Animals in Manila Zoo are not imprisoned, says Manila LGU

The newest member of Manila Zoo, a baby lioness named Isla, will receive proper care and is not "imprisoned," the City of Manila said Thursday. 

“Animals in Manila Zoo are not imprisoned. We are aware of animal welfare and the rights of the animals,” Olan Marino, Manila Public Recreations Bureau (PRB) Officer-in-charge, told GMA News Online. 

This was after the City Government of Manila received backlash upon introducing Isla to the public. 

Two animal welfare groups, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society on Wednesday criticized Manila Zoo for taking in another animal—just months after the elephant Mali died after decades of a solitary life in the zoo.

Marino said that Isla arrived at Manila Zoo on December 15, 2023. It was donated and entrusted to the Zoo by the Lions Club of Manila. 

He said that Isla was indeed separated from its mother, but that “it is a common practice for zoos, in captivity, to separate the cubs from the mother due to foreseen violence of their parents, and for breeding program purposes.”

The Manila PRB said Isla will receive proper care, as their veterinarians and animal keepers are well trained in handling different breeds of animals.

It added that obtaining Isla is authorized and that under Section 11 of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the local transport of wildlife, by-products, and derivatives collected or possessed through any other means shall be authorized unless the same is prejudicial to the wildlife and public health. 

Manila Zoo introduced Isla on Tuesday. She was given to the zoo by the Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3, whose members were present at the turnover. The zoo said they are still raising Isla to grow and get stronger, and will not be displayed to the public in the meantime.

Manila Zoo is located on Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila. It first opened in 1959, then was renovated and reopened in 2022. — BM, GMA Integrated News