Davao Riverfront Crocodile Park & Zoo | Davao City

Information

Landmark: Davao Riverfront Crocodile Park & Zoo
City: Davao City
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Davao Riverfront Crocodile Park & Zoo, Davao City, Philippines, Asia

Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo is a prominent wildlife conservation center and theme park located along the Riverfront Corporate City in Davao City. It serves as a hub for crocodile farming and educational tourism in Mindanao.

Visual Characteristics

The park features large, open-air enclosures and specialized pens for thousands of saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. The layout includes concrete walkways, landscaped gardens, and a series of "mini-zoos" housing various animal species. A central amphitheater is used for live wildlife demonstrations. The surrounding area is characterized by the lush vegetation of the Davao Riverbanks.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur.

Access: Located within the Riverfront Corporate City complex.

Transport: * Private Vehicle/Taxi: The most convenient method; approximately 15–20 minutes from the city center.

Public Transport: Take a jeepney heading to Ma-a and get off at the Riverfront Corporate City entrance; from there, take a tricycle to the park gate.

Entry: Admission requires an entrance fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in 2005 by businessman Philip Dizon. It was founded with the primary goal of promoting crocodile conservation and showcasing the biodiversity of the Philippines. It operates under a government-sanctioned crocodile farming program, focusing on the sustainable breeding of both the Indo-Pacific Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis).

Key Highlights & Activities

Wildlife Shows: Daily performances featuring crocodile feeding, bird shows, and interactive reptile demonstrations.

Pangil: The park was once home to "Pangil," one of the largest captive crocodiles in the country, whose preserved remains or legacy continue to be a focal point.

Mini-Zoo: Beyond crocodiles, the facility houses tigers, orangutans, ostriches, monitor lizards, and various exotic birds.

Tribu K'Mindanawan: An adjacent cultural village that showcases indigenous Mindanaoan architecture and fire-dancing performances in the evenings.

Butterfly House: A nearby sanctuary dedicated to the breeding and conservation of local butterfly species.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes several dining options, most notably the Riverfront Seafood Restaurant and a specialized stall selling crocodile-based delicacies like "crocodile sisig" and "crocodile ice cream." There are public restrooms, a souvenir shop, and parking facilities. 5G cellular coverage is excellent.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Showtimes: Arrive in the afternoon (15:00–17:00) to catch the peak activity of the wildlife shows and the fire-dancing at the cultural village.

Weather: Late afternoon visits are also cooler, making the outdoor walk more comfortable.

Facts & Legends

The park is credited with pioneering the crocodile farming industry in the Davao region. It is often cited as a successful model for integrating wildlife conservation with commercial tourism, providing a sanctuary for animals that might otherwise be threatened by habitat loss or poaching.