Emergency crews and local officials in Talisay City in Cebu moved Tuesday to secure animals at Crocolandia, a small wildlife park in Barangay Biasong, after floodwaters reportedly breached parts of the facility’s perimeter as Typhoon Tino’s rain inundated low-lying areas.
Initial field reports from barangay responders said sections of a wall had collapsed due to swiftly rising water, prompting a precautionary sweep of the grounds and adjacent waterways while staff worked to reinforce barriers and transfer animals to safer enclosures.
Authorities said there was no confirmed escape of crocodiles or other dangerous wildlife as of press time but urged residents living downstream to keep away from flood-filled creeks and to report any animal sightings to disaster officials immediately.
Crocolandia-known for housing saltwater crocodiles (including long-time resident ‘Lapu-Lapu’) as well as snakes, birds, and other rescued fauna-has operated for years as a conservation-oriented mini-zoo and education park in Talisay, the city next to Cebu City and the gateway to southern Cebu. Its collection and public programs have been covered by mainstream Cebu media and national outlets over the years, underscoring the potential public-safety risks officials must weigh during extreme flooding events.
The precautionary measures came as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration’s (Pagasa) morning bulletins warned of continuing heavy rain, gale-force winds, and dangerous coastal conditions linked to Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), with subsequent advisories to be issued throughout the day.
Local governments across Cebu, including Talisay City, had earlier suspended classes and mobilized disaster teams in anticipation of flooding and landslides from the typhoon, which placed parts of the Visayas and Mindanao under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal warnings earlier this week.
City responders said the priority at Crocolandia is to account for all animals, erect temporary barriers where needed, and stage traps and transport carriers as a fallback if any movement of wildlife is detected.
The public was reminded not to approach or attempt to handle any animal found outside the facility and to immediately call the barangay, CDRRMO, or police hotlines. Officials added that updates would be released once the floodwaters receded and a full assessment was completed