Sadly, the zoo has been criticized due to its inadequate animal care and dirty surrounding. However, the city government of Manila
With so much criticisms heralded against the zoo, I would like to focus my blog on what the zoo has to offer rather than its flaws. Initially, I wanted to visit the Avalon Zoo in Tanay, Rizal but ended up going to Manila Zoo. I am worried that my son might not endure the long distance travel and the enormous size of the zoo (Avalon) for it would require a lot of walking to see the vast collection of animal on display.
The Mammal Collection
The top 3 must-see animal on display are the Asian Elephant, Hippopotamus and the Bengal Tiger. You need a lot of patience to see these animals move around their enclosures just to have that special moment when you can take your souvenir shots. Take Mali the elephant in particular, she likes going in and out of her den. So it is difficult to have your photos taken with her as the background.
The Aviary Collection
The zoo has an extensive collection of birds. What I like best is the Cassowary. It is a strange-looking bird that can grow as high as 6 feet tall. With its enormous size (second only to ostrich), it can inflict serious harm if you were attacked by one. So if your travels ever take you to Australia (endemic to this place) and you happen to cross paths with the bird, you would be advice to be wary of the wild cassowary!
The Reptile Collection
The covered structure housing this collection is somewhat tucked in a corner just beside the elephant pen. Look out for it so as not to miss the chance to see the different lizards and snakes they have on display. This perhaps is the highlight of our visit, not because of the animals but because I had a good laugh when my son got scared from the monitor lizard (bayawak).
To see photos of some of the animals [CLICK HERE]
What To Do
The choice of activities in which to spend your time whilst in Manila Zoo is not only limited to viewing the different animal collection. A must-see for all visitors is the lagoon where you can take a boat ride and paddle around the center island. There's also a section for horse back riding, wall climbing, a zip-line, a children playground and pictorial booths with tropical birds and exotic snakes.
The Oldest Zoo in Asia
It may have lost its luster that it used to have in its grand old days, still respect must it obtain. The institution is in dire need of help, first and foremost from the city government of Manila and from the general public. Collective efforts shall be put in order now. There is still hope. This is a place worth saving for. For it is a place where countless memories are made and cherished by many. This is the legacy [CLICK HERE] that I wanted to impart to my son...the day when we had our walk to remember at the zoo.
Avaha and Shalom
