Paradizoo

Let nature take its stride. This 10-hectare self-sustained farm, even more so than a zoo, I reckon, is located in Mendez, Cavite (a few minutes drive away from Tagaytay city proper). Such a delightful visit for my family. A place where some farm animals are made to roam free, best to begin with a cart drawn by an Albino water buffalo (carabao) for a comfortable ride around Paradizoo.

Being part of the zoomanity group, Paradizoo is a wonderful place to stroll and have picnics for just under P300 a head (children under 3 feet tall are free of charge). This cost includes entry to the butterfly sanctuary and honeybee yard where freshly harvested honey is available in jars. This farm also houses a lush flower garden with a variety of the most beautiful and exquisite flowers you can find, a vegetable garden where you are able to purchase some of the fresh organic produce and a small fishing lake where you are able to take the fish home for a small cost. Apart from that, Paradizoo holds activities such as greyhound racing, animal auctions, gardening, and other educational tours. It makes an absolutely superb experience for adults and children alike.

Enjoying nature at its best, you will also get to meet an eight-year-old 5-legged cow, which I thought was quite incredible. Being farm-friendly, you are able to have a close encounter with the animals by feeding the birds, pigs, rabbits and goat’s, where my son almost confused the animal bottle for his very own; that was hilarious! You can even get the chance to milk a goat and purchase fresh goat’s milk and cheese. Even a fish spa is available if you opt to relax your feet after walking.

Housing a Perpetual Park Pet Cemetery as well makes Paradizoo a little more interesting as it creates an atmosphere of love and respect for the animals within. But that's not all, if you opt to stay for a longer period, accommodation is available - a Log House (with complete facilities), an air-conditioned tent and a campsite where you can rent a tent or set up one of your own, as you wish. This roughing-it-up camping experience at the site will give you the opportunity to see what it is like to live in the outdoors surrounded by Mother Nature's creations. It's fantastic, most especially with the company of young children!

Experience the farm life! Driving from Tagaytay proper, look for the road that will take you towards Mendez, Cavite. It's around a 5-minute drive and shortly before reaching a 7-Eleven, turn left through a narrow-paved road and follow the signs. Paradizoo offers a shuttle service from Manila, as well. For more inquiries, you may call (02) 899-9595 or (02) 895-7142, email [email protected] or check www.zoomanity.com.ph