Manila Zoo rehab continues amid pandemic

The rehabilitation of the Manila Zoo is still ongoing amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

The Manila City government has allotted P1.7 billion for the project.

In January 2019, former Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the zoo's temporary closure after it was identified as one of the major pollutants of Manila Bay by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for supposedly draining untreated sewage into one of the estuaries leading to the body of water.

Meanwhile, the zoo’s reopening has yet to be finalized.

Public Recreation Bureau Manila officer-in-charge Alipio Marabe said they will add more animals to the zoo so that more people will want to visit.

“After 60 years, ngayon lang ulit gagawin ang zoo. Ngayon, ia-update na natin, Southeast Asian standard. Sasabay na tayo doon. Mawawala na ‘yong mga bakal, more on salamin na lang tayo ngayon,” Marabe said.

They are also planning to get more staff, trainers, curators and zoo keepers.

However, Marabe said the entrance fee will also increase due to the rehabilitation.

“Ang ibang mga zoo, nagra-range na sa P300 to P600 ang entrance so hahabulin namin ‘yon, at the same time, papasok dito ‘yong mga marketing strategy,” he said.

The zoo has been a frequent stop of field trips for students. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News