Crisis hits reptile and crocodile park
Crisis hits reptile and crocodile park
By Gin Kurniawan
BEDUGUL, Bali (JP): A strong and muscular man holding a stick
appeared on a platform. His presence attracted dozens of hungry
crocodiles which surrounded the platform.
A number of big crocodiles started to swing their tails
against the man's body. The animals chased after him. One of the
crocodiles attacked him and he tried hard to wrestle it off. Both
the man and the crocodile got into a furious struggle.
The anticlimax, the duel ended happily. The man and the
reptile became friends. It was not a real duel but a show staged
daily at Taman Buaya dan Reptil Indonesia Jaya, a crocodile and
reptile park in Bedugul district, near Denpasar, Bali.
The park is located on Jl. Raya Denpasar, Bedugul Km 23, in
Badung regency. It's not hard to get there as it is located on
the highway leading to Bedugul, a popular tourist destination.
"This show has proven that an animal, no matter how wild it
is, is not dangerous if we know how to handle it," said As'ad, an
animal trainer at the park.
This object of tourism is rather different from other objects
of tourism in Bali which generally focuses on the fascinating
natural and cultural heritage. "Here, visitors are invited to
observe the crocodiles and other reptiles," added As'ad.
The crocodiles are separated according to their age and sex.
Here people can also see a variety of snakes and Komodo dragons.
The park is a great tourist attraction but unfortunately,
today it is in a dilapidated state. Wild grass grow everywhere in
the park, even in the park's public facilities.
The park's management does not deny this.
"The park's construction is still incomplete. Its far from our
target. The construction was halted when the economic crisis hit
the country," As'ad maintained.
He added that the first phase of the park's construction
started in l986. As'ad had designed the master plan which
comprises the crocodile and reptile park, restaurants, stages and
playground.
Despite its shortcomings, the park must strive to keep its
limited facilities open, to attract visitors and bring in
funds... of course, for the upkeep of the animals.