Moreno taps animal welfare groups to help revive Manila Zoo

MANILA, Philippine — Incoming Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has tapped animal welfare organizations to help the local government improve and revive the city-run Manila Zoo.

“Yung mga animal care organizations can you please come and visit me because I have an idea with Manila Zoo. Naaawa na ko sa mga animals do’n,” Moreno said during a press forum in Manila on Wednesday.

The newly elected mayor also asked citizens of Manila to engage with the local government through its Facebook page and pitch suggestions on what can be done to improve the conditions at the Manila Zoo, which has been in operation since the 1950s.

“I want to hear you. What’s your take as a citizen? Naaawa na ako sa mga hayop. I don’t want to decide on my own. I’m no specialist on animal care,” he added.

The Manila City government previously singed a P1.5 billion joint venture agreement with private company Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden, Inc. to facilitate the total rehabilitation of the Manila Zoo.

However, the deal has since been pending for approval with the city council.

The country’s oldest zoo occupies 5.5 hectares in the heart of Manila and is currently home to some 500 species of animals.

It was also cited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as one of the top sources of river system pollutants that drain into Manila Bay.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: Manila Zoo a major bay polluter, says DENR chief