Salt Water Crocodile Wrestling – My Unforgettable Experience
My eyes twinkled with excitement when, during the morning of the third day of our September 22-25, 2010 Study Tour on Credit Cooperatives in Thailand, our expert tour guide Mr. Prakob “Tom Cruise” Srirai announced that we would be visiting the popular salt water crocodile wrestling show by the afternoon. Hence, after the usual visit to successful cooperatives included in the itinerary and as we were through taking our sumptuous lunch, our tour bus travelled west of Bangkok and entered a secluded place bearing a gate signage: Welcome To Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo. Our tour guide then ushered us to a crowded place resembling a cockpit arena in the Philippines. Just as I was about to climb on the bleacher, the loudspeaker had barked unfamiliar words which Mr. Prakob interpreted as an announcement for the start of the salt water crocodile wrestling show. Hurriedly, I looked for a vantage point to have a clear view of a concrete elevated platform with improvised crocodile creek enclosed with wire-mesh below. With my point and shoot camera at hand, my eyes kept watch on a spectacular show and one of Thailand tourist attractions about to unfold.
My heart started beating faster when, at the tune of a lively music with occasional announcer’s bark, the two care takers waded through the crocodile creek and wrestled with the crocodiles pulling in the process the wild animalson their tails towards the elevated platform. Afterwards, an animal keeper positioned himself at a distance and slid head on towards his waiting partner salt water crocodile wearing a fully-opened mouth and kissed the nostrils of the beast.
Afterwards, a caretaker put his fully extended right arm inside the widely-opened mouth of the salt water crocodile and, quick as flash, withdrew it in just a split second before the mouth of the wild animal was shut down.
I almost dropped my camera to the ground in extreme fright as the salt water crocodile unleashed the power of its bite with immense force. As record holder of the strongest bite of any animal on earth with a pressure of more than 5,000 pounds per square inch, the bite of the salt water crocodile can easily cut the arm of the keeper at once.
Not contented with such frightening and crazy stunts, the animal keeper not only put his arm inside the mouth of the animal but extended it further, opening in the process the palatal valve covering the throat of the salt water crocodile, and slid his arm deeper into the throat of the beast. . .
Salt Water Crocodile Wrestling – Final Thoughts
Judging from the salt water crocodile wrestling show I had witnessed, and no offense meant for any single wildlife conservationist as I am a wildlife conservation advocate myself, it was my unequivocal opinion that the Thais are special people. My conclusion was anchored on the fact that they are capable of transforming a ferocious salt water crocodile into its most docile state, not for animal exploitation purposes, but for the sake of meaningful thrill seeker entertainment thereby making it as one of Thailand attractions that really enticed tourists to decide on travelling to Thailand.
Kapihan View Park, situated in Bucas Grande Island on the easternmost part of Surigao del Norte, Philippines, is one of the emerging sightseeing destinations suitable for you who intend to go on island vacations. You need to visit the spot for 3 strong motives:
The View. Being a vantage point located atop Bucas Grande Island, the surrounding sight of this island vacations spot stimulate your senses and rejuvenate your soul. Facing the east, you can savor the sun slowly arising out from the bosom of the Pacific Ocean in the wee hours of the summer morning. Turning to the south, you can view the towering ranges of Mt. Legaspi resembling like a watchful giant keeping guard in that part of mainland Surigao. In the late afternoon of a sunny day, you can enjoy watching the horizon turning to crimson and orange as the sun is slowly embraced by the sea. Glancing at the north, you can see the picturesque Siargao Island dubbed as the Philippine’s surfing capital.
The Facilities. This promising ecotourism destination proudly hosts the Bayanihan View Deck and Resort. The blend of warm sea breeze and cool mountain air provides ambiance to the open hall ideal for your retreat sessions, social gatherings and seminar-workshops. Meanwhile, delicious and nutritious foods are served according to your wishes. Further, the bath and comfort rooms are attuned to international standards. Furthermore, the twin-size bedroom with extra bed is perfect for honeymooners and small family vacation goers. Finally, electricity and water are provided 24/7.
The People. The tourist spot is being taken-cared of by the members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Incorporated, the biggest and strongest people’s organization in the island noted for nurturing the Filipino tradition of “bayanihan” or helping each other. During the whole year-round, you can observe the group members taking turns in tending the communal farms situated within the vicinity of the view park. If you happen to go there by July, you can observe them and the other islanders leaving the privacy of their lives and offer their services for a period of 30 days in the construction of houses and collective farming activities with the house and farm owners shouldering the food and materials expenses while the labor is offered free.
Island Vacations- Final Thoughts
Island and nature lovers like you intending to have respite from work prefer to visit unspoiled hideaway. Hence, come and visit the Kapihan View Park and you can truly conclude that spending island vacations here is truly rest and pleasure.
