Mayor Francisko “Isko” Domagoso led the soft opening inauguration of the newly renovated and world-class in the making Manila Zoo on December 30, 2021.

Cloth in tropical architectural design, Manila Zoo is inspired from Singapore’s famous Changi Airport and Night Safari. Director Pio Morabe said in speech that it was years ago when they envisioned a world-class zoo in the country’s National Capital Region. Today, it is still being renovated while animals which will be placed in each sanctuary is still in queue.

Manila Zoo occupies 14 acres of land and is way more different now from its old features and looks. From the entrance, a huge arc with Manila Zoological sign appears alongside with the statue of one of the oldest animal there named Mali. A 47 years old elephant given to the Philippines by Sri Lanka.

Facing the right most of outer area is where the director’s office and other admin staff is located. It is adjacent to the botanical garden and the most beautiful butterfly sanctuary housing five thousand butterflies in all. These butterflies can be bought for public or private events. The zoo has rate cards and accountability agreement about it.

Passing through the arc of the zoo, you’ll see the ticketing booths on the left side and Mali on the right side. There were a lot of sanctuary being prepared for animals like aviary, tiger, black bear, primates, lion and many more.

Walking to the south part of the zoo, you’ll see the country’s national animal; eagle. They are numerous in an enormous sanctuary near the reptile museum and deer’s habitat.

Manila Zoo will not be completed without the appearance of the dancing fountain, children’s hub and first-class bridges that connects other animal sanctuary. A man-made river is still part of the place and remains at the middle of the land.

What’s more fascinating? Manila Zoo can now be open up until 9pm. It is now designed as a night zoo as well. Also, it is yet to be opened in the public once fully renovated.

The soft opening last December 2021 is especially made for the construction workers and their families as a thanksgiving of the Manila local government for their hard work and enthusiasm of making Manila Zoo as the country’s newest world-class phenomenon in the making.

See all photos here.