For nearly three decades, Malabon Zoo has stood as a beloved sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Founded in 1989 by Mr. Manny Tangco in Barangay Potrero, Malabon, the zoo has long been a place where families, students, and animal lovers can learn about the wonders of nature. From tigers, lions, and orangutans to reptiles and giant arapaima fish, countless visitors have experienced unforgettable encounters within its gates. With its unique charm—such as naming animals after celebrities—Malabon Zoo has carved a special place in our cultural memory.

However, behind its legacy lies a pressing reality: THE ZOO IS STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE. The COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure, leaving Mr. Tangco to rely on personal savings and family loans just to feed and care for the animals. Today, even as it reopens, the zoo faces urgent challenges—cramped spaces for animals, narrow walkways for visitors, and aging, fragile glass barriers that pose risks to safety. While the animals remain well-fed through sheer dedication, the facilities fall short of what they need to thrive. Suggestions of releasing the animals back into the wild are not viable; after years of human care, many would not survive on their own.

This issue extends beyond one zoo. ZOOS PAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION, especially for species at risk of extinction. Malabon Zoo has the power to instill empathy, responsibility, and love for biodiversity in younger generations—values we urgently need in an era of rapid modernization. Yet without support, the zoo’s mission and the welfare of its animals remain in jeopardy.

That is why we, concerned students from Pasig Catholic College, are calling for COLLECTIVE ACTION ROOTING FOR BAYANIHAN—a community spirit where everyone does their part. 

PROPOSED SOLUTION

We are humbly appealing for:

• GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION through funding, ordinances, and guidance from the Malabon LGU, DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau, and Bureau of Animal Industry.

• FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC through donations to provide food, medical care, and improved living environments for the animals.

• RENOVATION AND UPGRADES to expand animal enclosures, reinforce safety barriers, and improve facilities for visitors.

• FAIR WAGES FOR ZOO WORKERS, ensuring those who dedicate their lives to animal care are supported.

• EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES that strengthen the zoo’s role as a living classroom for students. 

CALL TO ACTION

We ask Mr. Manny Tangco, the Malabon LGU, DENR-BMB, BAI, and the Filipino public to stand with us in preserving and revitalizing Malabon Zoo. By signing this petition, donating, and supporting government-led initiatives, you are not only helping animals live in dignity—you are also investing in the next generation’s love for nature.

Let us not allow this cultural and educational treasure to fade. ACT NOW. Sign, support, and share this petition—because the future of Malabon Zoo depends on us.

“The pandemic has affected all of us, including the countless numbers of animals which have gone hungry and have been forgotten,” said Poe who shares a deep love for animals like Malabon Zoo founder, Manny Tangco.