Crocodile skin can be found on everything from coats to handbags nowadays. Ralph Lauren designed some real crocodile shoes and belts in classic colours and they sold like fury. At the Louis Vuitton shop in London’s Bond Street, a new Precious Leathers collection, featuring an alligator clutch bag for £ 3,820, proved so popular that it sold out before it was even launched.

The skin from crocodiles has long been recognised internationally as a highly durable leather of great individual beauty as a finished product. La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes is the only place in Mauritius where one can find bags, wallets and other articles made from farmed crocodile skins. Faviola Macotte, Assistant Marketing Officer, at La Vanille explains that ‘the production of crocodile skin for commercial exploitation is a complex process”. Crocodiles have delicate skin that’s easy to damage. It therefore requires careful handling and processing, to realise its true value.

Gorgeous glossy purses and belts

Approximately 300 young crocodiles of about 3 to 4 years are killed and their skin is removed. This process is known as flaying. The raw skin is washed, laid flat and covered with layers of salt. This dries the skin and it shrinks by about 10% during the process. It is then sent to Madagascar for tanning and used to make a myriad of products at a later stage in a factory.

La Vanille Reserve does not own a tannery since this would not be cost effective as it rears only a limited number of crocodiles for an exclusive type of commercial exploitation. The skin from the belly of the crocodile is more tender and has beautiful scales. This is why it is used to make leather bags and purses. The skin on the back of the crocodile is much firmer and it is therefore used for making bracelets.

In the Crocodile Souvenir Shop one can find gorgeous glossy purses and belts. The products are all priced between Rs 5000 and Rs 25 000. Faviola Macotte explains that these products are mainly popular with tourists from Germany and Russia.

La Vanille Reserve, however, is not merely interested in the commercial exploitation of crocodiles. Recently it has diversified its activities. It has an impressive ‘tortoise savannah’ where one can see giant tortoises wandering around in a two acre park. The insectarium has a fascinating collection of butterflies and other brightly coloured insects. But above all, La Vanille Reserve promises unforgettable walks and an opportunity to truly connect with nature.