Both animal lovers, my wife and I would travel all over to visit zoos. This is definitely one of our similarities, and something we would like to share with the babies once they are old enough to enjoy it. In fact, we have visited 28 zoos (not including aquariums) from 2010-2017 (this was when we had all the time in the world for ourselves, ie, before kids). We have never visited the same zoo twice, except for one. At some point, I will do an article on my top rankings, but spoiler warning: the Manila Zoo is in my top 5!

In 2012, we went to the Philippines for my 1st time and one of the many things we got to experience was going to the Manila Zoo. We did look online at the reviews before going and lets just say they were not all that great. We almost did not go. We went anyway and we were both glad we did.

If I had any cons, it would be that it is a smaller zoo and not as many animals from what we were used to. Maybe to the surprise of many, the experience we had was still really amazing.

The biggest takeaway for this zoo was the physical interaction we had with several animals. We went late in the afternoon, when it was not too hot. And being a weekday, there was not a lot of visitors which allowed us to enjoy our animal encounters.

This zoo was closed down in January 2019 for renovations or what they are calling rehabilitation. As of writing this article, it is still closed, but with everything going on during 2020 and with most not able to visit any zoos, then hopefully you can enjoy these photos.

The Manila Zoo

Not everyday we get to wear a giant snake around our necks.

Unggoy (monkey) thankfully was wearing a diaper.

Known as a buwaya, this juvenile crocodile is the closest thing to having a dinosaur laying in our laps.

Of all the things to see at zoos, birds are probably our least favorite, but this was still cool.

Mali the Elephant is the controversial star of Manila Zoo. Arriving in the Philippines in 1970’s as a donation from Sri Lanka, she has lived in captivity for over 40 years. Groups like PETA and other animal rights activists have protested the zoo on behalf of the only known elephant in the Philippines. Here she is trying to get out of her enclosure as she plays with the ropes.

Sometimes you forget that this zoo was in the middle of one of the most populous cities in the world.

Enjoy the remaining Photos

Regardless of the negative reviews, we definitely loved our trip to the Manila Zoo!!!

Next Zoo Review will be Avilon Zoo in Rizal, Philippines

Thank you for visiting and please leave any comments, questions, prayer requests, or ideas for new topics you’d like for me to discuss in the comment box below.