Philippine Eagle Conservation Center
written by halfawakehaiku
on October 30th, 2008
(1 vote)
An hour’s drive from the City proper of Davao lies the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center. It has been successfully breeding the endemic Philippine Eagle for more than 10 years. Locally known as “Haribon” (eagle king). It is the largest eagle in the world with an impressive wingspan of 2 meters. Aside from its size, the Philippine Eagle has brown tufts on it’s head which resembles a lions mane which gives the bird of pray its regal appearance similar to common depictions of the mythological griffin.
The PECC is a major tourist attraction in the City of Davao and is nestled on the sprawling hills of Malagos Baguio District. The center houses over 30 Philippine eagles and of those, 18 were bred in captivity. One can get to there via a cab or bus from the San Pedro area of the city proper. If traveling by group, its much cheaper and convenient to hire a Jeepney for the trip. Along the way you can stop at the roadside restaurants for some fresh catfish and other delicacies. The center is also a nice place to have a picnic. Admission tickets cost about $ 70cents for students and $1.25 for adults. Near the entrance is a nice young lady that will let you place a juvenile boa constrictor over your shoulder for a souvenir photo for a quarter. Be careful though not to agitate it, it’s still a dangerous animal after all. There’s a mini playground for kids and adults who have a kid like disposition to play in.
A little further into the center and past the mini dam and atrium, you’ll be greeted by a “Lawin” (Bhraminy Kite). This means you’re nearing the main sanctuary. On the ground you’ll notice slabs of concrete with names of people and corporations who donated and sponsored the Center. A few more steps and its time to meet the country’s most famous eagle; “Pagasa” which means hope. Pagasa was the first Philippine eagle born in captivity. If you follow the pathway to the right you will be able to see the little monkeys that the center keeps and other eagles that are taken care of by the center. The monkeys are a little naughty, so be prepared to do a little explaining to children if you catch them on a frisky day. Other animals housed by the center include other predator birds and an Philippine Crocodile and some lemurs.
If you’ve had your fill of animals, on the way home you can visit nearby farms which grow Durian and the sweet Golden Pomelo. If you are into orchids there are nearby gardens which grow a variety of orchids that you can take home.
For more information on the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center visit:
http://www.philippineeagle.org
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