The first zoo in Asia is losing its grandeur

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, or simply known as the "Manila Zoo", had opened its doors to the public on July 25, 1959.

Being the first zoo to be built in Asia, the Manila Zoo already provides a legacy of world-class entertainment and education to generations of adults and children alike, whereby the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the animals.

Located on a 5.5-hectare land in Malate, Manila, the zoo consists of about 500 animals, composing of more than a hundred species with 30 variety of mammals, 63 reptiles, and 13 types of birds.

Last Easter Sunday, I went to visit the zoo for no apparent reason; but I guessed, it's more of boredom. During those times, I was craving for something new aside from going to malls.

After 26 long years, I found myself wandering about the zoo. And I was saddened by what I saw and discovered. This is not the same Manila Zoo that I've known when I was just a 10-year old kid. The place is somewhat a mess with too many vendors roaming around. A sight and smell of garbage can be sensed in every nook and cranny. Seeing the lone elephant is heart-breaking because elephants are family-oriented and they love having companions. And to add to my disappointment is the disappearance of a number of popular zoo fixtures. Imagine a zoo with no lions, giraffes, rhinoceroses, leopards, gorillas, kangaroos and chimpanzees? I'm pretty sure that your day in a zoo wouldn't be complete without catching a glimpse of these marvelous animals.

The Philippine government has to act fast and bring back the glory of the first zoo in Asia. Drastic measures must be taken to improve the place and the living conditions of the zoo's denizens. If there's a need for additional funding or privatizing the zoo, then do so by all means. Lives of the animals, and also plants, are at stake here! The more the situation worsens, the more we prolong the agony of these lovely creatures.