Peta to Manila Zoo: Lion cub Isla deserves better

Manila Zoo introduces a baby lion named Isla as the newest member of the zoo’s collection and exhibition of animals on Monday, August 19, 2024. The news draws mixed reactions of excitement and concern from netizens. (Photo courtesy of Manila Zoo Official/Facebook)

“PETA, alongside compassionate Filipinos, condemns Manila Zoo’s decision to imprison yet another innocent animal,” the animal welfare group said in a statement.

“Isla deserves better. She should be placed in the hands of experts who can rehabilitate her and ultimately assess her for release back into the wild or transfer to a sanctuary,” it added.

In aFacebook post on Monday, Manila Zoo showed a picture of Isla being held by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and other officials. Isla was also seen being kept inside a cage. 

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna with Isla. (Photo from Manila Zoo Official/Facebook)

“Mula po sa pamunuan ng Lungsod ng Maynila sa pangunguna ng ating Punong-Lungsod Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan kasama ang Kawanihan ng mga Libangang Pambayan sa pamumuno ni G. Roland F. Marino, Opisyal na Nangangasiwa, isang taus-pusong pasasalamat sa mga opisyal ng Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3, sa kanilang pagbibigay sa Manila Zoo ng isang batang leon,” the post of Manila Zoo read. 

(From the City of Manila, led by our Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, together with the Kawanihan ng mga Libangang Pambayan led by Mr. Roland F. Marino, Official Supervisor, heartfelt gratitude to the officials of Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3 for giving Manila Zoo a lion cub.)

Manila Zoo also said that Isla will not be seen by zoo visitors until she reaches adulthood.

Hundreds of netizens flocked to the comments section of the post to air their sentiments on the situation.

Some expressed their excitement and enthusiasm on the arrival of Isla.

“See You Isla… Excited to have you in Manila!! Another elephant naman next, please… Manila Zoo isn’t complete without an Elephant,” a Facebook user commented. 

Meanwhile, some netizens aired their concern and frustration.

“The same Manila Zoo that killed and kept Mali, the elephant, captive for four decades in an area that was [a] fraction of the size of her natural habitat. And now they bring in this new lion?!?!?” another Facebook user said. 

Peta noted that the “widespread public outcry over Manila Zoo’s regressive decision underscores that Filipinos have not forgotten the tragic fate of Mali.”

Mali, the Philippines’ lone elephant enclosed in Manila Zoo for more than four decades died in November 2023. The elephant was brought to the Philippines from Sri Lanka in 1977 as a gift to then first lady Imelda R. Marcos. 

“Manila Zoo has repeatedly shown that it cannot meet even the most basic standards of care for the animals it imprisons,” said Peta.