ENTRY to the Manila Zoo remains free until such time that it is already fully functional.
This announcement was made by Presidential aspirant, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, as he urged those who have children aged five to 11 to bring their kids there for vaccination too.
“Pabakunahan ninyo ang mga anak ninyo sabay pasyal, para di na kayo magastusan. Libre, maaliwalas. Welcome po kayo sa Maynila,” Moreno said, as he also announced that the vaccination inside the zoo premises continues under an “open policy,” where even those not residing in Manila may avail of the shots being given there.
Moreno congratulated and thanked Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Manila Health Department chief Dr. Poks Pangan and Parks and Recreation Bureau director Pio Morabe for the very orderly conduct of vaccination of the said age group inside the New Manila Zoo.
Citing a report from Morabe, the mayor cited that thousands have already gone to the zoo, although the animals are yet to be completed. The zoo opens at 8:30 p.m. and closes at 6 p.m. primarily to accommodate the vaccinees.
“Parami nang parami ang binubuksang pasilidad sa loob ng zoo. Kapag puno na at fully functional na, may bayad na kaya punta na habang libre pa,” Moreno said.
Currently, Morabe said the Manila Zoo features famous elephant “Mali”, lions, primates, birds and a white Bengal tiger named “Kois,” a Koi Garden, a butterfly garden, a reptile house as well as resting areas and Instagrammable spots, among others.
The mayor vowed that once completed, the New Manila Zoo will be at par with the Singapore Zoo, describing it as ‘more interactive’ and very modern.
The animals, he said, are encased in thick glass cages which would give the visitors the chance to have their pictures taken with the animals upclose.
Moreno said the Manila Zoo is close to the hearts not only of Manilans but all Filipinos, as nearly everyone has had an experience with the old zoo.
