Like finding paradise on earth

One of the more memorable scenes from the ‘80s movie series Gods Must Be Crazy was Bushmen riding ostriches. Although a way of life in Africa, it was certainly novelty to those used to riding mechanical transport to move around.

But at Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle, inside the Manila Zoo, doing so is possible — along with so many other things as if straight from a dream sequence of a Safari sojourn. Conceptualized as a petting zoo where visitors, especially kids, can revel in the wonderment and delight of interacting with animals, going to Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle is like finding paradise on earth.  

Indeed, any animal lover who visits Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle would think they had just died and gone to heaven (or at the very least, to a small Jurong Bird Park or mini Singapore Zoo and Night Safari). Exotic birds from parrots to toucans, hornbills, pythons, crocodiles, mouse deer, different kinds of lizards, hedgehogs, tortoises and, yes, ostriches can be seen moving outside cages, mingling tamely and trustingly with humans. Soon to come are Toco Toucans, Major Mitchell Cockatoo and Queen of Bavaria conure. These are some of the most beautiful birds in the parrot and toucan species. A pair of Moluccan cockatoos, the cuddliest of all parrots and a pair of alpacas are will soon be mingling with visitors.

It is one thing to look at animals from afar. But to have an animal gently get food from your fingers and slowly eat it beside you, to allow you to scratch its head and even beg you for more just like the parrots and hedgehog… to Ride an Ostrich and tortoise… to have a parrot fly to you … to see the hornbill catch a grape thrown into it, to sit beside or maybe even hug a sheep… to have lunch with a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig… or just be in a well-landscaped environment so soothing so relaxing, such are priceless experiences.

Communing with animals benefits people. Doing so relieves tension, conquers phobia on animals (and even prevents people from having one), stimulates creativity, deepens the appreciation of Mother Nature and… makes for good photo op (think Facebook).

And it’s totally safe to do all of these things both for the visitors and the animals. Apart from tour guides talking about the animals to visitors, caretakers and veterinarians are always on hand to ensure that the creatures are in no way harmed nor stressed out.

The animals at Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle are very well taken cared of that they are treated almost like artistas. All the animals have their own cages or “condominiums” which they retreat to at the end of the day for that needed R&R (rest and relaxation). The cages are sterilized every day using an animal-friendly chemical.

The animals are bathed and fed according to a veterinarian’s prescribed diet. Some who have thick manes get blowdried like in a salon. All are given medical attention when they need it. Animals who need special imported food are given those foods. Indeed, the creatures are treated like superstars that they are at Kinder Zoo.

A trip to Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle also means memorable bonding times with the entire family because of the many activities the place offers. There’s wall climbing, zip line, a traverse wall, and other outdoor games that will surely make kids want to go back again and again. There is also a man-made lagoon where you can take pictures and where you can go fishing (all fish caught must be released back into the lagoon), an amphitheater and even a function area that can be booked for special occasions such as a birthday party or a family reunion. Soon a few nipa huts will be added by the lagoon for families who want to go on a picnic. There are talks of a mini pool for kids who would want to swim and a fish spa.

Needless to say, a trip to Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle will be nothing short of an extremely memorable experience. Forget everything else just don’t forget your camera.

Best of all, a trip to Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle doesn’t cost much. It’s way cheaper than other recreational activities including watching a movie and you can stay as long as you like.

But if you don’t like big crowds, the best time to visit kinder Kinder Zoo and Adventure Jungle is during the weekdays and mornings on the weekends. The weekend afternoons get crazy with school tours and regular visitors. Oh last tip, want to go in for free all the time?… ask to be a volunteer.