The vice president of Zoo Crew Philippines on Wednesday said that the closure of the Manila Zoo would leave the animals homeless.
“Why call for the closure of Manila Zoo? The Manila Zoo is a refuge for unwanted animals,” Jerry Young told Inquirer.net. “Pag nawala ang Manila Zoo saan mapupunta ang mga yan?” (With the Manila Zoo gone, where will they go?)
This developed after a viral video showing a lion named Rapee, apparently having a seizure at the Manila Zoo, circulated on the internet, prompting calls for the closure of the zoo.
READ: WATCH: Lion at Manila Zoo having a ‘seizure’
According to Young, most of the tigers, saltwater crocodiles and monkeys at the zoo were donated. Some of the pythons that sometimes stray into homes are also turned over there.
Young, who has been doing volunteer work at the Manila Zoo for five years, said Rapee was now under observation and in quarantine.
Zoo Crew Philippines is the official volunteer group of the Manila Zoo, composed mostly of veterinary medicine students and other professionals.
Earlier on Wednesday, Manila Zoo officials assured the public that the five-year-old lion shown in the viral video was already getting proper medical attention. /atm