Last June, we went to meet up with homeschoolers in Bacolod. It was our first face to face homeschool activity after 2 years! Gab was excited to meet new friends and to visit the Negros Forest Park.
Negros Forest Park Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South Capitol Road, alongside the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, in Bacolod City. It is managed by TalarakFoundation. The foundation continue the breeding and protection of the regions endangered and endemic species while also educating future generations about the need for local conservation. This conservation center has been holding key breeding populations of some of Negros’ most endangered species, including the West Visayan Big 5 or the Negros Big 5.
Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni) – Critically Endangered
Negros Bleeding Heart Dove (Gallicolumba keayi) – Critically Endangered
Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) – Critically Endangered
Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi) – Endangered
Visayan Tarictic Hornbill (Penelopides panini) – Endangered
The kids saw the rare warty pigs, leopard cats, spotted deer, pigeons, grass/scops/eagle owls, sailfin lizards, pythons, and many more animals in danger of vanishing forever. The keepers, Kuya Kim and Kuya Cris, also shared the efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and protect threatened West Visayan species that are globally assessed as Endangered or Critically Endangered.
We are planning to visit again soon. We will observe the feeding times of the animals, and may be bring some friends along.
If you are in Bacolod, or visiting the city, make sure to check this conservation center. This center is not just for kids. It is for everyone to learn about conservation of wildlife and appreciate the wonderfully made animals.
Negros Forest Park
South Capitol Road, 6100 Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Visiting hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 4:30pm
Entrance fee:
Children Php 50.00, Adults Php 100.00
