MANILA Mayor Isko Moreno said Wednesday the newly renovated Manila Zoo is all set for a soft opening on December 30.
In a statement, Moreno said that families of 1,300 zoo construction workers will be treated as VIP guests during the soft opening to recognize their hard work in building the facility.
He made the announcement after inspecting the new Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden on Tuesday night.
The refurbished tourist attraction, which first opened in 1959, features elevated viewing decks and pathways, animal museum, botanical and butterfly gardens, and a separate area for Filipino endemic animals.
Other amenities include restrooms with stalls for persons with disabilities, drinking fountains, souvenir shops, food stalls, and a new parking area.
The Manila City government earlier said that it is starting a partnership with the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park for future exchanges of animals and medicines. Moreno added the zoo in Cebu can supply Manila Zoo with wildlife since several species have been successfully breeding in the animal reservation in Carmen, Cebu.
metrosundaily
