#avilonzoo

“The more you learn about the dignity of the gorilla, the more you want to avoid people.” ~ Dian Fossey

— 2k13-14 Fieldtrip [ 3/5 ]

Avilon Zoo python selfie

Having a “family reunion” with my daughter, nephew and an albino Burmese python (Python bivittatus) at the Avilon Zoo, in Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal Province. One of the most common folk stories throughout the Philippine archipelago is that of a beautiful maiden with a sawa as her twin sister. One such tale is that of the Nga Hamiton of the T'boli people of Cotabato.

And to the Kankanai people of Sagada, the pinading is a sacred python.

Another ancient Filipino belief is that the Tagalog eclipse serpent Bakunawa was either a sawa or buwaya (crocodile).

Most zoos and pet owners would prefer having a Burmese python over the endemic Sawa (Reticulated python / Malayopython reticulatus), because the Burmese python is a more docile species that can be easily “domesticated” and held by people. Whereas the indigenous Sawa has been known to be more aggressive, and they can grow to sizes large enough hunt humans.

The Avilon Zoo opened to the public in 2003, but it was already operating as a private showcase of the collection of its owner, Jake Gaw. The Avilon Zoo sits within a 7.5-hectare (19-acre).