Zoobic safari in Subic

Zoobic Safari Corp., a member of the Yupangco Group of Companies, has joined hands with Subic bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to develop a 17-hectare forest land into an animal kingdom.

The P100-million project, dubbed as "Zoobic Safari," forms part of the 50-hectare "Forest Adventure" being developed inside the world-class Subic Bay Freeport.

The newest animal theme park in town will be opened to the public by November this year.

In line with the project, Zoobic Safari Corp. formed the Zoobic Safari Foundation which is currently accepting any form of donation (animal or cash donation) or support related to wildlife conservation and preservation.

"Donors are welcome to contribute any support for this interesting project. Potential partners can also come in to the project by being a sponsor in developing a specific portion of Zoobic Safari," Residence Inn general manager Delia de Jesus said.

De Jesus said Zoobic Safari is a product of two years of conceptualization which eventually led to the recent signing of a 25-year lease contract between Zoobic Safari Corp. and SBMA.

Under the agreement, SBMA will provide all the animals enclosures as well as about (11) 200 square-foot bunkers to be used as a venue for different animal attractions within the zoo project. Zoobic Safari Corp., on other hand, will be in-charge of operations and management of all the animals. Right now, there are still nine undeveloped bunkers in the site.

"SBMA would like to make productive use of the well-preserved forest land inside Subic instead of being left idle. Aside from the revenues that it could bring, SBMA believes that the project can spur investments by attracting both local and foreign visitors/tourists not only into Subic but also in the Philippines," De Jesus said.

De Jesus said for the part of Residence Inn group, Zoobic Safari could be part of their endeavor to expand their network. "We want to reach out to more people to have a close encounter with exotic and indigenous animals. We have a lot to offer apart from our other existing Residence Inn projects.

Zoobic Safari is part of residence Inn’s chain of zoo-cum-resort businesses. At present, the company operates residence Inn Tagaytay and Safari de Oro in Bukidnon. These two existing zoo/resort sites are being used as venue for educational trips, family outings and gatherings and company functions. The group also runs the Residence Inn Blu Bianco Hotel located in Clarkfield, Pampanga which has 46 Safari-inspired rooms, an ideal venue for seminars.

At its best, the Zoobic Safari will feature a Tiger Safari, a Petting Zoo, a Crocodile Farm, a Snowbic, a Serpentarium, a Picnic ground, Tree house, a Coffee Shop and a Safari Village.

The Tiger Safari, one of the highlights of the park, will showcase more than a dozen of deep golden-eyed tigers. The Residence Inn group has its own tiger cubs breeding facility.

The Petting Zoo will allow visitors to have a wonderful time with diverse exotic animals roaming and frolicking in their natural habitat. Not to mention the exhilarating sight of colorful birds and other exotic animals.

The Crocodile Farm will put on view the thick-skinned long-bodied carnivorous reptiles of the tropical waters while the Serpentarium, as its name suggests, will present a wide array of snake breeds.

Snowbic will feature non-living animals in the temperature zone in a winter setting.

The Safari-inspired picnic cottages can be rented out to guests so they can savor the sumptuous meal being offered at the Coffee Shop while enjoying the view of serene forest terrains and well-trimmed grasslands.

The Safari Village, which will be opened in the first half of 2004, will offer 12 cottages with five-star amenities, perfect for families and groups who would want to stay overnight in the theme park.

Unlike the African Safari where travelers and explorers use open land rovers, land cruisers or minivans, Zoobic Safari offers a unique ride-authentically Pinoy style with its "Safari Jeep" which comes in an enticing look and painted in tiger-inspired golden stripes.

With the help of highly-trained Aeta driver/guide, the Safar Jeep will treat guests to an exciting journey around the well-kept Ilanin forest, a former US Naval facility inside Subic which is now being transformed into an animal kingdom.

Another treat from Zoobic Safari is the "Safari Club" one-year special discount promo. Residence Inn’s patrons of both Tagaytay Residence Inn and Zoobic Safari can avail of two exciting discount packages under the Cub and Tiger Plans at only P1,990 and P2,990, respectively.