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Origin and history

La Ferme Aux Crocodiles is a French zoological park specializing in crocodilians, located in Pierrelatte, Drôme. Created in 1994 by Luc and Eric Fougeirol, two local horticulturalists, it was originally intended for crocodiles for their meat and skin. The idea of opening the site to the public emerged after the import of 335 Nile crocodiles in 1991, while waiting for the individuals to reach a size sufficient for slaughter. The 8 000 m2 tropical greenhouse, heated by hot water from the Tricastin nuclear site, allows us to welcome exotic species in a suitable climate.

Tourism success exceeded expectations since the opening in July 1994, with 85,000 visitors in six months, leading to the abandonment of the meat production project. In 2006, the greenhouse was expanded to 8,000 m2, and in 2007 the park was purchased by the Montparnasse Group 56. Samuel Martin, a veterinarian involved since the beginning, became technical director. After the shutdown of the heating system by Eurodif in 2012, a biomass cogeneration plant is built, multiplying the energy costs by five.

Today, the Ferme Aux Crocodiles attracts approximately 300,000 visitors annually, becoming the Drôme's first tourist site. It is home to twelve of the twenty-three species of global crocodilians, as well as birds, tropical fish and squamates. Its flagship attractions include the monthly feeding of crocodiles and a nursery. The park illustrates a successful conversion from an agricultural project to a major tourist destination, while adapting to local energy constraints.

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