Dismal conditions at Manila Zoo hit

While other countries take pride in showcasing their local zoological and botanical gardens, the Philippines seems to have forgotten its only public zoo, with most people acting as if it doesn’t exist at all.

Aware of this development, the Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) is seeking public support for the proper maintenance of the city’s zoological garden.

ESP president Antonio M. Claparols observed that visitors to this old Manila landmark are greeted by uncollected wastes, softdrink cans thrown to animal cages, human urine and animal feces mixing to foul the air and food leftovers thrown in every nook and cranny of the zoo,

He said the monkeys are lice-infested, the lion appears to be begging everyone to end its life, the alligators without room to roam and the crocodiles wading on stagnant, polluted water. Other animals appear to be malnourished or not fed at all, and there are plenty of birds all right, but their flight seem short-lived as they inhale the smog of Metro Manila’s vehicles plying the busy F.B. Harrison route, he added.

Observers claim there are no animal caretakers in sight. A life guard at the mini pond seems to be doubling as a street pauper on leaner days, the ESP head revealed.

On weekdays, the zoo is jampacked with visitors, majority of them children.

While the entry fee is very minimal, the Manila Zoo management may as well increase its rates to give more dignity to the animals. Claparols added that the utter negligence to the plight of the zoo animals is tantamount to cruelty to these hapless animals.

The deplorable condition of the animals at the zoo speaks volumes about how Filipinos love their own flora and fauna. This is as if it is better for people to look at the animals in books and magazines than in real life, Claparols observed.

Maybe those running for public office may lend a hand in bringing back the grandeur that was once the famed Manila Zoo, he said.