AKSIYON Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno said the city government of Manila is starting a partnership with the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park for future exchanges of wildlife and animal medicines.

Moreno, accompanied by Deputy Speaker and Cebu 3rd District Congressman Pablo John Garcia visited the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park last Sunday as part of his itinerary during his third visit to Cebu province in a span of six weeks.

Moreno was warmly welcomed by the Cebu Safari vice president and chief operation officer Eduard Loop. The Aksyon Demokratiko presidential bet also had a warm reception from some 300 employees, some of whom came with their families.

With the Manila Zoo expected to finish with its redevelopment and general renovation, Moreno said there is a need for the zoo to acquire additional wildlife before its scheduled re-opening sometime in February 2022.

Moreno pointed out that Cebu Safari and Adventure Park can easily supply the Manila Zoo with wildlife since several species have been successfully breeding in the 170-hectare animal reservation.

The Manila Zoo, the first zoo in Southeast Asia which opened in 1959, was closed temporarily for upgrade and renovation in January 2019, especially after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called the attention of the zoo’s management due to lack of proper sewage system.

“Itong Cebu Safari hindi lang siya basta zoo. Initially nag-angkat sila nga mga hayop but they developed. Dumating na sila sa stage na nagpro-produce na sila ng sarili nilang animals. Nag bre-breed sila ng maayos. Syempre sisikip itong zoo na ito pag marami na silang na bagong wildlife. Welcome naman sa Maynila ‘yung hayop nila. Di lang tao ang welcome, we are willing to receive some donations,” explained Moreno.

Located atop the beautiful and scenic hills of Carmen, the 170-hectare Safari Park is a brainchild of hippophile and orchid collector, Michel Lhuillier, together with his business partner, Eduard J. Loop who became the catalyst and the driving force that opened successful ancillary businesses to support the passion of Lhuillier.

Opened to the public in 2018, The Park’s main features for now are the African Savanna, Michelle’s Garden, Gardens of the World, the White Lion Safari and a flora walking trail that showcases 1 million different variations of orchids.

The Park also caters to adventure seekers with its very own Adventure Park which features one of the longest and highest Ziplines in the country at 1.3 kms. long and 671 m. above sea level.

The Park’s future plans include; bringing the arctic regions to the country with penguins and other winter animals, a 60-room family style hotel for those who would like to spend extended days inside the safari and finally seven adventure park rides that will need physical stamina to endure.

During his visit, Moreno and Loop exchanged T-shirts bearing the logos of their respective zoos. Congressman Garcia was also given a Manila Zoo T-shirt.

“This exchange of T-shirt is symbolic. This symbolizes the start of a relationship between Cebu Safari and Manila Zoo. Hopefully magtagumpay sila na mapalaganap ‘yung maraming hayop para mag enjoy naman ‘yung mga bisita at the same time kami na magre-recover kasi pag gawa na ‘yung pasilidad, so luluwag na at kailangan namin ng extra animals,” Moreno pointed out.

With both the cities of Cebu and Manila having commonalities like being the two oldest cities in the country and having strong devotion to the Sto. Nino, Moreno said it is only fitting that they build a relationship in developing and promoting both their animal sanctuaries.

“So, the future of Manila Zoo and the future of Cebu Safari is looking bright. Alam ninyo ang daming commonality ng Cebu at Manila. Pareho kami ng patron, ang Sto. Nino sa Tondo at Sto. Nino de Cebu. Tapos parehong matandang syudad ang Cebu at Maynila. Tapos pareho kaming may zoo, so eto ngayon may magandang exchange.” Moreno said.

Moreno said with Manila being a highly-urbanized city, “engaging and building relationships” with other localities all over the country can bring better things for each and everyone.

“And we are looking forward. Today is the day. In fact, nangangarap nga ako na someday ‘yung sa Bohol. Mahirap lang alagaan at di pa namin alam. Ayaw lang namin biglain lang ‘yung Tarsier,” Moreno said.

During his visit to the safari and theme park, Moreno took the opportunity to congratulate its owners for not closing down the facility and continue giving salary and benefits to their employees despite their business also being heavily affected by the pandemic. He said that is the main reason why he also visited the place.

“Because I wanted to confirm na meron pa rin pa pala talagang mga mabubuting negosyante. Kasi there is a story here, sarado lahat, tiklop ang negosyo. Eto, dito pinuhunan nila ang mga empleyado nila. Tuloy-tuloy ang sweldo, ang trabaho kahit hindi bukas. Para sa akin, magandang inspirasyon ‘yun sa kapwa Pilipino. It’s not always about the money, it’s about keeping ourselves together, helping each other. Iyun ang magandang kaugalian ng Pilipino,” Moreno said.