Manila Zoo recently introduced its newest resident, a young lioness named Isla, in a Facebook post on Monday. However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some expressing excitement while others voiced concerns over the zoo’s ability to care for the wild animal.
Isla was donated by the Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3, and was officially welcomed to the zoo in a ceremony attended by Manila Mayor Dra. Honey Lacuna and Manila Public Recreations Bureau (PRB) Chief and Officer-in-Charge Roland Marino. The zoo shared photos of the lion cub being carried and visited by Mayor Lacuna, expressing gratitude for the donation.
“Mula po sa pamunuan ng Lungsod ng Maynila sa pangunguna ng ating Punong-Lungsod Maria Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan kasama ang Kawanihan ng mga Libangang Pambayan sa pamumuno ni G. Roland F. Marino, Opisyal na Nangangasiwa, isang taus-pusong pasasalamat sa mga opisyal ng Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3, sa kanilang pagbibigay sa Manila Zoo ng isang batang leon [From the leadership of the City of Manila, led by our City Mayor Maria Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan, together with the Bureau of Public Recreation under the leadership of Mr. Roland F. Marino, Officer-in-Charge, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the officials of the Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3, for their donation of a young lion to the Manila Zoo.],” the Manila Zoo stated in their post.
Despite the warm welcome, the zoo announced that Isla will not be available for public viewing yet as she is still being raised to grow stronger. “Subali’t habang si Isla po ay ating pinalalaki at pinalalakas, pansamantala po munang hindi siya makikita ng publiko [However, while Isla is being raised and strengthened, she will temporarily not be visible to the public],” the post added.
Reactions to Isla’s arrival have been divided. Many social media users shared their excitement, with one commenting, “See You Isla. Excited to have you in Manila!! Another elephant naman next please.. Manila Zoo isn’t complete without an Elephant.”
However, not all were pleased with the news. Others raised concerns about the welfare of wild animals in captivity, particularly in Manila Zoo. One user tweeted, “Wild animals are not for human entertainment. We need to ban zoos and take them back to the Wild!”
Another expressed frustration, tweeting, “I’m sorry but why are we still putting innocent animals into zoos???? Even more so Manila Zoo? I know they renovated the place but how’s the condition of the animals? Picture picture kayo ngayon tapos bukas di na yan aalagaan [You’re all taking pictures now, but tomorrow, no one will take care of it.]”
Many more Filipinos are frustrated with this move.
As the debate continues online, the future of Isla and other animals at Manila Zoo remains a topic of public interest.
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