Wildlife park soon to open in Clark

MANILA, Philippines - State-run Clark Development Corp. (CDC) said yesterday a P135-million wildlife park would soon rise in Clark that is expected to further boost tourism in the economic zone.

CDC said it has signed a contract with Global Zoo and Theme Park Alliance Inc. (GZTPAI) for the lease of a 20-hectare site where a zoo project will be developed.

Aside from serving as a haven for wildlife animals, CDC said the zoo project also includes a provision for the establishment of a theme park not limited to rides, as well as adventure facilities and other recreational and commercial activities.

CDC president Arthur Tugade said the wildlife park is slated to soft open next year or within the next 12 months upon the issuance of occupancy permit by the CDC and other permits that must be sought by GZTPAI from other government and regulatory bodies involved in zoo operations.

Tugade said the project is expected to employ about 140 workers in the next five years.

GZTPAI president Romeo Siccion, meanwhile, said his group chose Clark for the zoo project because of its sound business climate as well as to capitalize on its fast-growing tourism industry.

Siccion said his vision for the zoo is “to create a place where love for animals could be advocated and shared to others, and to educate Filipinos about wildlife conservation.”

Siccion, who is also currently president of Zoo World Inc., a member of the Philippine Zoos Association and Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums, has a private collection of tigers since 2007, including some imported species of birds, reptiles and other small animals which are in a mini-zoo he established in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.