Cebu Zoo drafts plan for adoption of animals

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu Zoo is currently formulating a plan to introduce the “Adopt a Zoo Animal” program where individuals or organizations can provide support in restoring the habitat of their chosen wildlife animal.

Cebu Zoo Manager Giovanni Stephen Romarate said this strategy would bridge the gap between people and animals and would be an avenue for humans to show their care for the animals.

However, Romarate clarified that the plan is still “premature” and they would need to consult first the Cebu City government.

 “We had this move discussed when we had a random brainstorming so this is not yet sure whether this would be approved or not,” said Romarate, in a phone interview yesterday.

The plan is to encourage individuals, organizations, private or business sectors and companies to adopt an animal and provide support in improving and maintaining the animals’ habitat as part of the “corporate social responsibility” campaign.

One of the purposes of the proposal is to preserve the balance of nature, Romarate said, thus gearing for community interaction.

The seven-hectare zoo currently houses various types of animals such as birds (cockatoo, parrot, eagle, heron, myna); reptiles (crocodile, lizard, python, turtle); mammals (apes, monkeys, leopard, sheep.)

The zoo is also famous for its Burmese phythons, which are flocked by local and foreign tourists due to its “snake massage” service.

Romarate said with the help of other individuals and corporations, the proposal would be more feasible since funds allocated by the City government for the zoo will not be enough to finance the costly plan.

“We are planning to make it open for everyone who would be very willing to help these wildlife animals. Rather than caged, they can help provide a better habitat for the animals, a more satisfactory environment for the wildlife animals,” he said.

With an interactive zoo environment, Romarate said they can provide deeper knowledge on the importance of nature and the significance of biodiversity.  (FREEMAN)