Davao Crocodile Farm (The Field Trip Part 4)

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After swiftly exploring the museum, we ventured into the neighboring Crocodile Farm (and no, it's not a place where clogs are manufactured). We gathered near the entrance for a brief introduction about the farm (and I assure you, it has nothing to do with Farmville). Our tour guide then directed us to two enclosures, where murky pools of water awaited. Each pen housed around twenty crocodiles. Two brave caretakers, armed with pails of chicken meat and clad in rubber boots, entered the enclosures. It was feeding time for the Crocs! But, I couldn't help but wonder, is rubber really enough protection?

The caretakers began banging the pails on the floor, and like actors following their cue, the Crocs emerged from the water. One by one, they approached the caretakers. A feeding frenzy ensued, with crocs rushing towards the caretakers, jaws wide open. Astonishingly, they stopped just a foot away from the caretakers' feet, patiently waiting for a piece of chicken meat to be thrown at them. I don't know about those caretakers, but if a creature known to consume almost anything refrained from taking a taste of me, I would seriously question my own well-being.

Following the feeding spectacle, we proceeded to a larger enclosure housing even bigger crocodiles. At this point, the novelty of staring at Crocs lounging around began to wear off. We seized the opportunity to take pictures, hoping to capture a moment worthy of a profile photo on Facebook. As we took turns posing and shooting, we noticed the crowd near the large enclosure swelling. It turned out that another show was about to begin. A brave individual would walk on a rope tied ten feet above the pool teeming with crocodiles. Gasps filled the air as he pretended to slip.

Once again, it was time for photo ops after the Ripley's-worthy show. I had a snapshot taken with a thirty-four-pound snake draped around my neck. Following that, an informative lecture about animals commenced, allowing the students to learn a great deal. It was truly an enlightening experience, to say the least. However, I must admit, I was somewhat disappointed not to spot any policemen or politicians on the farm.

Next on our itinerary: Pasig River! Stay tuned for my account of our adventure along the river in my upcoming posts!

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