Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Botanical garden and zoo in Manila, Philippines.
Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is a garden and animal park in Manila, Philippines, combining enclosures and planted areas side by side. Pathways wind past bird aviaries, reptile houses, and several large mammal sections, while trees and palms run through the grounds.
The garden opened on July 25, 1959, and was among the first facilities of its kind in the region after World War II. Collections grew over the following decades, reflecting the development of conservation thinking in the country.
The garden sits in the Malate district and takes its name from the combined layout, where zoology and botany sections stand side by side. Families often bring children here to show them animals up close while walking under shaded trees.
The grounds open daily and offer wide paths plus seating under trees where people can rest between sections. Families often come on weekends and bring blankets for picnics, with shade helpful during the hot hours of the day.
An Asian elephant named Mali arrived as an orphan from Sri Lanka and grew up here over several decades. Many locals remember seeing her during school visits, giving her a special place in public memory.
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