Monday, September 19, 2011

Manila Zoo: 52 Years After








Every Manileño in their 40s have probably visited the Manila Zoo at one time or another during their growing up years. Even out-of-towners (aka probinsyanos) probably made it one of the first places they visit when they were in the big city back in its glory days.

Manila Zoo may be 52 years old now, but it still has a lot of potential. It is one of the few parks that people from all walks of life can appreciate. Entrance fee is only at Php 40 for adults and Php 20 for children 4 feet below (50% off for Manila Residents with a valid ID indicating address of residence).




Meet the Animals

(hover over the photos to get to know them)
















Inside the Zoo 

Food is not a problem. Although SM Hypermarket and Harrison Plaza are just a stone's throw away, if your little one cannot wait for until after the zoo visit, there are food concessionaires inside.





There are activities for the kiddos as well as the young at heart too. Have your photos taken together with friendly and colorful feathered-creatures. Prices range from Php 100 to Php 150. This is your chance to catch those cute dimples!




Or you can go boating for Php 60/30-45 mins (capacity: 5 pax). The kids will definitely have a blast. Also a great strategy to have them settle down - for once.


Understandably, public recreation is not on the priority list of the local government. They would rather allocate funds to feed the hungry. But you can help the zoo and ultimately the animals, by visiting (more people, more revenue, hence, more fund to maintain its facilities) or by volunteering. Give it a chance, visit!






Getting There:


Jeepneys with the signboard "Vito Cruz/Mabini/Harrison Plaza" pass by the zoo. Catch them in Quiapo/Quezon Avenue or Baclaran.

Nearest Train Stations:
LRT 1 Quirino Avenue Station (walking distance)
MRT Edsa Avenue Station (transfer to LRT 1 Taft Avenue Station, get off at Quirino Avenue Station, then walk)
LRT 2 Recto Station (transer to LRT 1 Doroteo Jose Station, get off at Quirino Avenue Station, then walk)




Manila Zoo
Quirino Avenue corner M. Adriatico Street, Manila
http://www.manilazoo.org/
(632)4001884; (632)3836862

Hours of Operation:
7am to 6pm daily





21 comments:

  1. wow stunning photos..I hope this post be featured on freshly pressed..I see a potential on it..Go.Go.Go happy sole..Matanda na rin pala ang Manila zoo..hehehe=)

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  2. salamat ng madami! :) wish ko lang!

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  3. 5 years ago yung last time nagpunta ako jan. sobrang balik pagkabata ako nun during our college teambuilding sa zoo.

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  4. I suddenly remembered the last time I was in Manila Zoo...probably almost 3 decades ago when I was five. Time to revisit the place :) Thanks for the post

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  5. kahit maliit and luma na, iba pa rin ang Manila Zoo. Sana wag nila pabayaan. :) thanks!

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  6. you probably don't remember much from that trip.. it's definitely time to revisit. thank YOU! :)

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  7. Last time I went there was in 1994. Shucks. Like the others here, it's about time I go back!

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  8. hopefully, time will come that they create a better environment (cages) for the animals....

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  9. Thanks for blogging about Manila Zoo. The last time I went there was when I was still 7 years old! It's great to relive childhood memories through your lovely pics. Hope I can go back there soon. :)

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  10. This is a good read! :) We are still undecided whether to bring our 2 year old daughter to Manila Zoo. The last time I heard news about it was that the animals are getting sick and the improperly taken care of.... But since you've gone there lately and thanks for the photos, maybe we can push the tour through. Seems like the place is still nice. ;)

    Thanks Happy Sole! :>

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  11. The cassowary really looks like a dinosaur... since birds ancestors are dinosaurs.

    I suddenly had flashbacks of childhood memories.. whenever I visit, I always long to see the peacock because I admire its plumage so much when I was a kid as well as the other animals. I just hope the Manila gov't would make improve the zoo for this their facility is the same facility since time immemorial, I think. May last visit was somewhere in 2000-2002. And is it Mali the same elephant I knew since my first kid visit in the early 90's?

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  12. It's so nice to see Manila Zoo again through your post. The last time I went here was during my elementary field trip. I agree that one of the best ways to give funds to the zoo is to visit it. Thanks for providing detailed information on how to get to the zoo. The photos of the animals are indeed stunning :-D

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  13. thank you! try mo... im sure miss ka rin ng animals. :)

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  14. the animals surely needs new and bigger cages.. other than that, they look healthy. thanks for dropping by & leaving a comment!

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  15. you are right, Ian. i hope the local gov't do something about the small cages and build better & bigger ones for the animals.. it would be a pity to see Manila Zoo go to waste.

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  16. beautiful pictures :) although i'm not supporting zoo na. nasasad na ko makita ang mga animals na nakacage :( anyhow, i posted reply on your question here : http://www.weekendhaven.com/2010/07/backpacking-indonesia-itinerary/ :)

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  17. thank you for taking time in answering my query... appreciate it! good luck on your Bali trip!

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  18. manila zoo is a part of our history...hope will able to bring back its beauty!!!

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