal soup. To my surprise, my 6-year-old was eager to try it and even said it was "pretty good!" We also had the chance to buy frozen crocodile meat to take home, although I decided to pass this time. It was fascinating to see how the farm integrated education, sustainability, and local culinary traditions in such a seamless way.

Final Thoughts: A Fun, Thought-Provoking Family Outing

Visiting Singapore's last crocodile farm with my 3- and 6-year-old was both an exciting adventure and a reflective experience. While it’s not always easy to reconcile the realities of animal farming with the need for sustainability, it was heartening to see the farm owner’s commitment to making sure no part of the animal goes to waste and that the crocodiles were treated with care.

I would recommend combining a trip to this crocodile farm with a trip to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve (located nearby coincidentally!) to see wild crocodiles in their natural habitat. We were fortunate to get a sighting of a family of wild crocodiles with Young Nautilus. Having both these experiences gave us a rare opportunity to reflect on how these animals live both in captivity and in the wild, offering a broader view of conservation and human interaction with wildlife.

If you're looking for a unique family outing that blends education, nature, and starts an important conversation about sustainability, I highly recommend the dual experiences of visiting the crocodile farm and Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve!

Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm Tour

321 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718914
Signup on farm website: here

note: witnessing the hatching of baby crocodiles is subject to availability