23 Jun Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm in Opol: Home of More Than 600 Ostriches
Image Source | Facebook: Jamela Jamela
Started operating in 1996, with only some 18 ostriches that came from Africa and Australia, Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm, Inc. now houses more than 600 of the largest flightless bird, 50 crocodiles, Chinese chicken, a herd of sheep, peacock and Hyacinth Macaw.
The said farm is located in barangay Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental owned by the Limketkai family in Cagayan de Oro who also owns the Limketkai Mall and Limketkai Luxe Hotel.
Image Source | Facebook: Jamela Jamela
Since its opening in 2000, the farm has been a favorite spot for field trips and group getaways. Schools host educational tour, while families come for a weekend leisure walk. Also, the local government included ostrich tourism as part of their annual festival, organizing Ostrich Festival for the past several years.
Image Source | Facebook: Raquel Pamisa
And in September last year, 2015, the 2nd Ostrich Festival Culinary Competition was held with participating chefs and cooks from hotel and resorts, kitchenettes and restaurants across the municipality to compete for their best Ostrich meat dish.
Farm manager Julius Mugot said that the farm is a 13-hectare property exclusively allocated for breeding and growing ostrich and become the center of ostrich meat supply in the country. Currently, the farm supplies nearly all big restaurants nationwide that serve ostrich delicacies.
Image Source | Facebook: Emil Sumigcay
The ostrich meat doesn’t taste like that of chicken, but of beef, and are low in cholesterol, fat and calories. Red meat is being sold for P1400 per kilo.
According to Mugot, when compared to chickens, ostriches are easier to maintain and are not susceptible to diseases, like hot weather and can live up to 50-70 years. Ostriches aging 10 months to one year can already be slaughtered for its meat, and can lay eggs every other day with an average of 80 eggs per year which can be sold at P500 per piece. Also, the ostrich skin can also be sold used in bag manufacturing, etc.
Image Source | Facebook: Raquel Pamisa
Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm, Inc. has become one of Opol’s tourist spots, which has been contributing to the economy and colorful culture of the municipality and its neighboring city. Open on weekdays and weekends starting at 8:00AM until 5:00PM.
news source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611466504723/feature-it-s-an-ostrich-feast-in-opol-misamis-oriental
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