Manila Zoo

            Its a spur-of-the-moment escapade.  After work (we work in graveyard shift), the "Vermont Girls" decided to unwind and have fun.  Bored of going to the malls and hitting every karaoke bars in the city, we decided to go on a road trip and ended in Manila Zoo in Manila.

             Manila Zoo was opened to public last July of 1959.  From then on - hundreds of thousands of visitors frequent the zoo.  Manila Zoo, also known as Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, is the first  and oldest garden and zoo of its kind in Asia.

              The zoo is divided into different areas depending on the animal's type.  "Kid-at-heart" as what my older friend always call some of us, we decided to crowd inside the kinder zoo first. Here, we are able to touch and even carry one of their longest and huge snake.  I am not a fan of reptiles, let alone, snakes - it'll kill the last wits remains in me.  But I am not the coward type either, so after several dares from my friends, I finally give in and prepared myself to touch it (Oh, not just touch, they ask me to carry the snake for couple of minutes).  Not that bad - I am still breathing, but no, It'll not going to happened again. Hahaha!  

            Entrance fee is only 40Php/adult and 20Php/children below 4 ft. Residents of Manila will only pay 20Php only if they can show their valid Identification card.  Entering Kinder zoo will cost you extra 100Php but you will be able to interact to different tamed animals.

            When we visited the place, the cages and facilities are old and some are not functional anymore.  I have heard from a friend though, that they are now renovating the place and some cages were replaced and facilities are new and improved.  There are new programs facilitated by the zoo administration to enhance the place's attractions and add different types of animals from different countries through their 'animal exchange program'.  The zoo is not as big as other zoos now in the country but still fascinating for kids for they can roam around and be impress with around 608 animals and around 500 species of plants.  Souvenir shops, picture booth, kiosk, sheds and children playground are also made available for the kid's benefits. 

For Inquiries:
Manila Zoo
Quirino Ave,. Adriatico St., Malate
Manila, Luzon, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (632) 383-6862
                 (632) 522-6179