Your Independent Guide to Philippine Wildlife

The big cat section also includes information boards explaining the conservation status of African lions and the zoo's participation in the Species Survival Plan. Educational talks run at 10:00 and 14:00 daily, hosted by keepers who have worked with the animals for several years. Children particularly enjoy the feeding enrichment activities, where the lions solve puzzle feeders to access their food.

Photography is permitted without flash. The best viewing angles are from the elevated walkway, which gives a slightly elevated perspective over the main enclosure. Allow about 30 minutes for a full visit to this area.

Hand-feeding sessions are available from 09:00 to 11:30 and again from 13:30 to 16:00. Lettuce and leafy greens are sold at the feeding station near the entrance to this zone. The cost is minimal and the experience is genuinely memorable, especially for younger visitors who may have never been this close to such a large animal.

The savannah also houses reticulated giraffes alongside the Rothschild giraffes, giving visitors the chance to compare the distinct coat patterns of each subspecies. The keepers are always happy to answer questions about diet, social structure, and the challenges of giraffe conservation in the wild.

The aviary is home to over 60 species, many of which are endemic to the Philippines. The Philippine eagle exhibit is particularly significant as it highlights one of the country's most endangered raptors. Guides are stationed throughout the aviary to help identify species and answer questions about breeding programs.

Quiet movement is rewarded here — the calmer you are, the more birds you will see active. The aviary opens at 09:00 and is busiest around midday. For the best bird activity, arrive right when the doors open. Photography is encouraged, though tripods are not permitted inside the walk-through area.

Mud wallowing is encouraged as it serves both as enrichment and sun protection for the elephants' sensitive skin. Visitors can watch from elevated viewing platforms that give a full view of the paddock and the elephants' behaviour patterns. Keepers conduct a daily bath and training session at 11:00, which is open for visitors to observe.

The zoo's elephant welfare program is worth reading about on the information boards near the habitat entrance. It details the elephants' daily schedule, dietary requirements, and the enrichment activities used to keep them mentally stimulated. The program runs seven days a week and the elephants have access to both indoor and outdoor areas throughout the day.

Of particular note is the reticulated python enclosure, which houses one of the longest snakes in the collection. The Reptile House also features a dedicated section for Philippine endemic reptile species, highlighting local biodiversity and conservation challenges. A new section for amphibian species opened recently, showcasing frogs and toads from across Southeast Asia.

The building is cooler than other outdoor areas, making it a welcome break during hot afternoons. Talks are given on weekends at 11:30 and 14:30. Visitors with younger children should note that some of the larger snake species can be intimidating — the reptile house includes a low-light section that some children find unsettling.

The butterfly species you will see change with the seasons, and the zoo maintains a calendar near the entrance. The most common species include the mango emperor, common sergeant, and painted Jezebel. Early morning is the best time to visit for close-up butterfly photography, as the insects are less active in the cooler hours and more likely to rest on flowers.

The garden also includes information panels about butterfly life cycles, host plants, and the role of pollination in Philippine ecosystems. Children enjoy the caterpillar-searching activity, where they can try to spot eggs and larvae on the underside of leaves with a magnifying glass provided at the entrance.

Feeding sessions take place at 12:00 and 15:30, when a diver enters the tank and the larger fish are hand-fed. This is the best time to see the sharks up close and to observe the complex social dynamics between the different species. The tank also houses sea turtles and a giant grouper that has lived in the collection for over a decade.

The surrounding gallery rooms cover coral reef ecosystems, deep-water species, and a dedicated Philippine seas section that highlights local marine biodiversity. An interactive touch pool allows children to handle harmless invertebrates such as sea stars and hermit crabs under supervision.

Food pellets for the animals are available from a vending machine near the entrance to the petting area, priced at a small amount per bag. The goats and rabbits are particularly friendly and will approach the fence eagerly when they see visitors with food. The ponies are handled only by keepers — visitors can stroke them but not feed them directly.

There is a small shaded seating area for parents and caregivers to watch from nearby. The petting corner is cleaned and restocked twice daily to maintain hygiene standards. It is one of the most popular areas for visitors under six years old, and can get busy during school holidays.