Despite Manila Zoo's closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the animals sheltered inside the facility continue to receive topnotch care from city government personnel.
In a recent Facebook post, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said the city's Public Recreations Bureau (PRB) holds frequent meetings for the zoo's reopening.
PRB Director Pio Morabe also meets with zoo owners, directors, and trainers to discuss the proper management, handling, animal husbandry, training, and breeding of the zoo animals, Domagoso said.
In July 2020, the Manila city government converted Manila Zoo's horseback riding area into an organic urban farm in a bid to make the facility sustainable amid the pandemic.
The animal waste collected in the zoo is used as fertilizer for the organic urban farm. The vegetables harvested there are then fed to the zoo animals.
On Feb. 3, Domagoso announced that the city government has also established an Aquaponic System inside Manila Zoo.
At least 600 tilapia and catfish fingerlings as well as vegetables like cabbage and lettuce were placed and planted in the said system.
Construction work for the Bagong Manila Zoo is still ongoing. It is expected to finish construction in 2022.