Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, commonly referred to as Manila Zoo, is a significant zoological and botanical park situated in Malate, Manila, Philippines. Established on July 25, 1959, during the administration of Mayor Arsenio Lacson, it has become a notable city landmark. The zoo spans 5.5 hectares (14 acres) and is managed by the Manila City Government through its Public Recreation Bureau.

History and Development

Manila Zoo first opened its gates in 1959, costing over ₱1 million to construct. While sometimes erroneously cited by the Manila city government as Asia's oldest zoo, its establishment postdates Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, founded in 1882. In the mid-2000s, the zoo faced opposition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which advocated for its closure. However, the Manila city government and local vendors resisted these calls.

The zoo was indefinitely closed on January 23, 2019, by Mayor Joseph Estrada due to identified pollution issues, specifically the dumping of untreated sewage into Manila Bay. Although renovation plans were made, they were initially put on hold. Following the election of Isko Moreno as mayor, a significant rehabilitation and redevelopment project commenced in July 2020, with an estimated budget of ₱1.7 billion. The zoo was planned to feature new additions such as a lagoon waterfall, big cat and marsupial enclosures, and a restaurant. It reopened on December 30, 2021, and later served as a temporary COVID-19 vaccination site. The zoo fully reopened to the public on November 21, 2022.

Collection and Facilities

Manila Zoo is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, comprising over 549 specimens. These include at least 12 species of mammals, 38 species of birds, and 21 species of reptiles. The animal collection is organized into four categories: mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic life. Many animals housed at the zoo are born in captivity.

Notable former residents include Queen Bertha, a hippopotamus who passed away in 2017 at the age of 65, recognized as the oldest captive hippopotamus globally. The zoo also formerly housed an Asian female elephant named Ma'ali (Vishwama'ali), who died in November 2023 and was a significant attraction due to her long period of isolation. Her taxidermized remains are now displayed at the zoo's entrance. Among its current principal animals is a White Siberian Tiger named Kois.

Beyond its animal exhibits, the Manila Zoo features a Botanical Garden that cultivates over 10,000 plants. Other facilities include an Animal Museum, Zoo Lagoon, Sewage Treatment Plant, Butterfly Garden, Children's Park, and an Outdoor Reptile area. Former facilities included a Habitat Environment Adjustment Area and a Wildlife Rescue Center, both of which were permanently closed in January 2019. The Kinder Zoo, a child-friendly interactive area, also ceased operations on the same date.