Lim to PETA: Find ways to improve Manila Zoo

MANILA, Philippines - The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other animal rights groups should find a way to contribute to the welfare of animals housed in Manila Zoo, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said yesterday.

Lim took exception to PETA’s calls to shut down the zoo and the animals there to be released in the wild.

He said the animals in the zoo are all domesticated and have adjusted fully to their present home – bringing them to the wild would be difficult for them.

PETA earlier said animals in the zoo are suffering and are not being treated well. The group said the animals kept in Asia’s oldest zoo “are denied everything that is natural and important to them.”

During the 52nd anniversary of the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden yesterday, Lim thanked the private companies who donated to the zoo as he reiterated an earlier pronouncement that the zoo will remain open for as long as he is the mayor.

Lim also said he has written to a number of ambassadors in Southeast Asian countries, asking them for animals they could donate to the zoo.