Crocodile Farm & Nature Park: 3rd stop of Puerto Princesa Tour '2014

      We paid only Php1,500 (for the van with driver) for a half day tour of Puerto Princesa. Since our group had around 10 members, it only cost Php150 per person. The tour was already inclusive of the ffg places:

1. Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
2. Iwahig Penal Colony and Farm
3. Crocodile  Farm & Nature Park
4. Mitra's Ranch
5. Baker's Hill
6. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
7. Plaza Cuartel
8. The Baywalk

      The Crocodile Farm & Nature Park was our 3rd stop for the tour. Actually, it is now known as Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), especially since the center also takes care of other endangered species aside from crocodiles.

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Below are the schedule of their tours which as you can observe has a 30-minute interval per tour. Tour rates are 40 pesos for 13 yrs old and above, 30 pesos for senior citizens, and 20 pesos for kids age 7-12 years old. Children of 6 years and below are free of charge.

A crocodile mascot, and a sample of a sperm whale's bones.

     There was a brief lecture about the center, some trivia about crocodiles were also shared, as well as the descriptions on the exhibits. The preserved crocodile skin and skeleton shown in the picture belonged to a 17 ft crocodile caught in Barangay Rio Tuba also in Palawan. He was the largest crocodile known in the Philippines during his time. Of course, we all know that as of date, it is Lolong who holds the title of the Largest Crocodile in Captivity measuring 20 ft and 3 inches long, and weighing 2,370 lbs (1,075 kgs). Sadly, Lolong, who was caught in a creek in Agusan del Sur also died last February 10, 2013.

   Below are some trivias about crocodiles posted on the walls of the reception building of the center.

   Next was the hatchling house where the baby crocodiles are being cared for.

After the hatchling house is the Crocodile Exhibit where the adult crocodiles stay. There are really huge ones that can remind you somewhat of dinosaurs.

    Aside from crocodiles, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center also has a Nature Park where the other animals are kept.

     The Palawan Hornbill is endemic to Palawan Island. As stated in the signboard, it also acts as a bio-indicator due to its sensitivity to environmental changes and is now officially classified as "vulnerable"  due to habitat destruction and hunting for food and the live bird trade. 

 

There are also varieties of trees and shrubs in the nature park.

Just like in the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village,the center also houses the Palawan Bearcat.

   There are also several souvenir shops found in different locations within the center. The rates were affordable, with more or less having the same prices as those stalls outside or in the city proper. The Amber Souvenir Shop is located within the nature park itself, but there are many more stalls near the entrance area. Crocodile meats are also on sale.