REVISITING MANILA ZOO

Ever since it first opened its doors in July 1959, (making it 52 years old this year) Manila Zoo has 

become a well-loved landmark in this side of the city. If you were born or raised in this metropolis of Manila, chances are you’ve been to this place at least once in your life. Speaking from my personal recollections, I remember my visits there as I got to see various animals, as well as close encounters like me feeding the giraffe once.

For its time, Manila Zoo was considered the best zoo experience in this part of the city, with the amenities and the variety of animals found there. I guess I was lucky to have experienced those Manila Zoo visits as a kid when it was still a “top” destination to go to. But as work and other things took priority as I grew up, my visits have become less frequent.

At the same time, the Manila Zoo has been going through a tough period as it has been experiencing problems on maintenance, animal welfare, among others. At the same time, Manila Zoo has found itself left behind as it did not “evolve” as it’s supposed to immediately to meet the changes and trends in zoo maintenance while pricier yet larger and well-equipped zoos with conducive environments outside the metropolis like Zoobic and Avilon have become the new models for the Philippine zoo. And if you’ve been keeping tabs with the online buzz, this recent item onlinesparked some heated discussions on the state of Manila Zoo.

to be honest, I don't see the connection of this statue to the zoo; (other than the animal being carried by presumably a huntsman) you can see the chopped off toes of this figure, tsk

With all the talk of the state of things in Manila Zoo today, I decided to check out for myself the situation in the zoo today. So one weekend I found myself back at Manila Zoo. And what I witnessed was a situation a bit more complicated than what it seems.

With an area of 5.5 hectares and more than a hundred species of fauna present and flora present, (it is after all formally known as the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden) Manila Zoo should be a showcase of how man can take care of nature and wildlife. Unfortunately, Manila Zoo has been stuck with the old ways of zookeeping which don’t hold true anymore. I guess one factor here is the zoo still trying to keep the admission fees low (much lower like a 50% discount if you’re a Manila resident) but scrimping on maintenance as payback of sorts.

this could be mistaken as a bombed out shelter rather than an actual home for the elephant

Come to think about it, it could also be considered a payback that the zoo is offering a separate facility with separate and higher rates called the Kinder Zoo. Here at the Kinder Zoo, you get to interact with various animals up close and have photos taken with them. (you can have a photographer take your photo and have it printed which is another extra charge)

In fairness I didn’t see much of animals in poor condition, save for this fellow which seems to be suffering from “baldness.” (if such is the term for birds losing its feathers) Don’t know what the zookeepers are doing about this.

And this monkey that got out of its cage.

But I think the biggest “crime” of Manila Zoo’s personnel is that they do not seem to educate the people on how to relate to the animals. There are people tapping the glass of the “lairs” of reptiles and snakes, using flash photography where it should not be allowed, throwing trash at the tigers’ den below, feeding monkeys when it should be strictly monitored if not disallowed. I guess you have an idea of what I’m rambling here. Shame that the zoo does not provide food items so visitors can properly feed some of the animals there.

these kids had to improvise in their desire to feed the mountain goat

But with all the problems of Manila Zoo, I still find some charm and beauty in the place. Maybe it’s out of nostalgia but being one of the few remaining spots in the metropolis itself that still has a refreshing atmosphere left, it will be a shame to see it go. And for some who may not have the time or luxury to go to far off Tagaytay or Montalban, it’s not going to be easy to deprive such an accessible place to them.

So many things have been suggested, but I think the number one thing Manila Zoo should do is to educate its personnel in teaching the visitors the proper way of interacting with animals. Personnel who would be there to tell them not to tap the glass lairs, not throwing trash anywhere, educate how to properly feed the animals, etc. With the state of things in our planet today, let the zoo be the starting point in creating awareness and educate people in preserving the natural richness of our home.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda:

On the Manila Zoo

[Delivered on July 14, 2011]

We share the concern expressed by concerned citizens over the condition in which animals are kept in the Manila Zoo. We have taken steps again to alert the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which, under the provisions of Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, places the animal welfare certification and regulation of zoos under the authority of the Director of Animal Industry and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the DENR, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Protection and Conservation Act). As a response, the BAI, through the Committee on Animal Welfare, said that it continuously engages in a comprehensive discussion with the animal advocates, particularly on the condition of Mali the elephant and other animals in the zoo. They made a plan of action to uphold the welfare of the animals that should be led by zoo officials.

We have also communicated with the office of the City Mayor of Manila and are confident that Mayor Alfredo Lim will dialogue with concerned citizens. The City Mayor has directed Public Recreations Bureau Chief Engineer Deng Manimbo to receive assistance and support from concerned citizens. Those who may wish to help in raising funds or otherwise helping to restore the Manila Zoo may call telephone numbers 468-9498 and 383-6862.

It is noteworthy that concerned citizens have expressed the willingness to assist in any way they can, to help the Manila Zoo improve its facilities and raise its standards. We are encouraged by this demonstration of public spirit on the part of our fellow citizens. It is a positive sign that the citizenry wants to be part of the solution and not just point out a problem.

I DONT SUPPORT CLOSING MANILA ZOO

 be part of the solution and not just point out a problem.

CORRECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!