
Polo Church: A Century of Faith and Heritage in Valenzuela
Polo Church traces its roots back to the early 1600s, when the settlement of Polo — once part of the larger Catangalan parish — gained
Along Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila Zoo, formally known as the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, occupies approximately 5.5 hectares within one of the busiest districts of Metro Manila. Despite its compact size, it functions as one of the capital’s most recognized family destinations. The surrounding streets carry the movement of restaurants, schools, and traffic, yet inside the gates the atmosphere shifts toward shaded walkways, animal enclosures, and landscaped grounds.
Since opening in 1959, the zoo has provided residents and visitors with access to wildlife and curated plant collections without leaving the city.
ABOVE: At Manila Zoo, visitors can get a close-up view of a fierce-looking red-tailed hawk, its sharp beak and striking yellowish eyes on full display, showcasing the bird’s powerful and intense features
ABOVE: At Manila Zoo, visitors can get a close-up view of a fierce-looking red-tailed hawk, its sharp beak and striking yellowish eyes on full display, showcasing the bird’s powerful and intense features
The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened to the public on July 25, 1959 during the administration of Mayor Arsenio Lacson. Construction took about one year and cost more than ₱1 million, a substantial investment at the time. The inauguration ceremony was attended by First Lady Leonila Garcia, underscoring its civic importance.
Conceived as both a zoological facility and botanical park, the zoo allowed Manileños to encounter wildlife and diverse plant life within an urban setting. While it is not Asia’s oldest zoo—that distinction belongs to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo—it has long been described locally as a pioneering wildlife facility in the region.
Positioned in Malate, the zoo sits near Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard, areas frequently included in city tours. Its address on Adriatico Street places it close to Harrison Plaza and Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, making it easy to integrate into a day of sightseeing.
Visitors can reach the zoo by jeepney or taxi from Quirino Avenue, or via nearby LRT stations followed by short local transport rides. Its accessibility contributes to its continued popularity among school groups and families.
By this period, Manila Zoo housed approximately 800 animals representing nearly 100 species. The collection included both indigenous Philippine wildlife and animals from other parts of the world.
Among its most recognized residents was Mali the Elephant, an Asian elephant donated by Sri Lanka in 1977 after being orphaned due to poaching. Over time, Mali became closely associated with the zoo and remained a familiar sight for returning visitors.
The zoo also featured Bengal tigers, various bird species, monitor lizards, and an extensive reptile collection. Several animals were born within the facility, reflecting its participation in breeding and conservation efforts.
Indigenous species such as the tamaraw, Philippine crocodile, mouse deer, and Palawan pheasant allowed visitors to observe endemic wildlife without traveling beyond the capital.
ABOVE: One of the attractions in Manila Zoo is the owl exhibit, where visitors can observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures up close, showcasing their unique features like large, round eyes and their ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees.
ABOVE: One of the attractions in Manila Zoo is the owl exhibit, where visitors can observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures up close, showcasing their unique features like large, round eyes and their ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees.
True to its name, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden maintained more than 10,000 plants. Native Philippine flora grew alongside tropical species from other regions, creating shaded pathways and green resting areas.
The botanical collection contributed significantly to the experience, softening the built surroundings of Metro Manila and providing an environment that felt closer to a public park than a conventional zoo.
ABOVE: Ma’ali, an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), has been the main attraction at the Manila Zoo for years, gaining attention as a long-time resident and symbol of the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts.
ABOVE: Ma’ali, an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), has been the main attraction at the Manila Zoo for years, gaining attention as a long-time resident and symbol of the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts.
The zoo developed several facilities aimed at enhancing visits for children and school groups. The Kinder Zoo included a butterfly sanctuary, flamingo pond, petting areas, and a party barn. A dedicated Reptile House displayed snakes and lizards in specialized enclosures, while outdoor aviaries highlighted bird species. A Children’s Park offered additional space for recreation.
These features made the zoo suitable for both leisure and educational outings.
ABOVE: The green iguana, a large plant-eating reptile with a spiny tail and back crests, is found in tropical areas and can be seen at Manila Zoo.
ABOVE: The green iguana, a large plant-eating reptile with a spiny tail and back crests, is found in tropical areas and can be seen at Manila Zoo.
The zoo operated daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it convenient for daytime visits. Entrance fees were modest, with discounted rates for children, reinforcing its accessibility to local families.
It remained a frequent destination for school field trips, where students could observe live animals and gain exposure to lessons in ecology and wildlife awareness.
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Within Metro Manila, the zoo complemented historical and cultural attractions such as Rizal Park and Intramuros. Travelers exploring heritage sites could include a wildlife visit within the same district.
For families, it offered close-up animal encounters and green spaces for rest. For wildlife enthusiasts, it provided access to endemic and exotic species without the need to travel to rural reserves.


Despite its popularity, discussions about facilities and animal welfare emerged even before this period. Advocacy groups occasionally called for improvements, while city officials emphasized the zoo’s educational and civic role.
Its compact footprint within a dense urban environment shaped both its strengths and its challenges, positioning it as a combined zoo, botanical garden, and public park.










ABOVE: The salmon-crested cockatoo, a lively bird, can be seen at Manila Zoo, where it delights visitors with its playful personality.
ABOVE: The salmon-crested cockatoo, a lively bird, can be seen at Manila Zoo, where it delights visitors with its playful personality.
For decades, Manila Zoo has remained part of the city’s daily rhythm. Its history, diverse animal collection, botanical grounds, and central location sustain its relevance in the capital.
Within the movement of Manila, it continues to offer an accessible encounter with wildlife and greenery, reinforcing its place in the broader landscape of Philippine tourism.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
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