The Manila Zoo - Philippines

Long recognized as one of the major tourist attractions in the Philippines, the Manila Zoo can be the perfect place to take your friends or family, presenting as it does a wide variety of animals which you can admire.

The zoo, whose official title is the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, opened its doors in 1959, and was not just the very first of its kind in the country but also in Asia. Since that time, several animals have been added, making it one of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines.

There are currently over 800 animals in the zoo, derived from over a hundred species. These include over 30 types of mammals, over a dozen bird variants and more than 60 kinds of reptiles and snakes. Among the most popular attractions there are the big cats like the tiger and lion, the hippopotamus, elephant, and crocodiles. There is also an area dedicated to endangered species like the bearcat and the long-tailed macaques.

Other features of the Manila Zoo include the Butterfly Dome, where you can inspect several kinds of colorful butterflies and learn about their habitat and behavior; some animals, like the ostrich, can be approached and petted. You can also visit the fish and even feed them.

Aside from showcasing the best in Philippine wildlife, there are other activities that you can engage in when you are at the Manila Zoo. There are several boats for rent which you can use to navigate the quaint lagoon; there are also playgrounds in the area where the children can frolic and play. When you are done visiting, you can head over to the souvenir shops where you can buy an assortment of items. There are also some eateries and canteens so you can have some food and refreshments.

There are several ways that you can reach the Manila Zoo. One way is to take the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) at SM North EDSA and drop off at Pasay City. Next you take the LRT and go to the Quirino Station. From there you can walk towards the zoo, which is only a couple of hundred meters away at Adriatico St. in Malate, Manila. The admission fee for the zoo is only 50 Php ($1).

If you are still thinking of what tourist attractions in the Philippines to visit, the Manila Zoo can be added to your list, as the facility not only showcases all time favorite creatures, but the complex is always being upgraded so you can look forward to many happy return visits.