THERE’S MORE TO A CROCODILE AT DAVAO CROCODILE PARK
With
no fixed itinerary while in Davao City, the whole morning was spent lying on
bed. Until we get exhausted sleeping and
lounging, and decided to drag ourselves out of our comfy rooms and went with our
friend, Olan, who will serve as our tour guide for the day.
It
was decided we visit the Davao Crocodile Park.
I had no expectations for the supposed excursion then. All I know is that I’ll be seeing crocodiles
in the park. And to my surprise there’s
more to crocodiles at the Davao Crocodile Park.
ANIMAL GOT TALENT
Spectators
were gathered near the entrance of the park as we come in. They all are excited. I roam around for a few seconds and settled
at one corner together with my friends to watch the show. Endemic species of birds graced the show with
their tricks. Trained monkeys were
present too.
It
was actually fun. I never expected a
crocodile park to have an animal show to begin with apart from animals. Otherwise, I could have expected a zoo as
attached to the name of the destination.
Audience
participation were required on some parts which makes the show more lively and
interactive. Beside the stage for the show is a booth for picture-taking with
either a baby crocodile or a snake.
It
was a weekend and the thirty minute show is scheduled at around four in the
afternoon.
PANGIL ENCOUNTER
The
biggest crocodile in captivity in the country can be seen at the Davao
Crocodile Park. The 18-feet saltwater
crocodile is named Pangil.
Every
afternoon, Pangil, which literally
means “fangs”, is made the subject of a show.
The caretakers enter the caged pond with a stick and probe the
crocodile, prompting the giant reptile to move towards the stick, kick its tail
and make the spectators giggle and shout due to splashing waters. The splashing of the waters is actually the
main highlight of the show as I thought there must be something else (the
morbid me thinks).
TIGHTROPE WALKER AND STUNTS
The
apparent feeding of the stuntman to the crocodiles while walking and dancing on
the rope has a purpose and a message to convey while we watch the show. It was more of giving importance and
preservation of the wildlife and the crocodiles in particular.
I
was actually amazed of the stuntman’s skills which definitely have been
acquired through constant practice and perseverance to perfect his routine.
The
crocodiles were sleeping and I even thought were stone replicas as
movement were nil. From the vantage of the stuntman, I know he will be safe from
being eaten alive.
ZOO
The
Davao Crocodile Park is not only about crocodiles. There should have been a tiger climb at its
den, but the tiger was too lazy to move.
Apart
from crocodiles and tigers, it also features exotic animals such as monkeys,
snakes, birds, bearcats and the varied types of reptiles.
TRIBU K’ MINDANAWAN
The
highlight of the visit to this park is the Tribu K’ Mindanawan. It is a cultural village that showcases the
richness of the indigenous people of Mindanao.
Tall bamboo trees surround the vicinity and is located near the
riverside.
We
were in time for the show as we arrived.
We were seated at the middle front seats and a good vantage for the fire
dancing show. It was truly world-class
highlighting the rich culture and heritage of Mindanao.
The
amazing display and stunts for the fire dance is something one must not miss
when in Davao City. Routines
well-rehearsed and not to mention the backdrops and props made into proper use
for entertainment.
After
the show, we were seated on a restaurant a few steps upwards the stage where
another cultural dance presentation commenced.
In a matter of minutes, we found ourselves at the stage dancing with the
performers as well.
It
was a fun night. Unexpectedly, not over
bottles of beer (but later on) but over a cultural orientation and appreciation - more than the crocodiles at a Crocodile Park.
DAVAO CROCODILE PARK COMPLEX
Riverfront,
Corporate City, Diversion Highway
Ma-a,
Davao City, 8000 Philippines
Phone:
(082) 286 8883 or (082) 221 7749
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