In 2022, an exciting trip took us in one of the popular attractions in Davao City. My sister, Aya, and me to the Davao City Crocodile Park and Zoo. Upon arrival, we immediately lined up for tickets and Aya's uncontainable excitement grew. The weather was perfect for an outdoor activities. Stepping inside the zoo, I already felt the excitement in the air.
Especially Aya pointing where we will go first. With all the tall trees offered shade and the pathways invited us toward the various animal enclosures. The air was filled with the sounds of birds chirping and other animal sounds inside the zoo. And the joyful laughter of other families exploring the zoo.
Our first encounter, the small crocodile and snake. Both Aya and I have fear of snakes and this time we should have our fear. I asked Aya we will have a picture with the snakes but she insisted No. Even though I give her reward, I still get the same answer “No”. But when the staff says, the crocodile was ok with her. Even its mouth has a tape. I'm still scared. We have a stolen photo like Aya looking at me with her eyebrow raised. It was a candid shot that captured our reaction.
After that, the crocodiles, there are small, huge, slightly intimidating crocs as they lay until the sun and sleeping. So we skipped that part and went straight to see the rabbits and the fish pond made her happy.
It's feeding time!. Knowing how much she loved it, I bought another bag of food for the koi. I allowed my daughter to have ample of time to feed the vibrant koi. And its was her moment of interaction with the beautiful koi fishes. She positioned herself near the pond's edge. With smile on her faces, she grabbed the koi fish food and so excited. The koi fishes with colors like reds, oranges, whites, and yellows were swimming together in a stunning burst of vibrant colors.
As the food hit the water and she was laughing so hard. Because she was purely amused by how readily their big, hungry mouths for the meal. Each time they bumped into each other for the food, splashed water and Aya’s infectious giggles erupted.
And the simplest interactions bring the biggest smiles.
On our exploration, Aya was more excited when we stopped by the monkey cage. She forgot the crocodiles and the real fun for her continued when we reached the monkey enclosure.
Aya played hide-and-seek with the playful monkey. Aya’s infectious giggle was the only music and it was such a cute moment. We needed the perfect mood for the scene. She was connecting with the monkey. She deserved to have fun and added to her core memories. And watching her find so much simple happiness in an interaction with a curious monkey. One of the best things in life, simple and memorable to my daughter.
Afterward, we continued our exploration of the zoo and saw other animals.
The moment we had been waiting for and the show finally began. The atmosphere shifted into pure delight and buzzing excitement. The trainers walked out with a parade of animals that immediately captivated the entire audience. Aya was ready for every surprise and I always heard her saying "they are so cute Mama." The animals are really charming and the audience applauded. The parrots, reptiles and more were smart and adorable. The trick they showed was simple. But teaching them took so much time, patience and trust. It requests the bond between the trainers and animals. A reminder, how incredible nature can be when we treat it right and with care.
When the show concluded and the best part began: a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with the performers. I decided right then to face my lifelong fear of snakes and a huge personal challenge. a snake wrapped around me for minutes and then snapped.
We left Davao Crocodile Park and Zoo with a collection of memories. It was truly a fun and educational experience. With the laughter and every small moment of joy we shared that day. Especially to my daughter Aya unforgettable moments.
[//]:# ([//]:# (!worldmappin 7.09706 lat 125.59925 long d3scr))