Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Welcome to Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center! Be our guest and be in awe with your close-up encounter with 2 species of crocodiles in the Philippines, and learn amazing information about them.  Get the rare opportunity to see crocodile eggs hatch, have your photos taken with young crocodiles, and learn how you can be a warrior for nature!  Aside from these exciting activities, guests are also encouraged to take a walk with nature in the 4-hectare Nature Park, home to the rescued endemic species in Palawan, the wild flora and a vast and diverse species of rare birds. Visit us everyday from 8:30am - 5:30pm, with education tours every 15 minutes!  We look forward to seeing you at the PWRCC! 

Background

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), also known as the Crocodile Farm, is the only wildlife rescue center in Palawan, located in the key city of Puerto Princesa. Since its opening in 1987, the center, strategically located on a vast 10-hectare land, has rescued over 300 animals found injured or seized by local authorities, and eventually released after reviving and rehabilitation efforts. Still, a significant number of species are currently kept and taken care of onsite. The PWRCC has been a family favorite for both locals and tourists, as it provides informational tours, and is tagged as an addition to the ultimate nature trip at the country’s last frontier.  

The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) are the two endemic crocodile species in the country, and the last creatures to represent the Dinosaur Age. Reports of exploitation and further decline of these species gave rise to the Philippine government to save these species along with other wildlife animals in Palawan and the diverse, wild and rare flora.

Location

Brgy. Irawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Wildlife Count

Total: 1,450 crocodiles (as of October 31, 2021)

• 540C. mindorensis
• 910 C. porosus

Various wildlife animals: 245 (as of October 31, 2021)

• Palawan Bearcat
• Philippine cockatoos
• Bearded Pig
• Blue-naped parrot
• Palawan talking mynah
• Palawan peacock pheasant
• Palawan porcupine
• Palawan Hornbill

• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Serpent Eagle
• Asean Leaf Turtle
• Philippine Forest Turtle
• Southeast Asian Box Turtle
• Burmese Python (albino)
• Reticulated Python
• Asian Palm Civet

History and Mandate

The DENR and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established the Crocodile Farming Institute (CFI) on 20 August 1987. This project aims to sustainably conserve the Philippine crocodile and Saltwater crocodile and to promote socio-economic well-being of Filipinos through developing and introducing suitable crocodile farming technology. 

CFI became recognized on a global-scale as a captive breeding operation of Saltwater crocodiles, having registered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) on 4 January 1997. Through CITES, CFI is allowed to produce and sell Saltwater crocodiles for commercial purposes as favored by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB).

Through DENR Administrative Order 2000-49, CFI was renamed to Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC). On 2002, the supervision, operation and management of the PWRCC was transferred from BMB to NRDC when until 2010, it was reverted to BMB except NRDC remains to manage the commercial aspect of it in compliance with DENR Administrative Order No. 1999-45, also known as the Rules and Regulations on the Sale of Saltwater crocodile. After 10 years, PWRCC was transferred to NRDC. 

Components

• Crocodile Farming Institute – for the conservation breeding, research, production technology development, and farming of the Philippine crocodile and Saltwater crocodile.
• Wildlife Rescue Center – for the proper care and maintenance of confiscated and donated species of wildlife with priority concern for species found in Palawan.
• Ecological Destination Park – for nature recreation, education, visitor management, and theme park development.
• PWRCC Training Center – for training and development of personnel involved in wildlife management and ecological destination development

Learn more about PWRCC!

For inquiries, you may reach us at +63926 670 4410 or thru pwrcc.nrdc@gmail.com.

PHOTO GALLERY