An interesting tiger, a few slithering snakes, and other exotic animals. Most of your encounters with these animals may only happen in a zoological park (zoo). But you do not have to go that far to get to a zoo. 

Here in Iloilo City, these animals are already in the District of Jaro --- in the confines of a dining establishment.

Hey, do not get me wrong. The animals are not part of the crew (lol!)

They are part of an advocacy that the restaurant operators would want to keep promoting. The establishment owner does not only sell food items, but also the noblest idea to raise the flag for further protection and conservation of wildlife.

The appearance of a Bengal tiger named “Zeus” becomes the life of the crowd.

Jan Delmo, one of the guests, said that the experience wowed him because that was the first time he got upclose with a tiger.

“First time na ganito kalapit. Kasi noon sa TV lang [nakakakita]. Ngayon, sa personal na,” Jan said.

The establishment has a photobooth where customers can take photographs with non-venomous snakes.

Liam Timothy Lagunday, another visitor, said that he is thrilled by the experience because he likes snakes.

When asked why he is not afraid of snakes, Liam answered, “It’s not venomous and I like snakes. It’s great.”

The same is true for Aquiles Cerro who said that some snakes may be venomous but there are those that are not, so he prefers to be with the safe ones.

“Some snakes are not venomous. But some do. I’m not scared of snakes,” Aquiles said.

The establishment has other animals --- different species of fish, birds such as parrots, amphibians, and reptiles such as crocodiles, iguanas, and sea turtles.

The theme of the dining firm underscores Rene Temblador's love of animals along with his fellow Ilonggo friends.

Temblador owns the establishment.

“Ang mga family, madadala nila ang kanilang mga anak at apo. Kahit nga ang mga senior na-a-amaze,” Temblador said.

The management of the dining establishment has assured the public that each animal has a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and that a periodic inventory has been set to monitor the animals' condition and well-being.