Manila City officials countered the suggestion of Senator Francis Tolentino to transfer The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, or simply known as Manila Zoo, to Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal.
In a statement, Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan stated that the zoo’s relocation outside of Manila is not on their roadmap, as it plays a vital role in the memories and childhoods of Manileños and other Filipinos.
"It will not be the Manila Zoo if it is located anywhere else,” Mayor Lacuna said.
Although they thanked and acknowledged Senator Tolentino’s concern, they stressed on how they want the zoo to remain in the city, as not everyone has the capacity to see the animals at Masungi. Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto also agreed on maintaining the zoo to be an accessible tourist attraction.
The city government has improved the zoo’s features and facilities, installing new enclosures, water filtration system, and a state-of-the-art sewerage treatment plant for the animals. Moreover, the city is awaiting the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act and its implementing rules and regulations, which would serve as the key parameters of their plan for Manila Zoo.
“We also intend to convene a panel of experts to conduct preparatory work, such as research and hearings, and receive input from stakeholders. We are not even talking about the relocation of the animals and the Masungi Georeserve. We are not going there. There could be other options, but Masungi is not on that roadmap,” she said.
