Ageing Manila Zoo set for a major facelift

The 56-year old Manila Zoo is set to undergo a major renovation and facelift through a multi-million dollar deal between the Manila City Council and two contending firms who pitched their proposals for a joint venture agreement on the improvement of one of the most popular destinations in The Philippines’ capital.

Known internationally as the home of Mali the elephant, whose cramped living conditions have been the subject of global outrage, the 5.5 hectare site will be temporarily closed when work gets underway.

Although the deal is still being discussed and studied by city officials, Albert De Chavez, Manila Zoo Director said the zoo will be closed for a time as soon as renovation starts.

De Chavez said negotiations are expected to be finalised and ratified by the City Council in the next two months with renovations set to be finished before 2017.

The proposals also include animal breeding areas set outside of the city, with De Chavez explaining “we want Manila Zoo to be an exhibit area and have our sanctuary or breeding area outside Manila.

“At the moment, this is also where we breed our animals but we are hoping for a breeding facility which is twice or thrice the size of Manila Zoo.”

One of the highlights of the new Manila Zoo would be a walk-in aviary where visitors can get close to various kinds of birds flying freely in a huge enclosed space instead of being housed in small cages.

Constructed in 1959, Manila Zoo is home to over 1,000 thousand animals belonging to 90 species including a Bengal tiger, Malayan civet, monitor lizard, hippopotamus and the 41-year old Mali.

It also houses a small botanical garden with lush trees and flowering plants.

De Chavez added that, in its present state, the Zoo is overcrowded as its conservation areas or breeding facilities is also housed in the 5.5 hectare lot.

According to De Chavez, at present, the Zoo’s management can only implement minor changes in the Zoo such as repairs and repainting of cages and other structures so it could conserve resources and wait for the major overhaul.

The refurbished Zoo also plans to include an improved living area for Mali.

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