the traveller & her thoughts: AVILON ZOO

Etymology: AVI from aves (French for Birds) and LON (French for land)

Location: Barrio San Isidro, Rodriguez (before: Montalban), Rizal, Philippines

Owner: Mr Jake Gaw (animal hobbyist and administrator)

How to commute:

Ride MRT to Cubao station. Cost depends on the origin.

Then ride an FX to Rodriguez (Montalban) or Antipolo. Cost Php 45

Stop at Eastwood Greenview Subdivision, and ride a tricycle. Cost Php 15/person

ZOO SCHEDULE

Weekdays

8 am to 5 pm

Weekends and Holidays

8 am to 6 pm

ENTRANCE FEES

Php300.00 Adult

Php200.00 Children less than 3.5 feet

FREE Children younger than a year old

20% Discount on Senior Citizen Card Holders

This 7.5 hectare zoo is known to be the biggest zoological park in the Philippines. The Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Inc., which is recognized to be one of the zoos with the great number of flora and fauna in Southeast Asia, has at least 3000 exotic and indigenous animals and almost 400 plant species commonly found in the Philippines.

With their theme “Celebrating Life!”, visitors can have a glimpse of living creatures having their own right to live in this world and holding their purpose of contributing to the balance of the ecosystem. Guided tours and field trips help sightseers expand their knowledge on zoology and botany.

I went there last August 2011 at around 3pm and because it was not peak season (and also the weather’s not very cooperative), there were only a few people at the zoo. However, the draw back is that the animals were in hiding and some, sleeping. That’s why I only got a few pictures. Also, in some parts of the zoo (like the snakes/reptiles area), picture-taking is prohibited.

I took off without any tour guide (just my aunt with me) since I want to discover the place by my own and also there are some posts that provides directions. As you can notice in this showcase, there might be a little or less pictures of plants for the reason that I am more interested in the animals here.

Tracing back to its history, one can notice the owner’s deep appreciation for the world creatures that have been taken for granted by many. I hope his great example of love and passion to animals and plants can influence more humans to value life and the world we live in.

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