Cebu Metropolis plans to revive the outdated zoo in Barangay Kalunasan as a wildlife conservation and training heart.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A multi-million peso venture is about for revival because the Cebu Metropolis authorities pushes ahead with an estimated P300-million plan to remodel the Cebu Metropolis Zoo into a contemporary wildlife conservation and safety heart.
The seven-hectare facility in Barangay Kalunasan, initially rebranded because the Cebu Metropolis Eco-Park in 2023 beneath then-Mayor Michael Rama, was left idle following its ceremonial groundbreaking.
Now, beneath Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s administration, the venture has been given a five-year growth timeline with renewed funding and private-sector partnerships.
The town authorities envisions the Cebu Metropolis Wildlife Conservation and Safety Middle as a sanctuary for rescued animals and an academic hub.
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Lawyer Gerry Carillo, vice chairperson of the Eco-Park Administration, stated in a press convention on February 19, 2025, that the ability would home animals rescued from the unlawful wildlife commerce whereas additionally serving as a brand new tourism and recreation website.
Nevertheless, this isn’t the primary time grand plans have been laid out for the positioning, solely to be stalled. In 2016, the zoo was closed by former Mayor Tomas Osmeña, with its almost 300 animals transferred to Negros Oriental, amid plans for a land trade cope with the Province.
The world was left deserted till the Rama administration initiated plans to redevelop it right into a wildlife useful resource heart with a P5-million price range.
Following one other ceremonial groundbreaking in October 2023, no precise development happened on account of budgetary constraints, Carillo admitted.
“Kutob ra man didto ang groundbreaking, wa nay exercise,” Carillo stated.
(The groundbreaking was simply that, there isn’t a extra exercise.)
Now, Garcia’s administration goals to interrupt this cycle of delays by securing P52 million for habitat development as a part of the proposed Supplemental Finances. An extra P20 million is allotted to amass animals from licensed breeders and switch rescued wildlife.
Carillo stated that partnerships with personal corporations similar to Waterfront Cebu Metropolis Lodge and On line casino, the Junior Chamber Worldwide, and different organizations can be essential in guaranteeing the venture’s completion.
He cited the town’s gradual procurement course of as a main cause for in search of personal investments to forestall additional delays.
The revised plan consists of an administrative constructing, a multi-story parking advanced, a rooftop backyard, industrial areas, an amphitheater, a crocodile park, a solar-powered waterfall, a 4,000-square-meter hen sanctuary, an aviary, and viewing decks for lion and tiger enclosures.
The town can also be coordinating with the Division of Surroundings and Pure Sources (DENR) to switch wildlife to the positioning, however correct habitats should first be constructed earlier than any relocation can proceed.
To generate curiosity and reintroduce the positioning to the general public, the town is internet hosting the first-ever “Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia Eco Bike and Run Problem” on March 15-16, 2025.
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