#6 Cadapan, S.

11 - F
Provide Adequate Care and Needs for Animals: Close Manila Zoo
Most of us grew up with fond memories of visiting he zoo may it be with our family,
friends, or classmates. Where else do you get to see such amazing elephants, playful monkeys,
colorful birds and a lot more. The experience of waiting in excitement to see a lion or a tiger come
out of its cave is just unforgettable. However, have we even realized that the animals we saw on
those visits didn’t feel the same thrill as did? While we termed it as a “zoo”, this might actually be
a big cage for these animals. Zoos are required to treat animals humanely, to provide for
adequate, clean and sanitary establishments but it is seemingly obvious that Manila zoo does
not follow these standards and practices otherwise which is why I believe it should be closed.
The place could not provide sufficient space for all these animals. It is not habitable and
looks very unsanitary for them. The animals in here are also proven not to be treated well
with love and care.
The Manila Zoo is a 5.5-hectare zoo located in Manila, Philippines. It opened on July 25th,
1959. This zoo is almost 50 years old. But you see, it looks like it’s more than just 50. It receives
millions of visitors every year, both local and foreign. This zoo used to be a well-known tourist
attraction in our country. But should it really be considered as one? Are we really supposed to be
attracted by what we see in here? According to Trip Advisor Philippines a famous review site for
tourist destinations, 105 out of 327 respondents rated it as terrible and only 13 found it excellent.
It is said that countless zoos are for rescue animals and for them to be protected, but the
irony of it all –staff members of this zoo are not protecting them.
Zoos also play an important role in education. It will let students see these creatures up
close and personal, which would be a truly amazing experience for them. With this opportunity,
these children will learn about animals, while enjoying it. Moreover, these establishments help
with raising awareness towards important issues regarding animals. This zoo may be qualified in
this one since it does raise awareness to people –awareness that the animals in here aren’t in good
condition. There is no educational value in seeing sad and depressed animals suffering for years.
According to Stefano, a biologist, teacher, and former zoo and aquarium staff member. Who has
traveled throughout the US, said that he observed no educational programs available but only a
few informational signs by the animals or around the zoo. He observed several staff members
cleaning up the grounds of the zoo, but no educational staff members.
A zoo serves as a tourist attraction for families to enjoy in their free time which in turn
brings revenue for the government which can be further utilized for improving the living condition
of animals. Now is the time to realize that it is simply egocentric of us to see these animals living
a horrible sad life while we are enjoying the visit.
This zoo should be closed primarily for the reason that it could not provide sufficient space
for all these animals. In here, animals live in congested place as they are not provided large spaces
which in turn can be very frustrating for animals as they have the habit of living in big open places
besides when many animals are kept in single cage than it can lead to problem like contagious
diseases which is a big risk factor in case of animals. There isn’t enough room for animals to roam
in any manner.
This zoo is not habitable and is very unsanitary. Many zoos are kept in good condition but
not all are kept in good condition and Manila zoo is one. Therefore, the animals of those zoos can
suffer from many diseases and may die due to improper care by the zoo authorities. The animals
do not have adequate nutrition, care, husbandry, or habitats. Empty food and water containers may
be observed in here. Violent behaviors of animals are seen due to poor or no drinking water,
inadequate space, solitary confinement, and harassment by visitors. Some animals had dangerous
material in their enclosure such as rusted metal, plastic food wrappers and containers. (Stefano,
2017)
The animals in here are proven not to be treated well with love and care. The animals
showed neurotic behaviors that indicated poor care, boredom, and loneliness. There was no
secondary fencing so, visitors can, and do, touch the animals, harass the animals, and even go into
their enclosures. Also, visitors fed the animals whatever they wanted. They threw food, hand-fed
animals, and accidentally dropped food and trash into the enclosures. (Stefano, 2017)
Animals should be returned to their own home for them to live along in peace. They did
nothing wrong. The cruelty will end only when animals are no longer held as living “exhibits,”
which won’t happen until people refuse to patronize the Manila zoo. Wild animals belong in the
wild, not captive in cities. So if we shouldn't visit zoos, how else can we learn about these amazing
animals? Animals should be observed in their natural habitat, where they are living the life that
they were meant to live.
In some environments, we believe it's best not to keep certain wild animals at all, as their
needs cannot be met - particularly if the animal is there for entertainment. As we humans say “there
is no place like home”, this is also applicable to all the animals. If we cannot provide the real home
for these animals, we might as well bring them back where they can live freely and enjoy what
home really is.

AdvantagesNDisadvantages. (2018). Advantages and Disadvantages of Zoo. Retrieved October

2018, from http://www.advantagesndisadvantages.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-
zoo.html
Debate.org. (2018). Should all zoos be closed? Retrieved October 2018, from
https://www.debate.org/opinions/should-all-zoos-be-closed [Accessed 9 Oct. 2018].
Tripadvisor.com.ph. (2018). Don't visit the Manila Zoo - Review of Manila Zoo, Manila,
Philippines – TripAdvisor. Retrieved October 2018, from
https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/ShowUserReviews-g298573-d531663-r23800959
Manila_Zoo-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html [Accessed 9 Oct. 2018].