The Manila Zoo on Monday introduced its newest member, a young lioness named “Isla” in a Facebook post.
Isla was donated by the Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3.
The Manila government said it is thankful 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,” it said.
The Manila Zoo, however, said the baby lion will not be available for public viewing yet.
“Subali’t habang si Isla po ay ating pinalalaki at pinalalakas, pansamantala po munang hindi siya makikita ng publiko,” it said.
Some expressed excitement over the upcoming public debut of Isla at the Zoo, commenting hearts emoji.
“See You Isla! Excited to have you in Manila!! Another elephant naman next please.. Manila Zoo isn’t complete without an elephant,” a Facebook user said.
“Omg! What a cute baby lion,” another wrote.
However, many were not pleased with the latest addition of the animal
Some social media users expressed strong opposition about the zoo’s decision, urging others not to support the captivity of animals.
“If you truly consider yourself an animal lover, you won’t support keeping animals in captivity,” a social media user commented.
“There is nothing to be happy about. This lion does not belong to the zoo. Stop this modern-day cruelty! They need their freedom!” another netizen wrote.
“Bring them back to their home, to the wild,” a Facebook user said.
The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, the only public zoo in the nation’s capital, is home to more than 550 specimens of exotic wildlife representing 13 species of mammals, 38 species of avian, and 21 species of reptiles.
According to its website, it first opened on July 25, 1959 during the tenure of then Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson.
“All animals are securely monitored to their lovely habitats while being maintained by group of professional veterinarians,” the zoo said.
“Manila Zoo also nurtures a botanical garden where more than 10.000 plants are being grown and propagated,” it added.
Previously, the zoo’s main attraction is Ma’ali (Vishwama’ali) a female Asian Elephant gifted by the government of Sri Lanka in 1977. Ma’ali, however, passed away on Nov. 28, 2023.
READ: ‘Please no’: Manila Zoo ‘Mali’ elephant replacement opposed | ‘Maali loves Noel’: Photographer defends caretaker of late Manila Zoo elephant
Aside from Ma’ali, one of the zoo’s popular animals is Kois the White Tiger, a male white Siberian Tiger donated by Zoocobia in 2021.
