Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, is a significant facility dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Originally established on August 20, 1987, as the Crocodile Farming Institute (CFI), it was a collaborative effort between the Philippine government's Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Its foundational goals were to ensure the sustainable conservation of the critically important Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and to develop crocodile farming as a sustainable livelihood for local communities.

Over the years, the center has undergone administrative changes. In 2000, it was officially renamed the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) through a DENR Administrative Order. Management responsibilities have shifted between the DENR's Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and the Natural Resource Development Corporation (NRDC). Since 2020, the PWRCC has been under the full management of the NRDC.

Conservation and Operations

As its name suggests, the PWRCC is a hub for crocodile conservation. It actively keeps both the Philippine crocodile and the Saltwater crocodile in captivity. The facility obtained accreditation from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on January 4, 1997, which permits the commercial sale of Saltwater crocodiles, primarily for their leather. It is, however, illegal for the center to sell Philippine crocodiles, underscoring its commitment to the protection of this endangered species.

Beyond its primary focus on crocodiles, the PWRCC also serves as a critical rescue center for other wild animals. This includes endemic Palawan species, many of which are temporarily housed for rehabilitation after being found injured in the wild or seized from illegal captivity. The ultimate aim for these animals is release back into their natural habitats. Some animals, however, remain in long-term captivity at the center.

Public Engagement and Facilities

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is also an ecological destination open to the public. It organizes informational tours, providing an educational opportunity for visitors to learn about the crocodiles and other wildlife housed there, as well as the conservation efforts underway. The facility is structured into four key components: the Crocodile Farming Institute, the Wildlife Rescue Center, an Ecological Destination Park, and the PWRCC Training Center.

As of October 2021, the center housed a substantial population, including approximately 1,450 individual crocodiles and 245 other wild animals, reflecting its significant role in both conservation and rescue operations within the region.