Wildlife Conservation Park in Iloilo opens to the public amidst pandemic

The Mari-it Wildlife and Conservation Park opens its doors for visitors who wished to expose themselves in a wild environment.

Dr. JB Ian Bullo, veterinarian of the West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF), shared to Panay news that it is breeding season for some animals inside the park.

Deer breeds from October to November as well as the talarak or the Visayan Wrtithed hornbill and the Visayan Warty Pig which breeding season extends until January.

“Since it is breeding season, the areas to be visited are limited; they can no longer go beyond the deer (area). When they visit, we make sure that they won’t create too much noise,”

Dr. JB Ian Bullo, Veterinarian of the West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF)

The conservation park is under the management of the West Visayas State University–College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU–CAF). It is the first conservation, breeding and rescue park in Panay Island. The area expands to 1000-heactares lot within 3,000-hectare campus of the WVSU-CAF, 16 kilometers away from the town center, according to Panay News.

In an article from Panay News Agency, they stated that the park currently hosts 15 Visayan writhed hornbills, considered as the world’s second most critically endangered hornbill, and endangered Visayan tarictic hornbill; 20 endangered Visayan spotted deer; 11 critically endangered Visayan warty pigs; five vulnerable Visayan leopard cats; and two cloud rats, among others.

The managements prohibits guests to approach deer, leopard cats and monkeys because they can be aggressive during the breeding season.

The park will be accommodating 30 person at a time. Guest should also follow the required health protocols in preventing the spread of COVID-19 such as guests should observe protocols such as wearing of face masks, face shields, washing of hands and logging in and out for contract tracing, advised by the Lambunao Tourism Officer, Jennifer Osorio.

The pandemic has allowed animals to rest. While the number of guests is controlled, the animals could still be stressed if they are exposed to noise or anything that is new to them.

Jennifer Osorio, Lambunao Tourism Officer

The wildlife and conservation park is being promoted as an eco-tourism site. Apart from the endangered species, it also hosts rich flora and fauna according to PNA.