Manila Zoo

Background

Manila Zoo is one of the most famous and visited places in the city of Manila. It is home to more than ten thousand flora and fauna which include elephants, geese, peafowl, crocodiles, tigers, herons, civets, lizards, snakes, and many more. It is also the impermanent dwelling place of abandoned and rescued animals as well as donated and injured animals with the help of the Wildlife Rescue Centre. Manila Zoo has a size of 6 hectares or 60000 square meters.

According to its history, Manila Zoo was inaugurated to the public during the term of former President Carlos Garcia and during the administration of former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson in the year 1959. It is stated that the construction of the public zoo as a city landmark cost one million pesos and it is mistakenly pertained as the earliest zoo in the Asian continent by the city government of Manila in spite of the founding of Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan during the year 1882. Fast forward to the year 1977, the Sri Lanka government give the Philippines a female Asian Elephant named Ma’ali (Vishwama’ali) which became a principal attraction and main spotlight of the zoo for the coming years and decades.

Then at the beginning of the year 2000, the private-public cooperation and agreement between the kinder zoo and the city government of Manila materialized for the opening of the 3588 square yards or 32000 square feet kinder zoo as part of the Manila Zoo. It is intended as a kid-friendly area where kids can get in touch with the different kinds of animals under the hanging bridge, flamingo pond, and butterfly asylum within the zoo.

However, in the year 2019 after nineteen years, the Manila Zoo was considerably closed to the public by former Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and after the former DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) secretary Roy Cimatu detected it as one of the predominant causes of pollution and environment issue in the historic Manila Bay. According to city government officials, the zoo is junking unprocessed rubbish into an inlet that drained towards Manila Bay as they don’t have a sewage treatment facility. For this reason, the Manila city government considered renovating the zoo but the program was delayed. So animals that remained in restraint continued to be managed by the employees and volunteers regardless of the temporary closure order. In the following years, Manila Zoo underwent a major renovation under the administration of the former Mayor of Manila Isko Moreno. According to him, the city fund amounting to 1.74 billion pesos was invested in the year 2020 for the reconstruction and redevelopment project in Manila Zoo which is intended to spark the city’s economy in the long term.

The newly renovated Manila Zoo was blueprinted by the UST (University of Santo Tomas) architect graduate named Kevin Siy through his inspired thesis during his college days. According to Kevin, he wanted to make the zoo closer to the animal’s natural environment. So after he got his architect license, he immediately interview the local keeper, animal veterinarians, and other staff of the zoo. The proposed plan was to include new animal habitats, a mesmerizing facade, wide spaces, more lush gardens, more leisure facilities, a food park, and a veterinary hospital. As a result, when he posted his proposed plan for the Manila Zoo on his social media account, the city councilor of Manila saw and liked it and they instantly contact Kevin. However pandemic came into the country and during the pandemic period in the Philippines, the zoo was briefly used as a vaccination site for children, adults, and elderly people.

In the year 2021, the Clark Safari and Adventure Park in Mabalacat, Pampanga donated the imperil male white Siberian tiger named Kois to the zoo. Then after three years of closure, the Manila Zoo has been reopened to the public on November 2022 by the first female mayor in the history of the city of Manila named Dra. Honey Lacuna-Pangan. Nevertheless, some of the visitors were shocked because of the entrance fee increase which is triple the amount compared to the past decades. On the contrary, many tourists were pleased by the newly renovated zoo because there’s more space to roam around, and all animals are firmly monitored by the officials. Also, the animals are being asserted by a group of professional veterinarians.

Today, Manila Zoo is one of the best zoological and botanical gardens in the world. It is closely observed and protected by the City Government of Manila, a handful group of Filipino zoologists and botanists. So if you want to see and experience the newly renovated and enhanced Manila Zoo, visit this place as soon as possible to have a pleasant day.

Name: Manila Zoo
Address: M. Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004
Features: different types of aquatic life, birds, mammals, and reptiles

My trip to Manila Zoo

In the past few days, I told myself that I want to explore and have a walking tour to see what’s new inside the Manila Zoo. So on the weekend, I go to the zoo and I get a hand stamped at the entrance. Then a few meters away I saw one of the main attractions of the zoo named Mali the female Asian elephant alone in the vast fence area. Afterward, I noticed that the air is more breathable unlike before. My experience is windy, not that hot because there are many trees. In addition, inside the zoo, there’s an alluring butterfly garden as well as a botanical garden with elevated viewing decks and glass enclosures for the animals.

Moreover, I can see a devoted area for Philippine endemic birds and animals. Then as I continue walking I have a close-up view of ostrich, deer, crocodiles, lizards, white tiger, lion, pig-nosed turtle, red iguana, the attractive brahminy kite, and reptile houses. It’s so nostalgic, the last time I went there was when I was only 9 years old in elementary days or in my toddlerhood days, it’s so different now, it’s so modern compared to past decades. Almost everything I saw in the Manila Zoo had great improvement. It’s back with a refreshing new look, more convenience for visitors and animals, and they have the first sewage treatment plant. It’s definitely a good place for a walking tour, a field trip, and family bonding moments. Afterward, I saw a signage lettering that says “The woods are filled with a wild frolicsome life, and it is all perfectly silent”.

Then in the middle of the zoo, there’s a much-improved children’s playground, food park, food stalls, and souvenir shop. Also, the walkway around the zoo is broad to better serve more visitors. Aside from this, the accessibility is enhanced with lots of benches and drinking fountains, and a bigger parking area. Without a doubt, the new revamp, and modernized Manila Zoo is much more enjoyable and a greater place for family bonding. I love every angle of the place as I explore. Nevertheless, I’m so disappointed because I don’t see any giraffes or hippopotamus. It seems like there are some things missing that I should see more of.

Anyway, my visit was worth it. I love the newly improved Manila Zoo. I can really see the contrast and change from the old Manila Zoo. The sizes and spaces for the animals are now bigger, with lots of greenery around. I love the Butterfly Garden a lot and I just wish there were more flowers and colored butterflies inside. The bamboo-treated materials that were made everywhere, in the roof framing and stairs are really eye-catching for me. It was made in a modernized way or as they say world-class design. All-inclusive, I had a great and fun time inside the zoo. I was hoping for more animals soon, like the giraffe, hyenas, hippopotamus, fish, and more flowers. Furthermore, I hope they could provide someplace where people can have picnics like before.

In my opinion, one of the downsides of the Manila Zoo is the land area. I hope the land where the former Harrison Plaza stands are bought and turned into an extension of the Manila Zoo. I hope if there is more space they will put in a sea lion just like what the Central Park Zoo did. Nonetheless, I’m pleased with what former Mayor Isko Moreno did for the renovation of the Manila Zoo. It’s world-class now and well-designed which Filipinos can be proud of. Before I leave Manila, I bought a white cotton spandex t-shirt at the souvenir shop near the exit point.

How to Go to Manila Zoo

By commute

Option 1:

1. From Monumento in Caloocan City, ride a jeep bound for Baclaran and tell the driver to alight you at Quirino, Manila.
2. Then walk your way towards Manila Zoo since it’s only a walking distance from there. The zoo is located between Bagong Ospital Ng Maynila and Paraiso ng Batang Maynila.

Option 2:

1. From Alabang, ride a bus going to Lawton Manila and drop off at Quirino LRT Station. 
2. From Quirino LRT Station, you may either ride a pedicab tricycle or ride a jeep going to A. Mabini street or walk for seventeen minutes to reach the zoo.

By private vehicle

1. Open your Waze app or Google Maps on your mobile phone and pin Manila Zoo.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• The entrance fee to Manila Zoo is 300 pesos per head for non-Manila residents and 150 pesos per head for the residents of Manila. Note: 2 years old and below is free of charge and a twenty percent discount will be given to PWD (Persons with disabilities) and senior citizens.

• Manila Zoo is open from 9 am up to 6 pm every day.

• As of March 2023, walk-in is allowed at Manila Zoo and some employees of the zoo will assist the walk-in visitors in getting their tickets. However, I highly recommend booking online before visiting the zoo. You may book online at their official website – https://www.manilazoo.ph/.

• For more information and any inquiries regarding Manila Zoo kindly visit their official Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/ManilaZooPH.OfficialPage/

• Please take note that bringing any kind of outside food, meals, and drinks is not allowed inside the zoo. Nonetheless, you can bring your own tumblers. If you bring your food and the guard checks your bag, they will tell you to leave it to them prior to entry. Furthermore, there’s an eatery or food park inside the zoo where you can buy food.

• Smoking cigarettes or vaping is strictly prohibited within the zoo premises. In addition, bringing any kind of pet is not allowed. Also bringing any kind of toys and balloons is forbidden.

• Feeding the animals in the zoo is not allowed. Also holding them or even touching them is not allowed.

• Always keep your distance from the animals to avoid unnecessary incidents.

• Littering and picking any flower is strictly prohibited. Law offenders would be subjected to fines. In addition, bringing any sharp and pointed objects is not allowed.

• Kids or children must be administered by their parents or guardian at all times to avoid mishaps, especially inside the playground.

• There’s a parking space near the entrance of the zoo. The parking rate is 50 pesos for cars and 30 pesos for motorcycles.

• For at least four hours staying at the Manila Zoo which includes eating, resting, and hanging out, you can achieve going around the whole zoo.

• The souvenir picture with frame cost 150 pesos.

• Last but not least, always follow all the regulations, and post signs across the zoo.
  
  
  

There you have it, animal lover and zoo lover. Focus on what makes you happy and do whatever excites your soul and spirit, feasibly rest at home or travel with your family and circle of friends. Have a moment of serenity and thanks for reading.