Manila Zoo hikes entrance fee; more animals to be added soon

Entrance free in the city-run Manila Zoo has increased by 60 percent, with more animal attractions set to be added soon.

Manila Zoo administration started implementing the new entrance fee rate last Jan. 15. For non-Manila residents, entrance fee went up to P100 from P40, while for city residents, it went to P60 from P20.

Interviewed on GMA News TV's “News To Go” on Thursday, Manila Parks and Recreation Bureau director James Albert Dichaves said among the animals to be added to the zoo are white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygery).

He said aside from acquiring new animals, the additional funds from the entrance fee increase will be used in the renovation and maintenance of the facilities and overall beautification of the 5.5-hectare park.

“Manila Zoo, being an educational place or an educational spot here in Manila, gusto rin namin ma-cater 'yung educational purpose niya, which is talagang ma-educate 'yung mga bata tungkol sa mga animals o sa iba't ibang klase ng mga animals,” Dichaves said.



Dichaves said the increase is reasonable given the improvements in their facilities. Among the latest attractions of the zoo are the animal-feeding and photobooth areas.

“Ang purpose natin is makalikom ng kaukulang pondo para ma-acquire nating itong mga animals na ito... at yung itinaas naman natin na from P40 to P100, kung ikukumpara mo sa ibang mga zoo, pinakamababa pa rin tayo,” he said.

Visitors, however, expressed varying opinions on the increase.

“Ok lang masaya, kaso ang gastos. Butas ang bulsa!" said Belen Gonzales.

Another zoogoer, Jenny Catarjan, said: “Okay lang, kasi ginagamit naman dito [Manila Zoo] yung pera. Dati na kami pumupunta dito kaya alam namin yung laki ng pinagbago.”

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), meanwhile, expressed opposition on Manila Zoo's plan to acquire more animals and urged the zoo administration to rather channel its resources in improving its facilities. 

“Kung gusto nila ayusin ang zoo, ayusin nila ngayon base sa sitwasyon ngayon. Bigyan muna ng priority 'yung mga hayop na nakakulong ngayon doon kesa magdagdag pa,” said PETA Asia special projects coordinator Jana Sevilla. — Elizabeth Marcelo/KBK, GMA News