Confining lioness cub in Manila Zoo draws flak

Metro Manila, Philippines – Manila Zoo introduced a lioness cub named Isla among its featured animals, receiving mixed comments on social media.

The Manila Achievers Lions Club gave the cub to the zoo management.

“[H]abang si Isla po ay ating pinalalaki at pinalalakas, pansamantala po munang hindi siya makikita ng publiko,” the zoo management said in a post on Facebook.

[Translation: While we are raising and making Isla strong, the public will temporarily not be able to see her.]

Most social media users clicked the “angry” and “sad” reaction buttons on Manila Zoo’s post. They are calling to free the animal.

“The same Manila Zoo that killed and kept Mali, the elephant, captive for four decades in an area that was a fraction of the size of her natural habitat. And now they bring in this new lion?!?!?” a Facebook user said.

“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 user said.

Others welcomed the cub.

“See You Isla [heart emoji] Excited to have you in Manila!! Another elephant naman next please.. Manila Zoo isn't complete without an Elephant,” according to a comment.

Manila Zoo hosts over a thousand animals belonging to 90 species as of April 2015.

Earlier, Senator Francis Tolentino proposed transferring Manila Zoo to Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal, citing the zoo’s small enclosures and exposure to urban pollution.

City officials, however, defended that the enclosures are at par with international zoos.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.