The New Indian Express (City Express) – Tuesday, April 24, 2001

For all the li’l ones gathered at Goodbooks, it proved an exciting Saturday evening. For this was a book launch with a difference . . .

The occasion was the launch of the book Croc Talk: Your Madras Crocodile Bank Companion. Written by Zai and Nikhil Whitaker, and co-published by Tulika Publishers, it was released in Chennai on April 21.The book, both a guide and an activity book, gives children a peek into the life and habits of crocodiles. But the highlight of the evening was the screening of a film on the Crocodile Bank. Children and parents alike sat enthralled as they watched the huge reptiles in their natural habitant. This was followed by a lively question-answer session with Rom Whitaker, naturalist and founder of the Madras Crocodile Bank.

The children, their curiosity roused by the film, fired questions at Whitaker for more than an hour. Queries ranged from simple physiological details regarding the length and weight of adult as well as the baby crocodiles to breeding and mating habits. The evening drew to a close with children signing up for a special trip to crocodile bank.