Modern zoo and theme park planned for Manila

MANILA, Philippines — If things work out as planned, Manila will soon have a new and modern zoo and theme park at no cost to the city government. Mayor Alfredo S. Lim said he has directed parks and recreation bureau chief Deng Manimbo to thresh out the details of the plan with Okamoto Company, Ltd., which is said to have been building theme parks in various parts of Japan. Under the agreement, the Japanese group will be putting up a park complete with rides on the 4,000 square-meter lot fronting the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden and half of the revenue to be generated from admission fees will go to the city. Manimbo said in a press statement that the city’s share will be used to finance the needs of the Manila Zoo, including whatever rehabilitation has to be done there. Lim hoped the new park would be open to the public before the yearend. As planned, Lim said, a particular day of the week will be designated for free admission for the poor residents of Manila t"o give the less privileged a chance to experience the new recreational park without any expense on their part." “Senior citizens will also be entitled to the discounts due them under the law," Lim said. Part of the plan is to have a footbridge built to connect the new park to the adjacent Paraiso ng Batang Maynila, which will also be converted into a modernized park. A ride with an overview of the entire park and the zoo will also be put in place to provide the visitors with an idea of what’s in store inside. Lim said the theme park will bear a new name but he assured the public that the words “Manila Zoo" will be retained. - GMANews.TV