Avilon Zoo and Manila Ocean Park

 Avilon Zoo 
Avilon Zoo is the largest zoological institution in the Philippines and the installations spread over 7.5-hectare. An highlight for this zoo is that many animals are not caged and are rather trained to mingle with humans, like Trixie below.

Avilon Zoo's mission seems to be twofold. First, conservation efforts - it has managed to hatch Gray's Monitor Lizards in captivity. Second, education - Avilon Zoo is a prized  destination for school trips.

Now I fully understand there are many problems with zoo. Mainly that even for the best zoos out there, no matter how big the cage, it will never be enough. Some zoos try to lessen this by reproducing closely natural environment and by installing glass panels instead of bars to give the illusion of not being in a cage. The human presence and the forced interactions are another problem.

A zoo that is entertaining is not a source of disdain for Mr. Rafael. “It is (entertaining),” he said, “But learning begins with fascination.”
- See more at: http://www.bworldonline.com/weekender/content.php?id=70329#sthash.IFZxOeOn.dpuf

Also, some say that zoos are counterproductive in the sense that people go to zoos to be entairtained, not to be educated. But learning does begin with fascination and a zoo that can spark the interest might just entice people to take the next step and educate themselves.

It is true that I am not a fan of zoos, I would rather visit a sanctuary. Yet, I am far from agreeing with PETA's radical position on many things, including zoos.

You can read more here.
Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park offers many attractions from the viewing tanks to encounters (dry and wet ones). Like most aquariums, they do put on sea lions shows. The facilities are equipped with a walkway tunnel that let's you look at the swimming creatures from underneath for a different perspective, this is their main attraction.

Yet, my favorite part was the jellyfish tanks, complete with light and music. There was something magical about these small creatures floating around accompanied by soothing classical sound.