Short of saying that the Manila Zoo is a concern that belongs mainly to Manila, Mayor Honey Lacuna stressed that the zoo stays in the city.
In a statement, Lacuna stresesed that “Manila Zoo is part of Manila’s history. Our history. Our heritage” in the wake of a proposal made by Senator Francis Tolentino to have the zoo transferred to the Masungi Georeserve. The proposal came after Hollywood actor Leonardo di Caprio expressed concern for the preservation of the said georeserve.
“We thank and preciate Senator for his concern for the Manila Zoo… (but) relocating the Manila Zoo is farthest from our minds and not among the options we are considering. It will not be the Manila Zoo if it is located anywhere else,” Lacuna stated.
“We are not even talking about the relocation of the animals and the Masungi . We are not going there. There could be other options, but Masungi is not on that roadmap,” the lady mayor stressed.
She also said the local government had been contemplating the future of the Manila Zoo, especially since the passing of Mali, the beloved elephant which used to be the zoo’s main attracion.
However, the mayor stressed that the city wants Manila Zoo’s future to be a well-planned, realistic roadmap based on sound science and zoo management, and “with due sensitivity to the cherished place of the Manila Zoo in the hearts of Manileños and the childhood memories of many Filipinos.”
“We are actually waiting for the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act and approval of its IRR (implementing rules and regulations) because these will be among the key parameters of the plans for the Manila Zoo,” Lacuna said.
She also bared that the city government is convening a panel of experts to conduct preparatory work, such as research and hearings and receive input from stakeholders as well.
“We want Manila Zoo to become a high-quality zoo …we want a Manila Zoo accessible to Manileños. Masungi is so far away that we are not even thinking of that. First, we want a good study and roadmap done.First things first,” Lacuna stated.”
