MANILA ZOOLOGICAL & BOTANICAL GARDENS

On July 25, 1959, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public. It serves as one of the educational centers in the country where the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the beauty of Philippine fauna and flora.

   

The zoo has 30 different kinds of mammals, 63 reptile species and 13 types of birds. The Manila Zoo also has a "kinder" zoo where children can play with tamed animals and learn about them and their environment. The "kinder" zoo features a butterfly dome, exotic birds aviary, koi pond, a petting zoo, turtle pond, party barn, a hanging bridge, playground, and a flamingo pond. Here you can also see exotic animals like the Kayman Crocodiles, peacocks, Peahen Ducks, different types of chickens from all over the world, rabbits, snakes, Sulcata Tortoises and Ostriches.

  

The zoo occupies 5.5 hectares of land and it houses several endemic and indigenous animals such as the long tailed macaques, crocodiles and the bearcats.

  

In the middle of the zoo, you can find a lagoon where you can take a leisurely boat ride. You can paddle through the waters and watch as the fishes swim from under the boats while enjoying the warm breeze and relaxing.

If you want to grab a bite, there is also a canteen inside the zoo where you can buy affordable and delicious food, snacks, and bottled water. The souvenir shops sell souvenir shirts and stuffed animals and other memorabilias for you to take home after a long day of fun and relaxation.

You can find the critically endangered Philippine Crocodile or what is commonly knows as the Mindoro crocodile or Philippine freshwater crocodile. It is a relatively small specie of crocodile growing not more than 3 meters with broad snout and thick bony plates on its back. The females are slightly smaller than males and they are golden brown in color that darkens as they mature. This specie of crocodile can only be found in the waters of the Philippines and is now under protection. It is believed that there are only about 100 non egg laying Philippine freshwater crocodile living in the wild.

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is the first and oldest zoo in Asia. While the zoo has certainly seen better times, it still holds a place of nostalgia in the hearts of its patrons.

Located along Adriatico Street, Manila, just opposite of Harrison Plaza, the Zoo also has canteens, souvenir shops, boating rentals at the lagoon and several playgrounds that cater to children and tourists. It is open daily from 8am to 7pm. Entrance fee is 40 pesos (less than a dollar) for adults and 20 pesos for kids.

The Manila Zoo is situated within the bustling city of Manila. It is strategically located between Mabini Street and Adriatico Street, near President Quirino Avenue. It is only two blocks away from Roxas Boulevard and is very near a shopping mall, the Harrison Plaza. The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is very easy to locate if you are taking the cab, most taxi drivers know where it is as it is very old landmark.