Monday, September 13, 2010

Crocolandia: An Animal Park


     Crocolandia is a very nice place to spend your time into. Just a few minutes ride from the heart of Cebu City, you can locate this animal paradise Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines. 


(Located in Talisay City, just South of Cebu City proper)


     Although if you don't own or rent a car, getting there might be tricky, aside from riding a taxi, you can just ride any south bound jeepneys such as the ones going to Tabunok. Then from there, you can ride a trisikad, or a tricycle going to Crocolandia for a fun experience.



     Once you get there, you just pay for the entrance fee and you're in! One resident of the park is the one you wouldn't surely miss, the ostrich! It's elegant form and height, this one's an eye catcher. But the fun doesn't end there, as you could also be greeted, or taunted, by the playful mayna birds, or the formidable stare of the park's horned owl. 

   If you're right on occasion, the gamekeepers would sometimes place on display their collections of tarantulas and other exotic animals, such as poisonous snakes. 

     Others in the collection include the famous bear-cat of Palawan, mouse deers, warthogs, and exotic birds.

     The remainder would be the sprawling ponds and cages for their multitude of crocodiles and caimans. 


     If you happen to visit Crocolandia on Sunday, you will luckily witness their famed crocodile, Magellan, named after the Spanish conqueror who came to Philippines and specifically to Cebu, many centuries ago. His partner, Lapu lapu, of comparable size, already died of old age. All other crocodiles you see in the park is their offsprings.

     Sunday is the feeding day for Magellan, who is fed just once a week since just like any reptile, crocodiles eat on long intervals. 


     Shown here is a piglet being fed to the large predator. Sometimes, the crocodile is fed chickens, or sliced meat. Know however, that visitors are not allowed to feed all the animals in the park. 

     Crocolandia is usually a destination for relaxation, but it can also be a destination for recreation such as what most schools do to hold their events or parties. 

     This animal park is a treasure trove worthy of a visit. It reminds us just how magnificent these creatures are, so that we may contribute in the preservation of their natural habitat. Take some time off work, from the busy buzz of the city and have a serene walk in this little patch of nature in Cebu, and admire what it has to offer.

     Just don't forget to bring your cameras!