Owned and operated by Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation Incorporated (and also a member of Southeast Asian Zoo Association or SEAZA), this 7.5-hectare Zoological and Botanical Park (presently the biggest in the Philippines and still currently being extended) located in San Isidro Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) in Rizal, just over an hour's drive from Metro Manila, is absolutely worth visiting.
Looking back, Avilon Zoo started with quite a history. The Zoo Administrator, Jake Gaw, at an early age found a huge interest in animals, which carried on through the years. Since then, one animal after the other was added to his collection. In the early 90s, Avilon Zoo was created and officially opened its doors to the public in 2003.
This extreme attraction consists of thousands of species taken from all over the world. Some of the more exotic animals in this collection include pretty flamingos set in their own little habitat and the wild fish called Piraruco Arapaimas Gigas, which are commonly found in the Amazon. We also got the chance to feed these huge-mouthed species some chicken heads (costing P20 a cup). Note that this no ordinary fish feeding, as it gets quite chaotic (yes, I did get a bit wet) with every one of these big creatures snapping for the same chicken head. I have never seen fish this up close that have such a ferocious appetite and could grow up to three meters in size! Then there is the undomesticated yet tame Russian Samoyed, as well as some extremely cute guinea pigs (on sale at P200 each) secluded in their little hut, but with massive space for these creatures to roam around. It was also fascinating to hear loud-screaming and wild noises throughout our walk, which turned out to be some rowdy monkeys! This gave the feel of walking right through the middle of a jungle!
I am an animal lover and have been to countless zoos in my life locally and globally. I have to comment that the Avilon Zoo is truly one of the best places to be for animals, where they are loved and cared for (well-fed and cleaned on a daily basis). I have always believed that every living creature has to be treated with a decent amount of respect no matter how big or small.
As massive as this place may be (you may spend long hours or even the whole day at this establishment), you will never go hungry inside these premises, as there are food stalls, serving hot and cold food scattered throughout. Souvenir shops and toilets for comfort can be found at almost every corner. Among the highlights are the close-encounter photo opportunities with some of the animals. Buggies, trikes and bikes are available for children, as well as wheelchairs for the elderly to roam around the park with ease. The large trees make this park a cooler place to walk around under the sun. Overall, it was a very interesting visit and I would be glad to go back again!
Avilon Zoo facts (taken from www.avilonzoo.com.ph)
Inside the premises consists of large exhibits of more than 3,000 specimens of exotic and endemic animals represented by more than 600 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes and invertebrates and close to 400 species of plants, of which more than 50 percent are Philippine endemics. The Avilon Zoo is one of the zoos in Southeast Asia having the most diverse representation of flora and fauna. This zoo has also adopted the motto: Celebrating Life! This is to symbolize its philosophy, that life is precious and every living creature on Earth has a right to live freely and fully. Avilon endeavors to showcase the Living Creatures that share the Earth with us in all its diversity and splendour; its cycles of birth and rebirth; its fragility and resiliency.
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 8AM to 5PM
Weekends and Holidays: 8AM to 6PM
Costs
Adults P300
Children P200
Below a year old FREE of charge
20 percent off on Senior Citizen card holders
Contact Details
(02) 871-9358