Manila Zoo

Manila Zoo, officially the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, is a 5.5-hectare (14-acre) zoo in Malate, Manila, Philippines. Originally opened on July 25, 1959, it underwent recent renovations and reopened on November 21, 2022. Manila Zoo, also known colloquially as Manila Zoo, was constructed over a year at a cost exceeding ₱1 million. The inauguration was graced by First Lady Leonila Garcia. The Manila city government has erroneously labeled it the oldest zoo in Asia, despite the existence of Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in Japan since 1882.

Controversies and Closure

In the mid-2000s, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaigned against Manila Zoo, advocating for its closure as part of a global anti-zoo initiative. The animal rights organization supported converting the zoo into a sports complex. However, the Manila city government, under Mayor Alfredo Lim, and local vendors opposed PETA’s efforts. Manila Zoo was indefinitely closed on January 23, 2019, by Mayor Joseph Estrada after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified it as a major polluter of Manila Bay, due to the zoo dumping untreated sewage into an estuary leading to the bay. Despite the planned renovation being put on hold, zoo employees and volunteers continued caring for the animals.

Renovation and Reopening

Following Isko Moreno’s election as Manila mayor, plans to renovate the zoo resurfaced. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 2020 for the zoo's rehabilitation and redevelopment, with a reported budget of ₱1.7 billion. The project was initially projected to take 19 months. Plans included a 30-foot (9.1 m) lagoon waterfall, enclosures for big cats and marsupials, a monkey exhibit, and a restaurant. The Zoo reopened on December 30, 2021, and temporarily served as a COVID-19 vaccination site for minors and senior citizens on January 19, 2022. It fully reopened to the public on November 21, 2022.

Animal Collection

Manila Zoo houses over 549 specimens of exotic wildlife, representing at least 12 mammal species, 38 bird species, and 21 reptile species. Notable animals include Kois, a White Siberian Tiger (an anagram of former Mayor Isko Moreno’s nickname). Previously, the zoo was home to Queen Bertha, a hippopotamus that died in 2017 as the world's oldest captive hippopotamus at age 65. It also housed Ma’ali (Vishwama’ali), a lone Asian female elephant, who died in November 2023. Her decades-long isolation prompted campaigns for her relocation to a sanctuary, yet she remained a major attraction. Her taxidermized remains have been on display at the zoo’s entrance since December 2024. The zoo’s animal collection is categorized into mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic life. Many animals were born in captivity, including three-month-old juveniles born in April 2015. The Manila Zoo’s Botanical Garden cultivates more than 10,000 plants.

Facilities

Covering 51,000 square meters (550,000 sq ft), Manila Zoo is managed by the Manila City Government through its Public Recreation Bureau. Facilities include an Animal Museum, Zoo Lagoon, Sewage Treatment Plant, Botanical Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Park, and Reptile House/Outdoor Reptiles. The Kinder Zoo, a former area within Manila Zoo, was a private-public partnership with Kinder Zoo Inc., which redeveloped 3,000 square meters (32,000 sq ft) into a child-friendly area. Opened on June 23, 2000, it featured a butterfly sanctuary, hanging bridge, flamingo pond, barn for events, and petting zoo. The Kinder Zoo permanently closed on January 23, 2019.

Criticism and Current Conditions

Earlier, in 2013, Manila Zoo was criticized for its depressing conditions, including malnourished tigers in small, dirty habitats, contributing to a heavy atmosphere. Recent reports indicate rehabilitation efforts with improvements in cleanliness and animal care. While some visitors note modernization from the outside, concerns persist regarding animal living conditions, particularly limited space and lack of freedom. Despite improvements, some enclosures are still considered small and inadequate, with animals living in solitary confinement and low water levels. Views differ on animal care quality; some find the zoo depressing and a place of learning and conservation for children.

As of 2024, Manila Zoo continues to be a prominent landmark in Manila, drawing both local and international visitors interested in wildlife and conservation efforts. The zoo's ongoing development seeks to balance animal welfare with public education and recreation, addressing historical criticisms and aiming for higher standards of animal care.