Zoocriadero de Cocodrilos

Zoocriadero de Cocodrilos is a specialized crocodile breeding and conservation center located in Puerto Pizarro, approximately 15 minutes from the city of Tumbes in northern Peru. Established in 1996 by the National Fisheries Development Fund (FONDEPES), the facility spans eight hectares and was created to breed and protect the endangered American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) with the goal of reintroduction and repopulation in the Tumbes River basin. The center currently houses more than 320 crocodiles of varying ages, including males that can reach up to six meters in length and weigh around 500 kilograms, making them the largest crocodiles in Peru. Guided educational tours take visitors through the life cycle of the American crocodile and highlight the importance of wildlife conservation in the mangrove ecosystems of the Tumbes coast, offering a fascinating and informative experience for nature enthusiasts.