‘Manila Zoo stays where it is’ – Mayor Honey

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna thanked Sen. Francis Tolentino yesterday for his concern for the Manila Zoo but said that the zoo, which is part of the capital city’ history and heritage, will not be relocated and will stay in its current location.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan

Tolentino had earlier proposed to move Manila Zoo to Masungi Georeserve, Batas, Rizal.

“We want Manila Zoo’s future to be a well-planned, realistic roadmap based on sound science and zoo management, and with due sensitivity to the cherished place of the Manila Zoo in the hearts of Manileños and the childhood memories of many Filipinos,” Lacuna said.

The mayor reiterated that relocating the Manila Zoo is not part of the plan.

She noted that the local government has been contemplating the future of the Manila Zoo, especially since the passing the famous elephant, Mali.

“Manila Zoo is part of Manila’s history, our history, our heritage… It will not be the Manila Zoo if it is located anywhere else,” she also said.

She also disclosed that they are waiting for the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act and approval of its IRR as these will be among the key parameters of the plans for the Manila Zoo.

The local chief executive said they will convene a panel of experts to conduct preparatory work, such as research and hearings, and receive input from stakeholders.

“We are not even talking about the relocation of the animals and the Masungi Georeserve. We are not going there. There could be other options, but Masungi is not on that roadmap,” she stated.

The mayor highlighted the city government’s goal to elevate Manila Zoo into a high-quality zoo comparable to other zoos here in Southeast Asia.

“We want a Manila Zoo accessible to Manileños. Masungi is so far away that we are not even thinking of that. First, we want a good study and roadmap done,” the mayor said.