06.12.2023 Views

ABW Dec 2023-1

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

is the sanctuary of the Philippine Crocodile that is endemic<br />

to the country, which is currently included in the endangered<br />

species list and the conservation center is trying to increase<br />

the numbers. As well as crocodiles, the center also takes care<br />

of other animals like ostriches and animals of Palawan like the<br />

bearcat. Behind the entrance of the park, is a sign greeting<br />

guests to the center. There is a mini reservoir surrounded<br />

by a roadway just in front of the main building. Situated in<br />

the hall of the main building, you will see a skeleton of a<br />

huge saltwater<br />

crocodile<br />

encased in a<br />

There is a sign warning<br />

on guests to not extend<br />

any body part into the<br />

basins as the baby crocs<br />

snap and sometimes leap<br />

from the basin.<br />

glass chest,<br />

with the skin<br />

of this giant<br />

hanging on<br />

the wall beside<br />

the crocodile<br />

skeleton. This<br />

shows how<br />

big saltwater<br />

crocodiles can grow. Evidently this particular crocodile<br />

was caught somewhere on the island and was killed after it<br />

devoured a child.<br />

Displayed near the crocodile casing is the skeleton of a<br />

sperm whale, the skeleton was retrieved from a dead whale<br />

found on the shores of Puerto Princesa. There is also a<br />

small museum about crocodiles and other fossils.<br />

Just a few meters from the main hall, is the Hatchling House.<br />

Here, crocodiles are cared for by the conservation center and<br />

are segregated into different levels of maturity from egg to<br />

a few months old. The hatchling house has a main passage<br />

in the middle where visitors are allowed to walk through and<br />

see the basins on each side of the path that contain up to 15<br />

to 20 crocodile hatchlings. Further into the building, you will<br />

see the older crocodile hatchlings. There is a sign warning on<br />

guests to not extend any body part into the basins as the<br />

baby crocs snap and sometimes leap from the basin.<br />

77

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!