Avilon Zoo
Philippines·Zoological Institution
Avilon Zoo is the largest zoological institution in the Philippines by land area and animal collection, covering 7.5 hectares. It houses over 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife, representing more than 600 species, with a strong emphasis on Philippine native fauna and ex situ conservation programs. The zoo aims to be a premier wildlife facility in Southeast Asia, offering educational tours and interactive experiences while actively working to preserve threatened species.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines.
- ›Spans 7.5 hectares (19 acres) of land.
- ›Houses over 3,000 individual animals.
- ›Represents more than 600 different species.
- ›Operated by the Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
- ›Successfully bred the Gray's monitor lizard (Varanus olivaceus) in captivity.
Gray's Monitor Lizard
Ex Situ Species Preservation Programs, Captive Breeding of Philippine Native Fauna, Breeding of Gray's Monitor Lizard
About Avilon Zoo
Avilon Zoo stands as the largest zoological institution in the Philippines, distinguished by its extensive land area and comprehensive collection of animals. Situated in Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, the zoo encompasses 7.5 hectares (19 acres) and is managed by the Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
Collection and Conservation
The facility is home to over 3,000 specimens representing more than 600 species, including a diverse array of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, and invertebrates. Avilon Zoo places a significant emphasis on its collection of Philippine native fauna, many of which have been successfully bred in captivity through the zoo's ex situ conservation programs. These efforts are central to the foundation's mission of contributing to Philippine wildlife conservation.
Educational and Interactive Experiences
Beyond its role in conservation, Avilon Zoo serves as an educational resource. Guided tours and field trips are offered to provide guests with insights into wildlife and conservation efforts. Visitors also have the opportunity to engage in interactive experiences, such as feeding animals like arapaimas, exotic water fowl, giant tortoises, wild horses, and deer, and interacting with the zoo's friendly creatures.
Notable Achievements
A significant conservation success for Avilon Zoo is the captive breeding of the Gray's monitor lizard (Varanus olivaceus), also known as the "butaan." The first documented hatching and rearing of this species in captivity was a female named Grasya, an achievement that was featured on Animal Planet.
Affiliation
Avilon Zoo is operated by the Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation through education and species preservation. The foundation is also a member of the Southeast Asian Zoos Association (SEAZA).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Avilon Zoo located?
Avilon Zoo is situated in Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines. It is the largest zoological institution in the Philippines in terms of land area.
How large is Avilon Zoo?
The zoo covers an area of 7.5 hectares, which is equivalent to 19 acres. This makes it the largest zoological institution in the Philippines by land area.
What kind of animals can be found at Avilon Zoo?
Avilon Zoo houses over 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife, representing more than 600 species. This collection includes birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, and invertebrates, with a particular focus on Philippine native fauna.
Does Avilon Zoo focus on conservation?
Yes, Avilon Zoo is operated by the Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to Philippine wildlife conservation. The zoo actively engages in ex situ conservation programs, successfully breeding threatened species like the Gray's monitor lizard.
What educational opportunities does Avilon Zoo offer?
Avilon Zoo provides guided tours and educational field trips for guests to learn about wildlife. Visitors can also experience feeding various animals and interacting with some of the zoo's creatures.
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