(UPDATE) 5 crocs join Manila Ocean Park's attractions

(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines – Five young freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis) are now among the attractions at Manila Ocean Park. The crocodiles, all female, arrived in Manila on Tuesday from Palawan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the crocodiles were loaned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the Ocean Park for the next three years as a way of educating the public on environmental concerns. The loan was covered by an agreement Atienza signed with Lim Chee Yong, president and chief executive officer of China Oceanis Philippines, Inc., which runs the marine attraction on Manila Bay behind the Quirino Grandstand. Atienza said the crocodiles belong to the freshwater Crocodylus mindorensis species, one of only two found in the Philippines. The other is the estuarine or saltwater species called Crocodylus porosus. "Seeing the crocodiles will inspire the public to help conserve these animals, which have been bred in captivity at the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa City," he said. Under the agreement, park officials will take care of transporting the animals from the breeding farm, whose personnel will also train park employees in the handling of the crocodiles. Manila Ocean Park is to give the DENR quarterly reports on the status of the loaned animals. The park will also provide the Palawan farm P30,000 annually to support conservation and research activities on crocodiles. Present at the agreement signing were Theresa Mundita Lim, director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), and Don Ramon Bagatsing, head of the Natural Resources Development Corp. - D’Jay Lazaro, GMANews.TV