Manila Zoo gets 2 Siberian tigers

Animals housed at the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, or simply known as the Manila Zoo, welcomed two more tigers as part of their family.

Kids are sure to be delighted to see the two Siberian tiger cubs, both three-and-a-half years old, that were donated to the Manila Zoo yesterday by a businessman.

The two baby tigers have no names yet.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Manila Zoo director Dr. Agerico Sebastian received the tigers from businessman William Belo on the 45th anniversary of the Manila Zoo located on F. B. Harrison street.

Put up in 1959, the Manila Zoo was one of the first in Asia.

Over the past years, more species of animals and plants have been introduced to the zoo as it continues to boast of botanical and wildlife exhibits.

"The past generation of Manileños in particular and Filipinos in general, who have fond memories of their visits to the zoo, can now relive their childhood by coming back and enjoying its much-improved facilities," Atienza said.

A tour around the zoo promises to be not only entertaining but educational as well.

Among its new attractions is the Kinder Zoo, where visitors can interact with pet animals such as boa constrictors, birds and miniature farm animals.

It also has the so-called "interactive fountain" and an amphitheater as well as a spacious playground where children can either make use of new play equipment or just run around chasing free-flying, multicolored butterflies and birds.

There are at least nine kinds of birds housed in the Manila Zoo, among them the Philippine mallard, black-naped oriole, crested myna, hill myna, blue-naped parrot, gallinule, spotted dove and the Nicoba pigeon.

The new species now housed at the Manila Zoo were either donated by private individuals, nongovernment organizations or by corporations.

Some were turned over by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

During yesterday’s celebration, the city government led an on-the-spot drawing contest for elementary pupils.