๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ ๐ โ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) successfully secured three critically endangered saltwater crocodiles (๐๐ณ๐ฐ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฅ๐บ๐ญ๐ถ๐ด ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ด๐ถ๐ด) during a coordinated wildlife extraction operation in San Felipe, Zambales.
The operation brought together the Local Government Unit of San Felipe, the management of El Samba Resort, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, and wildlife specialists from Zoobic Safari to ensure the safe extraction, handling, and transfer of the animals.
CENRO Olongapo City Edward Sernadilla said the crocodiles were safely turned over to Zoobic Safari following the operation.
โFollowing the extraction, the crocodiles were turned over to Zoobic Safari, where they will undergo comprehensive veterinary assessment, receive specialized medical care, and be placed under long-term management in a secure facility designed for large reptiles,โ Sernadilla said.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo underscored the importance of collaboration in conserving threatened wildlife while ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
โThis successful operation reflects the value of strong collaboration in protecting our countryโs wildlife. We remain committed to enforcing our environmental laws while ensuring the welfare of threatened species through proper conservation measures. We also remind the public that wildlife must only be kept and managed in accordance with Republic Act No. 9147 to protect both biodiversity and public safety,โ Pablo said.
The DENR reiterated that Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, 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.
