P135M zoo opens in Clark

Members of the media were recently treated to a chance to preview the newest tourist attraction offered at the Clark Freeport Zone.

Like excited children going on a field trip, they boarded the bus that brought them to the Clark Safari and Adventure Park, a zoo right in the Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

I, along with some media friends, could not contain our excitement and the smiles on our faces like excited children looking forward to the field trip. Eric Jimenez, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Communications Division manager, sat in front and was like a teacher telling us to get ready and brace ourselves for a new adventure.

Laughter filled the bus as we traveled. Clark is mountainous and the cool breeze welcomed us as we stepped down.

The entrance is very spacious and a lot of cars can be parked there. At the receiving area, zoo staff made sure guests followed health protocols. Everyone is required to put and always keep their masks on.

Here’s a tip: don’t forget to put on some sun screen and bring a hat or umbrella too to shield yourself from the sun. And since guests will be going on a safari, comfortable clothes and rubber shoes would be a good choice as the safari involves a lot of walking. High heels are going to hurt.

The Clark Safari and Adventure Park is a 40-hectare zoo that will feature more than 1,500 live animals and 70 animal species.

Although development started in 2019, construction was hindered because of the COVID-19 pandemic and delayed the opening of the zoo. But since Pampanga has been declared in Level 2 for the pandemic, the Clark Safari and Adventure Park was finally able to open its doors to the public with a soft-opening on December 8.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the facility was led by Clark Safari owner Romy Sitchon; CDC Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan; and, CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan. Also at the opening were CDC Chief-of-Staff Dennis C. Legaspi; CDC Vice-President for Administration and Finance Engr. Mariza O. Mandocdoc; CDC Vice-President for Business Development Rynah F. Ventura; CDC Assistant Vice-President for the Investment Promotions Division Thelma C. Ocampo; and, CDC Manager for Building and Facilities Permits Division Erwin C. Bognot.

During the opening, a live orchestra performed to welcome guests which included Aeta youngsters who visited the full 15-hectare Phase 1 of the Clark Safari.

The zoo can accommodate up to 2,500 visitors and implements strict health and safety protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to ensure the safety of all guests.

The enclosures are large to ensure the safety of guests. The zoo looks like a big forest with a lot of animals that can only be seen there.

Guests can also have a chance to interact and have their pictures taken with some animals that include colorful birds, mostly of the parrot species, pelican and some reptiles that can test guests’ bravery such as a huge iguana perched quietly on a branch and a big yellow, grown and heavy albino python that guests can put around their necks and feel like Zuma or Valentina for a while.

The zoo features several species of reptiles like iguanas, turtles, lizards and even crocodiles. The cages are very safe and the zoo is committed to conserving the natural habitats for some of the world’s most endangered animal-residents.

There are also real bears that can only be seen in Disney movies; wolves reminiscent of Jacob in the Twilight series; and, of course the Lion King cast although there are no cubs. There are horses, zebras and donkey too.

Aside from the lions, there are also two species of tigers, leopards and monkeys, alive and walking in front of guests’ eyes.

Sitchon invested Php135 million for the development of the zoo. He is delighted to welcome visitors and tourists to the Clark Freeport’s newest attraction after a series of lockdowns delayed its launch.

Aside from the zoo tour, visitors at the Clark Safari can also enjoy a variety of activities like animal interactions, picture-taking, and animal feeding, all of which are meant to acquaint visitors with various species of animals.

The zoo is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, including holidays. People of all ages are allowed to enter the Clark Safari and Adventure Park. Entrance fees are affordable. Introductory rates start at Php399 for kids (four feet below) and Php499 for adults. Children that are three feet below are free of charge while Senior Citizens and PWDs get a 20% discount.

More fun activities will be added upon the completion of Phase 2 of the zoo project, such as a theme park inside the zoo where safari, zipline, and ATV rides will be made available to the public.

Visiting a zoo helps children understand the importance of taking care of the environment and that this has a significant impact on the lives and welfare of the animals.

Zoos also teach families about the importance of conservation and animal care. Everyone can be educated about the unique story of each animal as they walk around the zoo and interact with the animals with their kids.

A zoo is not only for kids but also for grown-ups. After almost two years of being locked inside houses because of the pandemic, it’s time to go out and relieve some stress with fun and adventure that can only be experienced at the Clark Safari and Adventure Park!