Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso visits the redeveloped Manila Zoo on Tuesday night, December 21, 2021. Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — Manila is eyeing to use the newly renovated Manila Zoo as a vaccination site for minors age 5 to 11 when the national government rolls out the pediatric vaccination by the first week of February.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said it would serve a double purpose for kids, including senior citizens, to get vaccinated and have a preview of the facility as well.
“Since many have been requesting to have a sneak peek of the zoo and the area has an open air, we thought it would have a double purpose for our lolo and lola to visit the place with their grandchildren,” he said on Saturday.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Pfizer vaccines intended for the vaccination of children are scheduled to arrive on Jan. 31.
For nonresidents, too
But as the pediatric group awaits the arrival of the vaccines, Domagoso said minors age 12 to 17 can also visit Manila Zoo to get their jabs.
The five-hectare zoo and soon-to-be vaccination site will be open to residents and nonresidents of Manila.
Formerly tagged as one of the major pollutants of Manila Bay, the 62-year-old facility had its soft opening last December for families of construction workers as its initial guests.
At the entrance, a replica of Mali, the zoo’s famous elephant who has been a resident since 1977, will greet visitors.
Museum, gardens
It boasts of new world-class facilities such as improved animal enclosures surrounded by transparent glass that will allow visitors to get up close to the animals.
The site also features an animal museum, botanical and butterfly gardens with viewing lofts and separate enclosures designed for endemic animals and birds.
“The enclosures and facilities are intersected by wide, elevated pathways where visitors can see the animals and other sights while going around the zoo,” the Manila Public Information Office said.
There are also benches installed in strategic places to let families take pictures or group selfies.
Registration
Domagoso said that the daily foot traffic in Manila Zoo will be limited to 500 or 1,000 people only to ensure that health and safety protocols will be observed.
“We will have a registration and we will also launch a website for Manila Zoo so that those who want to get vaccinated can register there,” he said.
Parents and grandparents of minors could also avail themselves of booster shots at Manila Zoo, the city mayor said.