Isko Moreno eyes compliance with DENR directives to be allowed to reopen Manila Zoo

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is looking at Manila Zoo's reopening soon after it was closed in January for polluting Manila Bay.

According to a report by Tina Panganiban-Perez in GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday, Moreno conducted an ocular inspection at the zoo and said that he would have it reopened as soon as it complied with environmental standards.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously said that Manila Zoo needed to build a sewerage treatment facility before it could again operate.

Amid the temporary closure, the zoo animals remained under the care of the city government.

"Hindi ko na kailangan malungkot dahil kalugmok-lugmok naman talaga eh. Kung next month ma-comply namin 'yung problema o 'yung requirements ng DENR sa amin bilang local government, we'll open," Moreno said.

He added that Manila Zoo is not for sale.

"We will never sell Manila Zoo. It will be run by the local government unit," Moreno said.

In 2018, the local government earned a P130 million-revenue from the zoo.

Moreno said that a research group has been created to study the possible developments for the zoo and the estimated cost for such. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News