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By Jodelen O. Ortiz

Not everyone loves the crocodile, yes, but almost everyone wants to see a crocodile. Crocodiles are feared and portrayed frequently in the movies and books as predators. Such carnivorous nature however plays an important part in keeping the balance of nature. This is reason enough why the whole world should bother to care about the crocs and alligators’ extinction.

There are several places in the country with crocodile farms but so far the more famous that I have come across is what used to be known as the Crocodile Farming Institute in Puerto Princesa City, now the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC).

It is located at National Road, Brgy. Irawan, south of Puerto Princesa, about 30-40 minutes from the city proper. One can take or hire a tricycle, jeepney or van to go to the PWRCC. Actually, it is part of the city tour offered by tour companies in the city. It is open for visitors at 1:30 to 5:30 PM during weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon.

The crocodile farm was established in 1987 with the help of the Japan International Cooperative Agency with the major objectives to conserve the two endangered species of crocodiles, C. porosus and C. mindorensis, and to introduce and develop suitable farming technology to uplift the socio-economic well being of the Philippines.

However, the eight-acre facility has limited space and can accommodate only about 4,000 specimens. The number was further reduced in 1998 when a typhoon and flooding allowed some crocodiles to escape into a nearby river.

When it was converted to PWRCC, research studies and preservation activities involved other endangered species. In fact, the place maintains a mini-zoo containing some of Palawan’s endemic animals, with the supervision and management of DENR-PAWB.

The late Steve Irwin, who was popularly called, “The Crocodile Hunter” because of his wildlife documentary show with the same title, was among the many celebrities who have already visited the “crocodile farm.” His interview was aired in The Inside Story.

For the first time in more than two years of my stay in Puerto Princesa City, I took the trip to the famed Crocodile Farm together with my fiancé Byrone. I finally decided to see it for myself when I wasn’t able to answer the questions of my friends and family members from my hometown in Iloilo who were always asking about Palawan’s Crocodile Farm. When I finally did, I didn’t just enjoy it but I also learned a lot from the visit.

Together with other visitors, a guide toured us around the main hall that also served as the exhibit area. We found several skeletons of alligators inside. There were also posters about the history of the species. An audio-visual presentation on the crocodile protection program was also shown to us. For a minimal fee of PhP 60.00 pesos, this trip was starting to get much more than its worth.

After the audio-visual show, we were ushered into the facility that serve both as post-natal and growing-in room. The c. porosus and c.mindorensis type of crocodiles have been segregated. In the post-natal area, the crocodiles actually look cute. At such an early stage, one might even think that they could be good pets. The tour guide told us however that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is very strict that they do not allow personal ownership of these alligators since they belong to the list of endangered species.

The other crocodiles that are nearly a year old jumped when somebody from our group tried putting his hands near the top of the cage. No teasing for these creatures, said the tour guide because they’ll love to bite at such an early age. Darn, forget the pet-material thing. To our glee however, the guide took one little croc to his hands and offered it to those who wanted to hold it. Two did, but I wasn’t one of them.

At the back of the facility are the bigger and older crocs who are below five feet in length. The longer and larger ones are transferred outside, in the open pond where a bridge gives the visitors the chance to see and take pictures of them.

These are the oldest of the alligators in the Institute and with their looks they can shred a human being to pieces. The scales are thick, the eyes are very alert. Feeding is allowed, so long as the feeder stays on the bridge. Bananas are a favorite because the alligators wrestle over a piece.

Our tour ended on the bridge but the guide told us that at the back of the compound is a mini-zoo park that we can freely explore. Some of the rare and extinct fauna including birds could be found on the park. Monkeys are all over the place. Skunks are also at home, while the beaver pair obviously like their stay.

A big snake, an eagle, a myna and many others – these are the residents of this conservation park. The size of the park is not so large but it was a good place for a nice walk. Covered with tall giant trees, some with orchids on them, a nice book would have made the stay longer.

Aside from the wildlife attraction of the PWRCC, there is also a souvenir shop and some native huts or sheds. The croc keychain is a bestseller in the souvenir shop, and there are more expensive products from crocodile skin.

Many local and national schools conduct educational tours on the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. The effort of the institution to make the experience not just fun but also educational is very commendable. The staff are obviously trained and cleanliness of the whole area is maintained.

Among the efforts to protect the wildlife that is being threatened into extinction, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center’s is on the right track, its objectives are already recognized worldwide. With a place like this and a lot more, Palawan truly deserves to be called the Philippines’ Last Frontier.

Tags: Palawan Crocodile Farm, Philippine Travel Guide, Palawan Tourist Spots