Celebrate the Festive Season and Henry’s 125th Birthday at Crocworld Conservation Centre!

Preparations for the festive season are already underway, and it’s time to start diarising the best events to attend this holiday, starting with Crocworld Conservation Centre’s festive birthday celebration on Reconciliation Day (16 December).

This Scottburgh-based centre has a fun-filled line-up of activities for the whole family, including a colour run, inflatable fun, a Secret Santa Pop-up, and free cupcakes to celebrate the world-famous Henry the Nile Crocodile’s 125th birthday celebration!

“This public holiday is a highlight on the Crocworld calendar as we get to celebrate our most famous resident, Henry, with our many visitors and local residents during the peak season,” commented Susan Badat, Centre Manager at Crocworld Conservation Centre. “This year, we’re going bigger than ever, with even more planned for this special day, and we’re encouraging families to come out and celebrate with us in style!”

Festive Fun at Crocworld

With the KZN South Coast’s beaches buzzing with summer activity, including the free-to-attend annual seaside programme of family-fun activities, Crocworld is the perfect stop to add to any holiday itinerary.

Throughout December, visitors to Crocworld can catch two crocodile feedings daily at 11am and 3pm, offering an exciting opportunity to see these magnificent reptiles up close while learning more about their behaviour from the expert team.

From 16 to 24 December, visitors are in for a treat as there will be a daily Secret Santa Pop-Up where Santa could appear at any time with surprise giveaways for lucky guests! Visitors are also encouraged to explore the ever-popular Crocworld Curio Shop for intriguing new finds and unique holiday gifts.

Henry’s Birthday Celebrations

On Monday, 16 December, Crocworld will be marking Reconciliation Day and Henry’s 125th birthday with a jam-packed day of celebrations. Henry is considered the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity, and together with his long-time companion Colgate (no spring chicken in his now 90s!), he continues to be one of Crocworld’s most iconic residents.

Visitors are encouraged to join in the festivities with free cupcakes being handed out to guests served in Henry’s honour. Adding to the day’s atmosphere, there will be local curio vendors, a jumping castle, and face painting, ensuring a lively and entertaining outing for all.

Parkrun Colour Run

The day will also feature a vibrant Parkrun Colour Run, with exciting prizes up for grabs in both the 2km fun run and 5km run. There will also be a prize for the Best Dressed participant, so competitors are encouraged to get creative! The cost is R50 for entry in both races.

WildED Holiday Camp

The popular WildED Holiday Camp is returning to Crocworld from Monday, 15 to Friday, 19 December. Hosted at the WILDED Learning Hub @ Crocworld Conservation Centre, the camp gives children aged 8 to 13 years an unforgettable week of outdoor exploration, adventure, and conservation-based learning. Children can attend for a single day, a few days, or the entire week.

From 9am to 3.30pm daily (ending at 12.30pm on Friday), campers will participate in a range of exciting nature-based and adventure activities, including:

• Orienteering and outdoor navigation challenges
• A lighthouse hike exploring Scottburgh’s scenic coastline
• Helping the Crocworld team care for the centre’s fascinating animals
• Tree planting and conservation activities that give back to nature
• The Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures course to test balance and bravery
• A fun and challenging Adventure Race that ties all their skills together

WildED Holiday Camp Cost

• 5-Day rate: R1 970 for all five days | Early bird rate of R1 850 for sign-ups before 28 November
• Daily rate: R435 per child per day
• Sign-up link: https://forms.gle/eKoGXPoNTPLZ6kocA
• Follow: Instagram @wilded_africa

The fee includes Crocworld Annual Membership, all activities, and specialist equipment. Excludes transport, lunch, snacks, and medical insurance.

Lots to Enjoy at Crocworld

The fun doesn’t end there because on New Year’s Day, the first 100 entrants into Crocworld will get a free Slushie from the Fish Eagle Café.

Crocworld Conservation Centre will be open throughout the holiday season and will only be closed on Christmas Day (25 December), giving families plenty of opportunities to visit during their festive break.

Local businesses are also invited to get involved in the festivities by setting up a stand or activation on 16 December. This is a great opportunity to engage with visitors and share fun, branded giveaways. To find out more or book a space, call 039 976 1103.

To find out more about Crocworld Conservation Centre, visit www.crocworld.co.za | check out Crocworld Conservation Centre on Facebook.