Mayor Isko to ‘redevelop,’ ‘repackage’ Manila Zoo

Mali the elephant in Manila Zoo. JOAN BONDOC/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — The 60-year-old Manila Zoo will soon undergo a makeover.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said Tuesday that he would “redevelop” and “repackage” the 5.5-hectare zoo located in Malate, and appealed for ideas on how to rebrand the wildlife park.

“Manila Zoo will be redeveloped, will be repackaged,” Moreno told The Source in an interview.

“Naawa na po ako sa mga hayop doon. Eh kung ‘yung mga napa-plunder nakakapiyansa, nakakalabas silang pansamantala, ‘yung hayop namin doon – what 40, 50 years na. Parang ang sakit naman noon kung kayo ang malagay sa katayuan noon,” he added.

He then reiterated that Manila Zoo will not be privatized and sold.

Manila Zoo has been ordered shut for an indefinite period since January after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources marked it as one of Manila Bay’s major pollutants.

READ: Manila Zoo closed indefinitely

(Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)