Manila Zoo, officially known as the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, is one of the most historic zoos in the Philippines.
It originally opened in 1959, making it 66 years old as of this writing.
And I went there back in the early 90s when I was just a pre-teen.
Yes, I’m that old.
I remember back then that there was a rhino and you could feed it. In fact it could potentially crush your fingers if it happened to lean its body against the fence with your fingers between it.
If I’m not mistaken, there was also a sour-tempered camel that kept on baring its teeth at the visitors. And of course, Ma’ali the elephant who unfortunately died in 2023 before we were able to visit due to the pandemic.
I went back when I had the chance in the early 2000s but just got depressed when I saw empty cages, dirty animals, even dirtier surroundings and people who were just there on a date because they could hide from the outside world while doing lots of public displays of affection.
I didn’t even go around and just left the zoo immediately.
I thought I’d never go back.
Fast-forward 20 years later and I visited the Manila Zoo and was happy to see just how far it’s come from when I last visited. And I’m super glad that my family gets to enjoy a revitalized iconic zoo that looks like it’ll be able to serve another 50 or more years to come.
Before we Continue, Please Read the Guidelines:
(I just copied it directly from their site)
GUIDELINES
The Manila Zoo under Public Recreations Bureau (PRB) has created a set of rules and guidelines for the safety and welfare of both our guests and the animals.
Please obey all rules, guidelines and posted signs throughout the Zoo premises.
- RESPECT THE ANIMALS
- DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS
- NO SMOKING
- NO LITTERING
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINKS ALLOWED
- PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE ZOO PREMISES
- BALLOONS AND ALL KINDS OF TOYS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE
- CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES
- DO NOT PLUCK THE FLOWERS
- DO NOT STEP ON THE GRASS
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MANILA ZOO
Got it?
Good!
Don’t be hard-headed. Huwag matigas ang ulo, sunod lang tayo and Enjoy!
First, How to Get to Manila Zoo
Manila Zoo is conveniently located in Malate, Manila, near Quirino Avenue and Adriatico Street. Here are some ways to reach the zoo:
By Public Transport:
- From Quezon City: Take an LRT-1 train and get off at Quirino Station. From there, you can take a short jeepney or tricycle ride to the zoo.
- From Makati: Ride a jeepney or bus bound for Taft Avenue and alight near Quirino Avenue, then walk or take a tricycle to the zoo.
- From Pasay: Take a jeepney or bus going toward Manila and get off near Quirino Avenue, then proceed on foot or via tricycle.
By Private Vehicle:
- Set your GPS to “Manila Zoo, M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila.”
- The zoo has designated parking areas for visitors, though it may fill up quickly during peak hours.
Operating Hours
- Daily: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Mondays – Holidays: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- The zoo is open all week, including holidays, making it accessible for visitors at any time.
- Adults: ₱300 (₱150 only if you have an ID proving you’re a Manila resident)
- Children three (3) years old and above: ₱150 (Wait, not too sure if I only paid ₱150 for Lyle. Let’s just say I paid ₱300 for him too!)
- Students: ₱200 (₱100 only if Manila resident)
- Senior Citizens & PWDs (Discounted rate of 20%): ₱240 (half the price if with a valid Manila resident ID)
- Children Below 2 Years Old: Free
- Manila LGU Employees/ Manila Teachers: ₱100
Attractions and Activities
Animal Encounters
Manila Zoo offers several interactive experiences where visitors can get up close with animals such as:
- Tortoises and Iguanas – Perfect for children who want to observe and interact with gentle reptiles.
- Parrots and Cockatoos – Visitors can feed and take photos with these colorful, intelligent birds.
- Snakes – A must-see for reptile enthusiasts who want to hold and learn about pythons and other non-venomous snakes.
Notable Animals
Manila Zoo is home to a variety of animal species, including:
Mammals:
- The Lion and Lioness – One of the highlights of our visit, she approached the glass at night, providing an up-close and thrilling view. Oh and there was a not so kid-friendly activity happening because the lioness was in heat.
- Tigers – Magnificent big cats that remain a favorite among visitors. They have both the orange and white variety.
- Deer – Native species that showcase the diversity of Philippine wildlife.
Birds:
- Philippine Eagle Owl – A large, nocturnal predator with striking yellow eyes.
- Hornbills – Beautiful, iconic birds known for their unique beaks and vibrant colors. We had fun watching these birds hop from one branch to the next.
- Peacocks – Graceful birds that roam freely within the zoo grounds. I wish they’d just let them out of the cages and let them roam free like what we witnessed at the Singapore Zoo. Heck, even in Davao, at Jack’s Ridge, peacocks are allowed to just roam around freely.
Reptiles:
- Saltwater Crocodiles – Massive and powerful, these crocodiles are among the largest reptiles in the zoo. They also have several enclosures with these magnificent animals. And because they’re in aquarium like enclosures, you get to see just how well a crocodile can hide itself underwater even if the water is only ankle or knee-deep.
- Monitor Lizards – Agile and impressive, these native reptiles are a highlight for many visitors. They have one in the outdoor reptile enclosure area. And three in the airconditioned reptile building.
- Snakes – Various species, including pythons and cobras, are housed in well-maintained enclosures. There are a lot of Burmese and Reticulated pythons in Manila Zoo. There are also cobras that you would never have the chance to see in the wild because they’re very evasive.
- Turtles – this one is a treat for me because I’ve always wanted to see snapping turtles. In fact, I want one for my own. Maybe in the future when money’s not so tight.
Manila Zoo Dark Secrets and Eventual Closure
The Manila Zoo, despite its reputation as a family friendly destination now, has some hidden secrets.
It used to dump untreated sewage into estuaries leading to the Manila Bay making it one of the biggest pollutants of the said Bay.
PETA also launched a campaign to close the zoo down because of the way the animals were treated. Heck, they did deserve to get closed down then because of how dirty the place was. There just wasn’t enough care given to the animals.
And it finally happened. In January 23, 2019, the zoo was closed indefinitely.
But a good thing happened. It awakened the spirit of volunteerism in Manila residents and a lot of people banded together along with the old caretakers to continue caring for the animals albeit with a lot more care this time.
A year later, then Manila Mayor Isko Moreno made efforts to rehabilitate and redevelop the zoo.
And just one month shy of its third anniversary of closure, the Manila Zoo was reopened to the public in December 30, 2021
The Manila Zoo Major Renovation Under Mayor Isko’s Term
The zoo has undergone major renovations and improvements in recent years, transforming it into a modern and well-maintained wildlife sanctuary.
The zoo covers approximately 5.5 hectares, it houses a diverse collection of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, providing an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Where there used to be open cages with flimsy metal screens, there now are world-class enclosures. They also put up buildings where they can best highlight elusive animals, like reptiles, without it being too uncomfortable for the animals.
Our recent visit to Manila Zoo was an incredible experience, especially for my son, who seems to be fascinated by reptiles.
This was his second time visiting, and it confirmed my suspicion that he was not scared of these creatures. So, I may have to educate him not to touch reptiles in the wild because they might be dangerous. We currently have a few cobras running wild in my wife’s farm.
The improvements to the zoo made our trip even more memorable, with cleaner facilities, well-designed enclosures, and an overall better experience for both visitors and the animals.
There was always something interesting right around the corner and people basically were free to walk wherever they wanted, save for a few places that had a clearly marked no entry sign.
We stayed until dark, which gave us the rare opportunity to see the lioness up close when she walked right up to the glass, creating an unforgettable moment. I even placed my hand against the glass just to see how small it was compared to the big cat’s massive head.
Remembering Ma’ali the Elephant
One of the most well-known residents of Manila Zoo was Ma’ali, the female Asian elephant who had been a part of the zoo for decades. Sadly, Mali passed away, marking the end of an era for Manila Zoo.
As morbid as it is, a good thing came out of her death though.
Her story brought attention to the welfare of captive elephants and sparked discussions on animal care in the Philippines. Despite her absence, the zoo continues to evolve, with significant improvements to enclosures and animal welfare practices.
The Manila Zoo Experience
Our experience at Manila Zoo was nothing short of amazing. The improvements in infrastructure, cleanliness, and overall animal care were evident. The zoo is now more spacious, with larger enclosures that provide better environments for the animals.
My son’s enthusiasm for reptiles was undeniable, as he eagerly explored the reptile house, thrilled to see snakes, monitor lizards, and tortoises up close.
Staying until evening gave us a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal behaviors. The moment when the lioness approached the glass enclosure was particularly breathtaking. What surprised me even more was that Lyle wasn’t scared of the lioness when it jumped up.
Brave kid. Maybe too brave for his own good.
Seeing such a majestic creature up close, especially under the glow of the zoo’s evening lights, made for an unforgettable experience.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Manila Zoo
Pros:
- Major Improvements: The zoo is much cleaner, better maintained, and more visitor-friendly than before.
- Great for Families: Offers an educational and fun experience, especially for children.
- Affordable Entrance Fees: Compared to other zoos, Manila Zoo remains budget-friendly.
- Central Location: Easily accessible from different parts of Metro Manila.
Cons:
- Limited Animal Diversity: Some enclosures remain empty, and there are fewer large animals compared to international zoos. The hyena enclosure for example remains empty and I was looking forward to seeing these strange creatures and see just how big they really were.
- Crowds During Peak Hours: The zoo can get crowded, making it harder to enjoy the exhibits. And sometimes crowds can get unruly. Also there were a few rule breakers, foreigners mostly, who were vaping while going around the zoo. Oh there were Filipinos who were vaping in the zoo too.
- Parking Limitations: Limited parking spaces can be challenging for those bringing private vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Manila Zoo has come a long way from its previous state, and our visit proved how much it has improved. It offers a well-balanced mix of education, entertainment, and conservation efforts, making it a great destination for families and animal lovers.
Seeing my son’s excitement throughout the visit reassured me that the zoo provides an enriching experience for children. The up-close moment with the lioness at night was the perfect ending to an already wonderful day. If you haven’t been to Manila Zoo since its renovations, now is the perfect time to visit and witness the changes for yourself!
What’s your Manila Zoo experience like? Send us an email or comment below!
