CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A 15-year-old female saltwater crocodile (𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘴) has been rescued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after a concerned citizen reported its presence in Barangay San Agustin, Magalang, Pampanga.
Roger Encarnacion, provincial head of DENR in Pampanga, reported that the crocodile measured approximately 3.10 meters in length and was found to be in good condition following an assessment.
“To ensure the safety of both the animal and the public, the rescued crocodile was transported and turned over to the Global Zoo and Theme Park Alliance Inc., an accredited wildlife rescue center located inside the Clark Freeport Zone,” he said, adding that the facility will provide the crocodile with veterinary assessment, proper care, and rehabilitation in accordance with established wildlife conservation standards.
DENR Region 3 executive director Ralph Pablo said the successful rescue underscores the importance of public vigilance and community participation in wildlife conservation.
Earlier, three critically endangered saltwater crocodiles were secured by the DENR during a coordinated wildlife extraction operation in San Felipe, Zambales.
Marife Castillo, DENR Zambales head, said the operation brought together her office, DENR Olongapo City, the local government of San Felipe, the management of El Samba Resort, and wildlife specialists from Zoobic Safari to ensure the safe extraction, handling, and transfer of the animals.
DENR Olongapo City head Edward Sernadilla said the crocodiles were safely turned over to Zoobic Safari where they will undergo a comprehensive veterinary assessment, receive specialized medical care, and be placed under long-term management in a secure facility designed for large reptiles.
Listed as a species of Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, the saltwater crocodile remains protected under RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), which promotes the conservation and protection of the country’s native wildlife species and their habitats.
The DENR reminded the public that RA 9147 strictly regulates the possession, transport, and maintenance of wildlife. Individuals and institutions keeping wildlife must continuously comply with government regulations to uphold animal welfare, conserve biodiversity, and protect public safety. Punto News Team/DENR-3
