PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) held a rally several days ago in front of Manila Zoo calling for its closure. They alleged that the animals in the zoo are suffering and not being fed well; PeTA particularly zeroed-in on Maali, the 30-something lone Asian elephant, how the female pachyderm is leading a miserable and lonely life and should be return to the company of other elephants in a natural environment. PeTA’s report here.

Having a soft spot for animals, I have nothing against PeTA in clamoring for animal rights and prevention of animal cruelty. Some of their campaigns are actually very creative, and I enjoy seeing them dressed-up in placard-carrying silly animal costumes, more so with their posters of nude celebrities.

I have only been to Manila Zoo twice; the first time was during my early grade school days, the second time around 6 years ago. While my recollections of these two visits are vague in terms of facilities and the state of the animals’ welfare, I do recall having a great experience.

So with camera in towed, I decided to visit Manila Zoo last Sunday and see for myself if the call for closure is justify.

Maali was about 3 years old when she was gifted by Sri Lanka to the children of Manila. Having live all her life in Manila Zoo and being the “biggest” star attraction, she was well love by all those who visited. Maali met John K. Chua, a zoo volunteer 10 years ago and the two of them gradually developed a relationship of animal and man that can be described as akin to love. Perhaps it was love that leads John to take care of Maali all these time, feeding her, playing with her and probably the only person who can approach her without fear of getting trample.

PeTA focused its campaign to free Maali, citing the small concrete habitat where she lives, given not nearly enough food, her constant loneliness, the need to socialize with other elephants and the possibility of finding her a mate. While all these are ideal arguments and I’m no elephant expert, but from my observation of Maali last Sunday, she seems to be quite contented and well taken care of.

Zoo animals are often referred as ambassadors of their species, how having them on display promote awareness for their kind. While this statement is certainly debatable depends on which side one is coming from, my simple view is as long as the animals are well, protected and care for, it should serve a good purpose.

To many people, zoos were the places where we first get a glimpse of the actual animals we see on televisions and read in books. It is part of our growing-up years that somehow cultivates our love for animals as well as part of our learning process in understanding them. Without a zoo, not only will it deprived our children of an ideal environment to enrich their childhood, but also robbed us of a place for family bonding and generating good memories.

Manila Zoo is iconic; it is a part that makes the city Manila. It is no different from any other zoos; while granted ours cannot compare to other countries in terms of size, attractions and manageability, the essence of the place is the same. Calling for its closure is, in my opinion, downright excessive. A better solution is to partner with the zoo, re-training the zoo keepers, ascertain the well-being of the animals, assist in promotions, and let more children visit the zoo to experience it first-hand.

Some personal observations of the zoo that can be used for further improvements:

1. Put more trash cans and exercise trash segregation.
2. Too many domestic cats. I saw them in monkey cages and ostrich enclosures; the zoo can neuter them to prevent more offspring.
3. Do away with the “wishing croc,” seriously. People just keep throwing coins at it hoping to agitate the animal.
4. Put more signs to remind visitors not to litter or throw their trash inside cages.
5. Train more zoo volunteers. College students can be tap as guides that lead groups, providing more information about the animals and at the same time guard against misdeeds.
6. Re-paint the corrosive metal railings.

All VRs taken on July 17, 2011 at the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph