Would you want Manila ZOO Shut down?!

Since I grown up in the province my first place in Manila dream to reach are Luneta Park and Manila Zoo so that when I reach there 1975 it can say dream come true. But years passing by a lot of changes happened those places like Manila Zoo is became a victim of human careless and corruption... But we cannot blame those people having advocasy to preserved those animals..

hi LK, I have lots of memory at Manila Zoo but I understand their advocacy if the Manila Zoo administration just take care the animals properly and they know how to maintained the place it is fine. But the last time we visited the place it's not like the same happy mylotting

Hi! I'm sure PETA would propose an evacuation place for the animals that is safe and practically resembles the natural habitat of those animals. We may not have that (although I think we still have virgin forests somewhere) but other countries may have that. And PETA is an international organization, they have large fundings and they will be able to export these animals to other countries. Why would they even place those animals in a dangerous place where hunting is rampant? Their fight for the animal rights would be useless if they do that. However, I do agree that shutting down Manila Zoo is not the answer to the problem. Manila Zoo has been there for a long time and has provided educational field trips for school which I think is really good for children. What the Manila Zoo management should do is to renovate the place and improve the habitat of the animals they keep. They should imitate the natural habitat of the animal as much as possible and not put them in cages. Animals are like humans, they do well in their natural setting. Plus, it will improve the health of those animals and might even lengthen their life span. If they are able to do this, I guess PETA will leave them alone. Cheers.

I have gone there when I was young and went back again a few year back, it isn't a good site because obviously the city can't take care of their animals the right way. I think it would be best if they just shut it down and let the animals go back, I think they have a better chance in their own habitat. It's sad how a progressive city like that can't handle their zoo. Why can Tagaytay handle their zoo and not this city? Anyhow, still I think it would be best if they shut it down. Have a great MyLot experience ahead!

One of the educational trips I enjoyed as a child was the trip to Manila Zoo. I was amazed at how huge the elephant was in real life, and how tall the giraffe was, how seemingly harmless a coiled python looked like, and how scary a crocodile could be even if it was motionless. So, in my mind, the Manila Zoo is an essential part of a child's life. It will broaden the imagination of the pupils. But I do suppose that the Manila Zoo had long been neglected. The wild animals do not deserve lives confined in tight cages. Lions must run and roar, birds must soar higher. And Manila is too old a city to provide a healthier environment for the wilds. I say, transfer the zoo to say, the hills of Rizal. The way to Teresa is fresh and cool. Would be better for the animals, and for the visitors who had felt so cramped in old Manila.

The potential problem though if they completely shut down the operation of the Manila Zoo would be the next home of the animals. They have been bred or have been in the zoo for a very long time already. Will they be able to survive the wild? What about those animals that can't be found in the Philippines? Where would they release them to? For example, the elephants or even lions and tigers, where would they release those animals?

I haven't been to Manila zoo yet. However, I think it is still good that the zoos will be available in the main cities. As the children in the cities hardly see real animals. It is a good experience for them to see them in the zoo. They shall learn something from it. I know that it is better for the animals to live in the nature. But since they have been already available in the zoo for such a long time. They can't get used to live in their habitats any more. They don't know how to live by themselves because they lose the abilities to hunt. I love China

I think that PETA's campaign is right. They are just doing what they are suppose to do since that is their advocacy. However, it's more like a wake up call for Manila zoo to get its act together and start to improve the conditions of the animals in their keep. You're right, if manila releases those animals in the wild, they won't last that long and would probably be sitting ducks from other animals or from humans, besides, we don't have that much forests left anyway. In the forest and in the animal kingdon, it's survival of the fittest, it's either it kills or be killed.

I am not in favor in closing Manilla Zoo. If you visit other zoos in another country Manila Zoo is far better. If they close down the zoo where are they going to move those animals? How are they going to make sure that those animals will be taken care off properly. It is easy to say to bring them back to their habitat but when that happens what will be the psychological effects to the animals since most of the animals in Manila Zoo are quite old and they are already used to their habitat.

I have been to Manila Zoo when I first went to Manila and I was in my fifth grade then, I was so amazed back then to see real animals like the elephants, crocodiles, tiger etc. As a kid, it's good to know that, you actually see a real wild animal at Manila Zoo. Although they are already aging now, at least as a kid you've seen a real one, just in front of you and not merely seeing then in pictures on books, televisions, movies. I also understand the advocacy of the Peta. Just wondering how will they transport those animals back to their original habitats? As for me, I do not want Manila Zoo to shut down. I guess they will just improve Manila Zoo for the welfare of the animals.

Yes I have fond memories of the zoo, it was just walking distance from where we lived when we were still living in what was "old Manila" in the district of Malate. It's the same old excuse "lack of funds", that place is an earner man, perhaps they should investigate where the entrance money is going, rent for all the shops inside and contributions given by NGO's...., and not give us the same old lame excuse of lack of funds, if they leave it to deteriorate that way, surely they will lack funds because people will stop going there, "ang baho!" (the place stinks!). If they can't manage the place well to make it earn, then give it to somebody who can.. I understand PETA's stand and advocacy, but they should also learn to adopt it "ala Philippines", and not copy exactly what rich countries do cause these countries have sufficient funds and protected animal sanctuaries, try releasing those animals in the wild here and they would just be hunted by ignorant people and end up as "pulutan"(food for drunkards). If there is one compliment for our country, it is in Subic, I've been there in there jungle safari and wild tigers roam vast tract of land, perhaps we could get a cue how Subic administration does it and why they are so progressive.

I have not been to Manila's Zoo but I hope I one day have the chance. I despise PETA's assumptions when it comes to zoos. In general, zoos provide knowledge and research into caring for animals that trancends any annoying sound bite PETA can throw together. If PETA truly cared about animals they would be supporting zoos and volunteering to help protect poached animals throughout the world instead of protesting out front legitimate animal programs. Between PETA and the world's zoo system, I'd take the zoos, hands down, as having done more to promote ethical treatment of our fauna friends.

That's okay with me. Let's put them in the wilds and they will experience Freedom.

I had a memorable memory of Manila Zoo way back my childhood years. I think the petition of PETA is quite commendable for few reasons. First, we question the system of care given to the animals while they are caged. Second, taking care of animals will entail a lot of budget and this may be the reason as to why there is a low presentation of the zoo today. Lastly, PETA is indeed equipped with the strong conviction that rehabilitating these animals will be easier for them. Animals are animals but we have to consider that these animals are domesticated.

hi, for me, i think i would not like to shut it down that Manila Zoo,instead they have to take care those animals,as i remember when i was a kid i was excited to visit Manila Zoo because of different animals but as days goes by,those animals gradually eliminated and looked unhealthy.i think a decade that i never been visit Manila Zoo again.

I am in conflict about this issue. I have been in the Manila Zoo and not exactly pleased on what I saw. The state of the animals are so depressing to me to the point that I might side on the PETA to send them back or give them to people who actually might care for them in more than ways than one. Of course, not all people can actually take proper care of animals. I see your point on the poachers and hunters side. Besides. perhaps these animals would have to find a new habitat due to the land-grabbing politicians, housing projects or companies who wanted more space. I guess it just proves that not all animals are in the jungle or in the zoo.