Home Manila Zoo’s New Lion Cub Isla Garnering Online Attention

Manila Zoo’s New Lion Cub Isla Garnering Online Attention

manila zoos new lion cub isla garnering online attention

Manila Zoo introduces its newest member, a lioness cub named Isla, on social media. 

On the zoo’s Facebook page, they shared photos of the baby lioness being carried and looked after by Manila Mayor Dra. Honey Lacuna. Isla was donated to Manila Zoo by the Manila Achievers Lions Club, District 301-A3. The Manila Government shared their gratitude for the zoo’s latest member.

“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 zoo representatives also stated that they are still raising Isla, so she will not be displayed to the public yet. There has been no other confirmation on whether she will be joining the other Manila Zoo lions or have her own separate enclosure.

News of the lioness cub has garnered many reactions and concerns from netizens. Some comments under the zoo’s posts, while does have good comments, also come with criticism as well.

“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.



Many also shared their worries over the animal’s overall health and condition. Others took to social media to share their frustration. The majority of their concerns revolve around Isla being given to a controversial establishment rather than a sanctuary.

“Why not rehouse the animals in Manila Zoo to more capable and appropriate sanctuaries elsewhere?: one user stated as they quoted the news.



“I’m sorry but why are we still putting innocent animals into zoos????” this user tweeted. “Even more so Manila Zoo?  I know they renovated the place, but how’s the condition of the animals?”

This user expressed her worries for the lioness cub as she mentioned the zoo’s financial condition.

“Countries who legit care about their animals, please don’t let the Manila Zoo acquire any of them.”

Listed above are just a few of the many tweets and online posts that are criticizing the zoo, as well as the local government, regarding the matter. Many of these concerns came from past cases where the Manila Zoo has been under lasting controversy.

The zoo has been under the radar of multiple animal welfare groups and departments due to its poor setup and inability to properly take care of the animals. Many of Manila Zoo’s animals are neglected and malnourished throughout the establishment’s operations. 

In past cases, the zoo was under fire due to how it “took care” of its former star, Mali the Elephant. Many dubbed her the “loneliest elephant” in the world, which sparked outrage. News of her death has further fueled the intense reaction to the zoo.

While sources stated that the zoo has gone through several renovations and policy changes to provide better care for the animals, many believe this will not be enough.

“All animals are securely monitored to their lovely habitats while being maintained by a group of professional veterinarians,” A representative of Manila Zoo stated.

Source: (1),(2)


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