DAILY EXPRESS (Sabah, Malaysia) 31 January 05 Crocs start moving in but farm yet to have OC
Tuaran: More than 100 crocodiles from the Sandakan reptile farm finally arrived at the newly formed Taman Buaya Tuaran at Kampung Lok Batik, here, Sunday.
However, farm operator Chai Yau Look said the park would only be opened to the public once they have acquired the Occupational Certificate (OC) from the local authorities.
"As for the moment, we are in the middle of transporting about 1,000 crocodiles from Sandakan into the Tuaran farm.
"But we're confident that we'll able to get the OC very soon so that we can allow the public to visit the park," he said.
Built over a seven-acre mangrove swamp, the RM3 million farm when fully completed would be equipped with a souvenir shop, canteen and chalet, among others.
Chai said the largest crocodile measuring more than 14 feet would also be on display while the star "performers" would be placed inside a special pond.
Farm manager cum trainer Abdul Malek Abdul Aziz said it would take between one and a half-month to six months to train a crocodile.
"But it usually take us about one and a half month to prepare a crocodile to be able to perform with the trainers," he said.
Malek, who acquired his skills from an Indonesian master, said he learnt the trade in 1988 and been in the business ever since.
When "coaching" the reptile, he said it is very important for the trainer to look at the animal's eyes.
"The animals emotion are not easily detected through their facial expression, hence, it is always important to always note the changes in their eyes.
"When humans are angry, we will know it through their facial expression but the animals are different," he said.
Usually, he said the reptile is agitated when its irises are dilated, which shows that they are ready to attack.
Meanwhile, Chai said the reptiles at the Tuaran farm, are mostly for exhibition while some would be trained to perform.
The crocodiles in Sandakan are reared either for its skin or simply for display to the visitors.
The skin value is measured on its size where first grade could fetch RM500 per piece while the meat is usually sold at RM30 per kilo.
After the skin has underwent tanning process, it would be used to make wallets, handbags, shoes, belts, purse and wrist watch straps, among others.
For the record, crocodiles are listed as an endangered species and companies dealing with the reptile skin must apply for a certificate from the Convention International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Crocs start moving in but farm yet to have OC