Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden | Manila

Information

Landmark: Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden
City: Manila
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Manila, Philippines, Asia

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, commonly known as Manila Zoo, is the oldest zoo in Asia and the first in the Philippines. It is located in the district of Malate, Manila.

Visual Characteristics

Following a comprehensive renovation completed in 2022, the zoo now features a modern "transparent" design. It is characterized by elevated glass-walled walkways, open-air enclosures that mimic natural habitats, and a clean, industrialized aesthetic. The botanical section is defined by lush landscaping, manicured gardens, and a central lagoon. The main entrance is a wide, modern plaza featuring a large statue of the zoo’s late elephant, Mali.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila.

Access: Situated at the corner of M. Adriatico and Pres. Quirino Avenue.

Transport: Accessible via the LRT-1 (Quirino Station), followed by a short walk or tricycle ride. It is also reachable by jeepneys traveling along Taft Avenue.

Entry: Admission requires a ticket, which must be booked through the official Manila Zoo website. Rates are typically lower for Manila residents with valid identification.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Opened on July 25, 1959, the zoo occupies 5.5 hectares of land. It was closed for rehabilitation in 2019 due to environmental concerns and reopened as a "world-class" facility in early 2022. Ecologically, it serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for various endemic Philippine wildlife. The botanical garden houses a diverse collection of indigenous flora, including rare orchids and tropical trees.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Butterfly Garden: An enclosed walk-through sanctuary featuring various local butterfly species.

The Reptile House: A specialized facility housing snakes, monitors, and crocodiles in climate-controlled environments.

Aviary: A large, walk-in dome where visitors can observe exotic and endemic birds flying freely.

Lagoon: An ornamental body of water in the center of the park where visitors can engage in boat rides.

Elevated Walkways: Providing a top-down view of animal enclosures like those of the lions and tigers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The zoo is equipped with air-conditioned restrooms, a modern food court (Zoolicious), and several souvenir stalls. The entire park is paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. High-speed 5G cellular coverage is available.

Best Time to Visit

The zoo is open Monday (11:00–20:00) and Tuesday to Sunday (09:00–20:00). Arriving at opening time is recommended to avoid the midday heat. Visiting on weekdays is preferred as the park reaches maximum capacity during weekends and holidays.

Facts & Legends

For over 40 years, the zoo was the home of Mali, the only Asian elephant in the Philippines, who became a cultural icon until her death in 2023. The new design emphasizes a more humane and spacious environment for its residents compared to the traditional cage-style enclosures of the past.