Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center: A Haven for Wildlife and Nature Enthusiast

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), formerly known as the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park or Crocodile Farming Institute, is a national research institute devoted for the protection of wildlife and for research studies on endangered species under the supervision and management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB). It is located in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of the island province of Palawan in the Philippines.

I went here at 9:30 a.m. on August 31, 2012 with my college friends. This was during my first time in Palawan, the 20th province on my list.

Crocodile Park at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Understand

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a three hectare facility that features a crocodile farm, a veterinary care facility, a mini-zoo, exhibit area, wildlife rescue center, an ecological park, souvenir shop, and a training center.

Nature Park

The Nature Park simulates a natural wilderness where wildlife instinctively inhabit. Wildlife rescued from the hands of poachers and illegal traders are brought to the Center for rearing and rehabilitation. Animals strong enough to survive in the wild are immediately freed. But for others, the Nature Park serves as their home away from home.

This exhibit aims to promote better appreciation and understanding of Palawan wildlife and the conservation issues affecting them.

Animals to see

Crocodylus porosus, Crocodylus mindorensis, mynah, parrot, hornbill, porcupine, bearded pig, serpent eagle, Palawan bearcat, and peacock.

History

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Convention Center was established as the Crocodile Farming Institute in 1987 with the cooperation of the Japan International Cooperative Agency. It was founded with the aim of conserving two endangered species of crocodile: Crocodylus porosus and Crocodylus mindorensis, the species endemic only to the country.

The institute’s concerns eventually extended to caring and preserving other endangered animal species. With this, Crocodile Farming Institute changed its name to Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Convention Center.

How to go there

From Puerto Princesa International Airport or Puerto Princesa Port, walk to Rizal Avenue and take an 8-person covered pickup truck labeled Irawan for 20 pesos, Irawan is the Barangay where the Conservation Center is located. It is the last stop and can be reached within 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you may also hire a jeepney or a van.

Visiting hours

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is open to visitors from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Visitors may watch the crocodiles’ feeding time every Monday and Thursday afternoon.