MANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Saturday inspected the ongoing rehabilitation works at the 66-year-old Manila Zoo.
Domagoso emphasized the city’s continuing efforts to rehabilitate the zoo. On Friday, the city government received 46 used wooden posts donated by Meralco to build barriers for the zoo’s zebra and other animals in the “Savannah” area.
“Bagama’t 10 lamang ang hiningi natin, sa kabutihang loob ng Meralco ay 46 ang kanilang ibinigay (Although we only asked for 10, Meralco kindly provided 46),” Domagoso said, noting that the donation significantly reduced construction costs.
As part of the rehabilitation project, Domagoso announced that the taxidermy of Mali — the elephant that became the main attraction at the Manila Zoo for decades — will be preserved and transferred to the National Museum of Natural History.
“We have a very good museum. Then we can immortalize the memories of those who had very good experiences with Mali in their younger years, where they can still see Mali in a controlled environment, well protected by our scientists and preservationists,” Domagoso told National Museum Director General Jeremy Barns during his visit.
Barns welcomed the decision, assuring the public that Mali’s preservation will be handled with “utmost care.” With Mali joining Lolong — the world’s largest saltwater crocodile in captivity before he died in 2013 — the National Museum strengthens its collection of iconic animals that have captured the hearts of Filipinos.
Mali was gifted to former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos by the Sri Lankan government in 1981.
