Baluarte Zoo

Baluarte Zoo is a zoological park situated in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It was established by the prominent local politician and businessman, Chavit Singson. The site itself was already known as Baluarte, a name derived from the Spanish term for 'stronghold' or 'fortress,' before Singson's involvement.

Origins and Development

Initially, the location served as a private rest house for Chavit Singson. His passion for hunting served as the catalyst for the zoo's creation. As his collection of hunting trophies grew substantial, Singson conceived the idea of establishing a zoo. He aimed for Baluarte to serve a dual purpose: to edify its visitors and to actively promote the conservation and protection of endangered species. Singson personally designed and developed the facility, envisioning it as an interactive wildlife sanctuary.

Features and Offerings

The zoo houses a variety of wild animals in captivity, including species such as ostriches, Bengal tigers, and lions. A notable feature is the butterfly sanctuary, offering visitors a chance to observe these insects. A unique aspect of Baluarte Zoo is its Safari Gallery. This trophy room displays the preserved remains of animals that Chavit Singson personally hunted and killed during his expeditions around the world. The gallery was intended to provide residents of Ilocos with an opportunity to view exotic animals without the need to travel to Manila or abroad.

Operations

Like many public facilities, Baluarte Zoo experienced disruptions to its operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the park has since reopened to the public. In 2024, an incident involving a zoo employee was reported, leading to the employee's dismissal for striking a lion to make it pose for photographs.