We all know the joke—when election season comes around, crocodiles aren’t just in zoos, they’re also in politics! Now I wonder if we’ll find a lot of them in the Davao Crocodile Park.
The term buwaya is often used to describe corrupt politicians (politiko), especially when they start dancing on stage during campaigns, much like the crocodile feeding shows in the Davao Crocodile Park.
Pero, time out muna sa politics!
Real crocodiles, the kind that actually belong in a zoo, are actually important to the ecosystem, unlike their political counterparts.
(Ok, I’m generalizing, there are some politikos who are genuinely concerned about wildlife conservation efforts. But there’s only a handful of them.)
These apex predators help maintain balance in their natural habitats, making them valuable members of the animal kingdom. So, while we might joke about politicians acting like crocodiles, let’s give real crocodiles the respect they deserve!
And if you want to see actual crocodiles up close, there’s no better place than Davao Crocodile Park.
This place has long been a favorite family destination in Davao City, blending wildlife conservation with entertainment.
But is it worth the trip?
What’s new after the recent renovations?
And how do you make the most of your visit?
Curious?
Tara, manan-aw ta’g buwaya!
My Personal Experience in The Davao Crocodile Park
The Davao Crocodile Park opened in 2005.
And at first, because I hadn’t been there, I thought that the Davao Crocodile Park was just a crocodile farm dressed up to look pretty.
Well, in essence it seems like it.
I mean they do breed crocodiles for the purpose of skinning and selling it for leather. And they also sell its meat.
It may sound inhumane but I always believe that for every one crocodile sacrificed to the leather and meat industry, 10 more are saved.
That’s just what I believe in.
But it is legit and is actually considered a Private Rescue Center for Wild and Endangered Animals and is in active partnership with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), Bureau of Animal Industry and the Department of Tourism.
I got this information way back in 2012 if memory serves me right after I surrendered a reticulated python that I caught in Juna Subdivision after a security guard alerted me to its presence.
In exchange, I received passes to the zoo for a year.
Oh I took advantage of that and brought my writing team with me there, my brother and sister-in-law (back when they were still dating).
I brought my wife there when we were still dating, and after we had our son, we’ve visited twice.
I’ve probably visited the park about 30 times since 2012.
And each time, I’ve enjoyed the experience.
Getting There: How to Visit Davao Crocodile Park
Davao Crocodile Park is located in Riverfront, Corporate City, Diversion Road, Maa, Davao City. You can get there via:
- Private vehicle – Just set your Waze or Google Maps to “Davao Crocodile Park.”
- Taxi or Grab – Easiest way for tourists.
- Jeepney – Ride a jeep bound for Maa, then take a tricycle to the park entrance.
It’s an easy trip whether you’re a local or just visiting Davao!
Entrance Fees and Operating Hours
- Adults and Children 3 yrs old and above – PHP 450
- Senior Citizens & PWDs – PHP 350 per head with valid ID. Additionally, Seniors get in for free every Tuesday with a valid ID
- Children below 2 years old – Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Don’t be Fooled, There’s More Than Just Crocodiles Inside
Davao Crocodile Park, despite its name, is home to more than just crocodiles. There are birds, mammals, reptiles, and even a few surprises!
More Than Just Crocodiles: What to Expect
Yes, crocodiles are the star attraction, but Davao Crocodile Park is also home to a variety of exotic animals—from binturongs (bearcats) and cassowaries to snakes like the king cobra (banakon).
If you love zoos and wildlife parks, you might find that Davao Crocodile Park is smaller than Avilon Zoo and Manila Zoo, with not as many animals to see.
However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in experience.
Compared to Manila Zoo, which has undergone massive renovations, Davao Crocodile Park feels more intimate and interactive, allowing visitors to get up close with reptiles and other creatures.
Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of sprawling zoos like Avilon, which is often compared to Singapore Zoo, you might wish Davao Crocodile Park had more species.
Still, it remains one of the best places in Davao City to learn about wildlife conservation and reptile breeding programs.
Crocodiles—The Stars of the Show
Of course, you’ll see massive saltwater and freshwater crocodiles here. They may not be dancing on stage like politicians during election season, pero believe me, they can put on a really good show.
The highlight?
Watching them snap their powerful jaws during feeding time!
They have several enclosures housing different sized crocodiles. Personally, I think some enclosures are a bit overcrowded and knowing how territorial these crocs are, it’s surprising how fights don’t break out every now and then.
If you look close enough there are several individuals with missing limbs. Hat means a terrible fight did break out at one time in the past for these animals.
The Legend Lives On: Remembering Pangil
One of the park’s biggest attractions used to be Pangil, an 18-foot saltwater crocodile who once held the title of largest captive crocodile in the country. Visitors used to gather every afternoon to watch his caretakers interact with him, even teasing him with sticks to make him move.
Unfortunately, Pangil has since passed away, leaving a huge gap in the park’s attractions. While there are still plenty of impressive crocodiles, many visitors remember the thrill of seeing Pangil up close and the iconic splashes he made in his enclosure.
I’m just glad my son managed to see Pangil alive before that massive croc passed away.
Other Animals in the Park
Davao Crocodile Park isn’t just about crocs. Here are some of the other fascinating animals you’ll find:
- King Cobra (Banakon) – The deadliest snake in the world, and yes, they have it here!
- Cassowary – A prehistoric-looking bird known for its powerful kicks. One of the things that continues to amuse me to this day is that the word cassowary is one of the earliest words Lyle knows and it surprises a lot of people when he says it.
- Orangutan – The intelligent great ape that charms visitors with its playful antics. The last time we visited, he was having a hissy fit and was acting like a spoiled teenager.
- Binturong (Bearcat) – Smells like popcorn but definitely not for eating. I tried sniffing it but all I could smell was manure. Maybe I need to get closer but I don’t think the zoo would allow that.
- Ostrich Area – One of the newest additions after recent renovations. We did manage to get a sneak peek and I suspect these ostriches are the ones that were formerly housed in Malagos. Maybe?
Animal Shows and Interactive Experiences
If you love hands-on experiences, you’ll enjoy:
- Crocodile Feeding – Watch these predators in action! These is a highlight every time I go there. There’s nothing like a frenzied feeding that arouses your primal instincts.
- Snake Handling – Hold a python if you’re brave enough. Like most zoos, they’ll let you handle and pose with a python for a small fee. I don’t like it because it feels too much like animal exploitation. They also have a baby croc that you can hold and Lyle managed to hold it without paying. No pictures though.
- Tiger and Lion Encounters – Get up close and take selfies! Yeah, you can climb up on top of the tiger enclosures and watch these magnificent beasts through the spaces in the wooden slats. Scary but worth it. Just don’t drop your phone because you’re never gonna get it back. On the opposite side, you’ll find the lion cages and it’s uncomfortably too close to the visitors. If you had long enough arms, you could touch the lions at your own risk which is very dangerous and I would not recommend because I know someone who was scratched by a lion cub and she had to go get rabies shots.
- Animal Talent Show – Like most zoos, the Davao Crocodile Park also has a mini-animal show featuring trained birds, monkeys, and even snakes. The best part? Some performances involve audience participation, so don’t be shy if you get called up!
- Tribu K’ Mindanawan Fire Dance Show – If you stay until evening, you’ll be treated to the Tribu K’ Mindanawan cultural show. This world-class fire dance performance is one of the best reasons to visit. Expect a high-energy display of Mindanaoan traditions, complete with elaborate costumes, powerful drumbeats, and fire stunts that will leave you in awe.
- Dining & Cultural Experiences – After the fire dance, you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants inside the park complex, where another cultural dance presentation is often held. If you’re lucky, you might even find yourself joining the dancers on stage!
How Does the Davao Crocodile Park Measure UP Against Other Zoos?
Davao Crocodile Park vs. Manila Zoo
Manila Zoo is a general zoological park with a wider variety of animals, including large mammals like lions, and tigers. Meanwhile, Davao Crocodile Park is more specialized, focusing on crocodiles, reptiles, and select exotic species like cassowaries and binturongs.
One of Manila Zoo’s standout improvements is its larger, more natural enclosures, especially for its big cats and reptiles.
While Davao Crocodile Park has undergone renovations, it still feels smaller in scale, with a layout that makes it more of a family experience rather than a full-day wildlife adventure.
However, Manila Zoo struggles with crowd management due to its urban location in the heart of the city, while Davao Crocodile Park benefits from a more open and less congested setting, making it a more relaxed visit.
Davao Crocodile Park vs. Avilon Zoo
Avilon Zoo is the largest zoo in the Philippines, covering 7.5 hectares and housing over 600 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
In contrast, Davao Crocodile Park has fewer species, making it feel more focused and interactive.
While Avilon Zoo offers a walking safari-like experience through its lush, spacious enclosures, Davao Crocodile Park feels more like a hands-on conservation and educational center, where visitors can get closer to reptiles and even participate in feeding shows.
Another key difference is that Avilon Zoo’s layout mimics natural environments, with enclosures designed to look like the animals’ native habitats.
Meanwhile, Davao Crocodile Park’s setup feels more like a research and breeding facility, emphasizing conservation programs. Both parks provide unique learning experiences, but Avilon Zoo gives visitors a broader look at global wildlife, while Davao Crocodile Park keeps its focus on crocodiles, reptiles, and a few select species.
The Park’s Strengths (And What Could Be Better)
What Makes It Great?
✔ Perfect for Families – It’s an educational and entertaining trip for all ages.
✔ Well-Maintained Facilities – The recent renovations have improved the park’s infrastructure. And unlike Manila and Avilon zoo, the Davao Crocodile Park is cleaner because people are more disciplined with their trash.
✔ Interactive Activities – From feeding to handling, you can truly engage with the animals.
What Could Be Improved?
✖ Not as Many Animals as Bigger Zoos – Unlike Avilon Zoo or even Manila Zoo, the selection here is smaller. I wish there were more animals!
✖ Some Areas Need More Shade – Davao heat can be intense, so bring a hat or umbrella. And water. Lots of water!
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting Davao Crocodile Park?
Absolutely!
If you’re visiting Davao City, Davao Crocodile Park is definitely worth a stop, especially for families and animal lovers.
While it’s not as big as other zoos, and it doesn’t have as many animals as larger zoos like Avilon, it offers a more personal, interactive experience that’s perfect for a fun day out.
Think of it more as a family experience or adventure with engaging conservation and cultural activities and well-cared-for animals. Plus, if you’re in Davao, it’s one of the best ways to get up close with wildlife without leaving the city.
So next time you hear “crocodile,” don’t just think of election season—think of the amazing creatures waiting for you at Davao Crocodile Park!
I’m gonna try something new here. Would you like a companion to the zoo or other places where wildlife can be found in Davao City?
Send me an email and maybe I can be your local guide 😊 I promise it won’t cost you an arm and a leg since I’m just starting out on this type of venture.