Philippines
Wildlife
Embracing Wildlife
You might have an "Eeew" expression the entire time you're reading this post (later,you'll see why), but I'm excited to share it. Mainly for the reason that I never thought I'd be able to do it and have never really planned on actually getting myself into it.
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| On my shoulder, then on my head (Baluarte, Vigan) |
1. Pose with a Tiger
This is the closest we ever got to a tiger. I had to hold myself back from hugging it, constantly reminding myself it's not a cat. :) We visited Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. An open zoo concept. It is an interactive wildlife sanctuary dedicated to education, conservation and protection of wildlife. They're all well taken cared of here.
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| Such a beautiful tiger! |
The place was bustling on a Sunday morning filled with church goers, tourists, political supporters of the owner, and families enjoying a day out in this scenic open zoo.
2. Volunteer at an Animal Show
There's an animal show that just started when we arrived. The host calls a volunteer to go up front. Surprise surprise, the animal they will place on you could vary from a lizard to a snake or a spider. Seize the day, so I raised my hand up and volunteered. This is what I got.
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| A Bearcat |
There is a low fence in between. They somehow terrify me but I slowly approached them and this is the closest I ever got to these fast running creatures.
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| Ostrich from Baluarte |
4. A Relaxing Time with the Birds
A trip to Philippine Eagle Nature Centre in Davao It's an educational park for conservation designed as a tropical forest, a home to 36 Philippine eagles and other species of birds. All I can say for this is - Save the Forest! Let's keep their homes in tact.
5. Watch Crocs Feed
Davao Crocodile Park is a must see destination for those visiting Davao . A crocodile farm with a 4PM live show of crocs eating in frenzy. It's scary to see how fast they move and how high they could jump for fresh meat. They leap as fast and as high as dolphins, it's unbelievable! The final stunt shows a man crossing a tightrope (without harness) above these hungry crocodiles.
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| They're still hungry, they're waiting for us to jump in. |
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| I may not be able to touch a big one but I held a baby croc :) |
Finally, since it's Year of the Snake, I'd have to give this one a try. To be honest, I'm extremely terrified of snakes and crreepy crawlies in general. This one is just darn heavy :)
It's amazing how you can feel its muscles constrict.
Which animal have you held that you can never ever forget?
Have a fantastic Sunday!
XOXO?
Arni
7 comments
Wow you've had some amazing experiences with animals. Being that close to a tiger must have just been amazing. That bearcat makes a fetching hat :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had such a great time! I wonder how Schultz would like playing with the tiger? They're about the same size. ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, you're a brave lady Arni! And it seems that you had an amazing time with these beautiful animals! The pictures are great :)
ReplyDeleteOh looks you like had an amazing time! I would LOVE to pose with a tiger...jealous!
ReplyDeleteFor the first time since reading your blog, I can say that I have done ALL of these things :) well, everything except pose with a python as I am deathly terrified of snakes! I posed with a tiger... without the chain and it was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done!
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are a seriously brave soul!!!! The day I have a snake around my neck...well, it's just not happening! What amazing pics! Looks like the trip of a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteomg !!! I can't believe you posed with a tiger and a snake.
ReplyDeleteI kept looking at the tiger like it has to be stuffed !
You're so brave : )
xo,
Cindi
Breakfast at Cindi’s