Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation CenterBeing a few feet above thirty crocodiles nesting together may seem a bit dangerous to the average onlooker. Their eyes following the group just atop is enough for an increase in heartbeat. But in this controlled environment, standing on the metal walkway with a tour guide makes the experience less intimidating and more exciting. Located on National Road, Puerto Princesa, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is part of the city’s tour. This institute aims to preserve and conduct further research on the endangered crocodile species. It also houses a mini-zoo boasting caged eagles, ostriches, and bearded pigs among the wild animals. The meeting area for guided tours starts in the lobby of a white building where a large skeleton of a crocodile is glass enclosed. This full grown crocodile was captured in the town of Batarazza after killing a child. The brownish skin of that crocodile is also on display on the wall. Throughout that building exhibit historical and informational pictures of crocodiles as well as miniature models. The tour guide then takes the group outdoors passing through tropical trees and into the tank area where young crocodiles are being taken care of. The smell in this room is similar to being in the aquarium section of a petstore. On average, 500 young small crocodiles live in rearing tubs with 2-20 in each one. A simple knock on the tub will cause the little crocs to scatter within. Though they are harmless in the tub, it is not recommended to try and touch them. The tour guide leads the group outside once again to a metal see-through staircase onto a bridge-like structure overlooking the area where adult crocodiles reside. Several little cement ponds lie near each other with the entire area mostly in cement. One huge crocodile rests in one with the only the eyes and snout exposed. Other ponds have several medium sized crocs almost on top of one another. One croc lies very still on the cement fully exposed to the sun as if observing the group walking up top. Their dry shades of grey skin look rough to touch. Many crocodiles keep their mouths open giving the impression of hostility or hunger. In fact, they open their mouths to release heat from their bodies by evaporating the moisture in their mouth. It is their way of regulating their temperature.
The last stop after climbing down the metal staircase on the other side is the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile with a band tied around its mouth. For a small fee, the handler wipes the croc with a towel before handing it over to visitors one by one to have pictures taken with it. The croc feels like a soft rubber material and surprisingly does not make any quick movements. It is at this point the guided tour is over. Visitors are then welcome to walk around the grounds and look at other animals that are otherwise too difficult to spot in the wild. For 30 PHP entrance fee, visitors can spend however long they wish at the center, with tours taking approximately 20 minutes. Spending an hour is ample time at the farm. Tours are sceduled Monday to Saturday 8:30-4:30 except between 11:30-1:30. On Sundays and holidays, there are only afternoon tours starting at 2 pm with the last tour at 4 pm. Near the entrance, two souvenirs shops display many items for purchase. Crocodile keychains, T-shirts, hand-made jewelry, and hats are a few of the items for sale. Travel time to National Road from Puerto Princesa take approximately 30 minutes. Visitors can either take a multi cab for 20 PHP or a tricycle for 150-200 PHP Sidebar: Crocodiles do not breath underwater but young crocs can stay underwater for up to 45 minutes and adult crocs for up to two hours. They can breath through the tip of their snout and eyes above water.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorBeverly loves to advocate for adventure, personal development, wellness, and dogs. ArchivesCategories
All
|