Agrotourism is one of the most important branches of green tourism in the world. This type of tourism plays a significant role in creating substantial added value for environmental preservation and in raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity in nature.
Being a Pioneer Always Comes with Challenges
Thinking about big ideas—ideas so grand that even contemplating them is difficult for the weak-willed and unmotivated—is already a challenge, let alone turning those ideas into reality. Development in all aspects requires awareness. In other words, before stepping onto the path of development, we must first elevate public awareness.
Our history is filled with examples of harsh and negative reactions to new things—things that today have become completely ordinary. This negative and harsh attitude often stems from a lack of understanding of the true nature of the phenomenon. A significant part of this problem also comes from groups exploiting public sentiment by generating a negative wave against anything new—spreading false news and lies, creating a toxic atmosphere to boycott innovations.
This is exactly what we see today in the aggressive attacks on the Mashhadi entrepreneur couple. Mehri Ramezani, a zoology graduate with a master’s degree in law, and her husband, Hamid Alimirzaei, who holds a master’s degree in business management, have spent ten years working to establish a crocodile park in Mashhad. Ten years of effort to create a new job sector that—incidentally—raises awareness about the importance of the environment and animals.
The establishment of a specialized crocodile park in Mashhad—one of Iran's top tourist destinations, which annually attracts millions of pilgrims to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS)—is no small feat. The park is located on the Neyshabur–Mashhad road, a main entry route for pilgrims. This offers a great opportunity for visitors to stop and explore the park.
Over the past ten years, this entrepreneurial couple endured countless challenges to practically prove that, with green thinking and an environmentally friendly approach, it’s possible to breed exotic species in Iran and transform the country into a major exporter of this valuable animal worldwide.
Today, the couple is facing a heavy media onslaught—accusations ranging from breeding crocodiles for leather production to promoting luxury lifestyles. But the reality is something else. Saed News, as a people-oriented and ethical media outlet, decided to speak with the couple face to face. We invite our readers to explore this compelling and controversial interview.
The Main Idea: Agrotourism and Medical Research
Saed News: The Crocodile Park in Mashhad, which you founded, is unique in its kind. However, you're currently facing a wave of attacks. It seems these attacks stem from misinformation. What was the original idea behind creating this park?
Mehri Ramezani: The core idea was centered around agrotourism and medical research. From a tourism perspective, it’s important because Mashhad is one of the main destinations for Iranian travelers, especially those coming to visit Imam Reza’s shrine. Since our park is located near the Baghcheh toll booth at the beginning of Dehserkh road, it holds a high potential for attracting tourists.
Visitors are introduced to a unique and beautiful reptile species not native to our country. We aim to breed and export these crocodiles under the supervision of the Department of Environment. We’ve created a beautiful, lively environment for both the animals and our visitors.
On the medical front, important global research has shown that crocodilin, found in crocodile blood, can potentially treat AIDS, cancer, and hepatitis. There are documented lab results and significant studies in Australia and the U.S. The antibiotic found in crocodile blood is 500 times more effective than regular antibiotics. Blood collection is done under veterinary protocols and is beneficial to the animal—like a therapeutic bloodletting (hijama)—and is carried out by an experienced vet.
All 80 Crocodiles Are Microchipped and Monitored
Saed News: There are allegations against your crocodile park, including claims that you're raising them for their leather. But what Ms. Ramezani explained contradicts those accusations. Mr. Alimirzaei, what are your actual goals for raising these animals?
Hamid Alimirzaei: One of our main goals is live animal sales—to domestic and international zoos, and to coastal regions for new crocodile parks. We have all the necessary permits from official bodies. The people spreading rumors are simply uninformed, and this lack of knowledge fuels the falsehoods circulating online.
They’re comparing us to crocodile farms in the UK and Vietnam, which is completely inaccurate. If we were in the leather business, we wouldn’t build luxury facilities—we’d just use concrete sheds. We have no slaughterhouse. Our goal is tourism, which is why we've designed a beautiful space.
Some say, “Why a crocodile park in Mashhad when there’s already a zoo?” But the Mashhad Zoo doesn’t specialize in any species. We plan to breed five different species of crocodiles and establish the world’s largest crocodile breeding center.
As for leather production—think about it logically: what European trader would come to Iran to buy just 80 skins? They go to Australia or Africa to sign contracts for 10,000 hides. We have 80 crocodiles, and waiting 5 years just for their skins doesn’t make economic sense. But for breeding and reproduction, that number is completely practical.
From the very start—buying, importation—everything was monitored by the Department of Environment. All 80 crocodiles are microchipped and traceable. Once they start laying eggs, each egg will be officially registered, and the newborns will be chipped as well. So, there's no possibility of illegal activity or smuggling. All these rumors online are baseless.
Some media outlets claim we lack a tourism permit. But the Department of Environment has given us a formal license for a reptile exhibition. Another goal is educating the younger generation. We’re ready to host scientific school trips, and we’ve been authorized by the Engineering Organization and Agriculture Ministry to operate the first educational crocodile breeding center.
These animals are like diamonds. Their blood is a thousand times more valuable than their skin—and harvesting it doesn’t harm them.
Saed News: Ms. Ramezani, how many crocodiles are currently at the facility? Where did you purchase them from, what species are they, and under what conditions are they kept?
Mehri Ramezani: We have a license for 300 crocodiles. In the first phase, we’ve imported 80. This process was done legally and under the supervision of the relevant authorities. The crocodiles are of the Porosus species, native to Australia, and we purchased them from a breeding center in Malaysia.
This breed has significant added value for live sales. If it wasn’t profitable, countries like Malaysia wouldn’t run these farms. Thankfully, all our crocodiles arrived safely by plane to Tehran and were then transported by land to Mashhad. No one was harmed during their release.
These crocodiles are 2.5 years, 1 year, and 6 months old. They begin breeding at age 5, laying 40–60 eggs per cycle, with around 10% potential mortality.
These animals are like diamonds. A live crocodile is far more valuable than a dead one. I personally held one during release—why would I keep such a beautiful and valuable creature just for its skin? It makes no sense.
Crocodilin in their blood brings a thousand times more added value than their leather, and harvesting it doesn’t hurt the animal. Many people are simply unaware and get swept up in the social media hype.
Our park is open to the public, just like environmental agents who constantly visit—both with and without prior notice. Even if we experience any unfortunate deaths, the Department of Environment requires the carcass for record-keeping via microchip. These baseless accusations are simply not true.
