Would you want Manila ZOO Shut down?!
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
Philippines
July 19, 2011 6:58am CST
Hello Lotters,
I have been to Manila when I was still studying in the Elementary, we had several field trips to this place when I was a kid. it was so beautiful back then that i thought it was a dream land. but as time goes by growing, am not that excited anymore seeing those animals, some of them are ugly compare before, probably getting old and stinky place.
Now Peta or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been Campaigning to Shutdown this Zoo and probably other Zoo's in the NCR's cities to send animals back to their habitats. I do admire their advocacy and their concern for animals. but the thing is, how can the future children enjoy and familiarize themselves with the animals?
Though I do understand the side of the advocates, I wonder how safe those animals are when they are set free in the habitats. Most specially we aren't really been taking care of our forest in general aren't we? Not to mention hunters and poachers every where in the country. those forest preserve areas should be pack with barb wires and fences if they're gonna put the animals there as a larger area for them to move on with.
What Do you think?
Comment you later
4 people like this
16 responses
@visavis (5934)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
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..
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
Hello Visavis,
Maybe it's better if they are transferred to a preserved forest where large areas are meant for animals but fences are for tigers and lions. probably avoid having visitors and be taken care by the staff there involved. I would feel sorry for the people or the future children who won't see the zoo if they grow up a little bit
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
Yeah, Manila is a City now that doesn't cater those animals, more like a prison there now.
@bhabycatch013 (9150)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
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
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
Hello bhabycatch, I have a lot of memories too when i went there but not as visible as it used to be. It was beautiful once, but the promotion has degraded to the point that the place isn't pleasing to visit anymore. maybe the government should fortify a forest with electrical barbwires so that hunters or animals themselves cannot go through, for animals having a bigger space.
@mantis36 (4219)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
another source of education proposed to be shutdown....
if they only proposed the kind of bill that to prevent Child Labor, if caught, then an imprisonment of not more than 4 years and a fine of .....
what's next, cutting of budget on the Education?
proverbs:
"Education is the key to success"
"The Hope and Future of the nation is thru Children"
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
21 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello secretbear,
Last time I went there, it was all Cement and a few trees and grasses. I believe one cage at a time will do because such renovation can take years. I am sure they have done this already in their previous years, haven't seen one yet though. but i do hope we get to see them. Such will take some time unless there is such a proposal and many meetings to work on. Have a Nice day.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
21 Jul 11
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!
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
I didn't say that these animals should be transferred to Tagaytay. I was merely comparing the zoo of Tagaytay and Manila Zoo, and they take care of their animals far better than Manila Zoo does.
Where to transfer them? Well, they could just declare that they're shutting down and a lot of animal philanthropists could adopt those animals. I know it's difficult, but it's better than leaving them there obviously impoverished.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello Laydee,
I wonder how safe they will be in their natural Habitat. besides, which place do you think they should go? since we don't have place that are environmental enough for people to be able to reached through. you mean why should it be transered to tagaytay? is this you're proposed location? I think it's good but only buses and some peplein tagaytay can visit the place. have a nice day.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
21 Jul 11
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.
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
23 Jul 11
Marcos Highway is under major renovation right now. I believe they are even extending the LRI line. Rizal is not that far anymore, and Manilenyos could have a refreshing experience if they travel to Rizal. Just a suggestion.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello Eileen,
Indeed, we have grown up experience going to the Manila Zoo. unfortunately if they are transfered to Rizal, not all children would be able to go there unless they have Bus services with them. not to mention some families there in malate had been a hobby to visit the zoo when ever they need to. the government and other private agencies should plan to find a place there in rizal and construct a zoo.have a nice day..
1 person likes this
@yallit (3677)
• Philippines
20 Jul 11
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?
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello Yaliit,
Yes, thats the problem alright. they should even try a dry run for testing animals whether they can survive the environment outside the zoo and in the forest. the zoo didn't even try that, maybe they should coordinate with peta to give it a test run of them going to the wild. but the wild has to be fenced and secured from poachers and hunters. Have a nice day
@youless (112591)
• Guangzhou, China
20 Jul 11
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
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
20 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello Ybong,
That's the argument that we should consider having deal with releasing the animals.I will support PETA if they can do something about proposing for a permanent and protected relocation of these animals. so far, all they advocate is to release them with out any kind of solution. have a nice day.
@somethingbig (282)
• United Arab Emirates
20 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello SomethingBig,
I guess you have a strong point here but am not sure about what you mentioned about Manila Zoon being better than other zoos in other countries, do you have proof to compare? you're right they are already used to the habitat and something that should these advocates consider because it's not a joke when you consider transferring them. have a nice day
@xuyxuy (432)
• Philippines
20 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello xuyxuy,
The manager says that they are actually reproducing there, but am not sure about the other animals lions and tigers but they are sure reproducing. I think they should do a little bit more paint job. That's another good solution, and that is to renovate the place for better environment for both animals and humans. have a nice day.
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello Loiuevill,
Yeah, too bad the ones in charge of Subic didn't become the president of the country, a lot has changed every since he's leadership. unfortunately, the people didn't see that though. well, what can other people do but sometimes I feel neutral to this issue, asking myself, where they should go? if they zoos are shut down. have a nice day.
@BalthasarTheRat (656)
• United States
20 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 11
Hello Balthasar,
Yeah, I have seen some of them promoting it with women that has only Bikinis but this isn't going to help at all. they should at least propose something that would make the zoos even better performance in their infrastructures rather than proposing it to be closed down. I wonder what happens in the country follows their advice alone, what would happen to them. have a nice day.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
Yes, they should go back to the wild, I believe the children can see animals even at the different location. I believe time has changed literally.
@angie20 (191)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
Hello Angie,
I had the same thing when I was a kid, but time has changed drastically, it's not the same as it was before though.I believe there's been a lot of expenses being endured, plus they aren't getting a lot of visitors compare back in the past. I believe that all things come to an end, they better put to a far more healthier zoo and bigger like forest.
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
23 Oct 11
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.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
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.
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
19 Jul 11
Hello Jeanne,
There should be a better budget and better protected forest areas where can stay and hire people that knows the place where they can hide and take care of those poor creatures. I've seen it the last time, it was as pleasing as it used to be. but maybe they can put it there in a bigger and good place.