Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, commonly known as Manila Zoo, spans 5.5-hectares (14-acres) in Malate, Manila, Philippines. Established on July 25, 1959, the zoo underwent significant renovations and reopened on November 21, 2022. The construction of Manila Zoo took over a year, with costs exceeding ₱1 million, and was inaugurated by First Lady Leonila Garcia. Despite claims by the Manila city government of being the oldest zoo in Asia, Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in Japan has been operating since 1882.

Controversies and Closure

In the mid-2000s, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched campaigns advocating for the closure of Manila Zoo as part of their global anti-zoo movement. PETA proposed converting the zoo into a sports complex, a move opposed by the Manila city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim, and local vendors. The 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 untreated sewage being released into an estuary leading to the bay. Although the planned renovation was halted, zoo employees and volunteers continued to care for the animals.

Renovation and Reopening

Following Isko Moreno’s election as Manila mayor, plans to renovate the zoo were revived. A groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the zoo was held in July 2020, with an allocated budget of ₱1.7 billion. The project was initially slated to take 19 months and included plans for 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 is home to over 549 specimens of exotic wildlife, encompassing 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 housed 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 led to campaigns advocating for her relocation to a sanctuary, yet she remained a significant attraction. Her taxidermized remains have been on display at the zoo’s entrance since December 2024. The zoo’s animal collection is divided 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 boasts over 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. Its 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, formerly within Manila Zoo, was a private-public partnership with Kinder Zoo Inc., redeveloping 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 faced criticism for its subpar conditions, including malnourished tigers in cramped, unsanitary habitats, contributing to a somber atmosphere. Recent reports indicate rehabilitation efforts with improvements in cleanliness and animal care. While some visitors note modernization externally, concerns persist regarding animal living conditions, especially limited space and lack of freedom. Despite enhancements, some enclosures remain small and inadequate, with animals in solitary confinement and low water levels. Views vary on animal care quality; some find the zoo depressing while others see it as an educational and conservation venue for children.

As of 2024, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden continues to be a prominent landmark in Manila, attracting both local and international visitors interested in wildlife and conservation. The zoo's ongoing development aims to balance animal welfare with public education and recreation, addressing past criticisms and striving for higher animal care standards.