Fun times at Avilon Zoo, Rizal Philippines

I always did like to watch Discovery Channel and the Animal Planet. I like the way they present the animals in their natural habitat and how these creatures interact with nature. To be honest, I really do like the zoo. Some people may find it really childish and boring but well, it is fun if you are with your family. This is the entrance to Avilon Zoo, I like the fact that when you take a photo of it, the backdrop that you could get are the clouds.

I have heard a lot about Avilon Zoo, most people would say it is really beautiful but to see is to believe right? To start off, let me tell you something about it. Avilon Zoo is in Rizal, I would estimate around an 1 hr including traffic coming from Manila. The zoo has an ambiance of safari and tropical forest which is really unique. Entrance fee to the Zoo is Php 400 for the adults and Php 300 for kids below the countertable height (the one that they have there is around 4ft I think….). They also offer 20% discount for senior citizens. For more information on Avilon zoo, click on the related articles below, I will provide the link for the main website of the zoo.

GOING AROUND

First thing that you would see at the entrance are the floating nipa huts and the large fishies (I forgot what it is called ha ha ha) which is by the way according to my brother a breed of fish in the Arizona??? --- not sure about this he he. The Nipa Huts are floating over water and you could actually have lunch there while feeding the big fishies surrounding it

Well, if you want to be really well-informed around the area they give private tour guides for people who would request it. I think the rate is Php 350 per tour guide. Walking is definitely part of the tour and if you are with an elderly, you should request a wheelchair in the reception. When we went there they have two available wheels but only one is working. I hope they would give time to repair the other wheelchair so that elderly citizens/seniors can be toured around with comfort around the zoo.

My grandmother being pushed by the whole family (he he he looks as if she is really heavy)

ZOO FEATURES

Anyway, what are the features inside Avilon zoo. For starters they have this gimmick that you can take a photo and closely interact with the birds, snake, and monkey (her name is Trixie) of course at a price but it was well worth it. If I remember for 8 shots it would cost you around Php 250. It was a refreshing and fun experience as well.

Picture with the Birds

Picture with the Albino Boa Constrictor

Picture with Trixie (My bro looks like her ha ha and they are besties)

They also have this feature of feeding the animals. The big fishies that I was talking about awhile ago, is fed with bits of fresh chicken meat. A bucket costs around Php 20. You would just throw the chicken to the pond and the big fishies would actually gather around that spot and will be waiting for the next chicken that you throw at them. If ever there is a dinosaur fish then they are it. There are alot of animals in there and since they are still expanding the zoo you can see some creatures that haven't been labelled yet but are there for you to see.

People watching over the feeding of the fishies

OTHER PHOTOS OF THE ANIMALS THAT YOU CAN SEE AT THE ZOO (This is not all of it but these are my good shots of them)

Iguana

Chameleon

Hill Billy Goat

Fairy Pony???

Turtles as big as your center tables in the lounge

Philippine Hippopotamus



Wild Boar lazing around his coral

 

Wild Boars

Chimpanzee Showing off ha ha ha

Hyena

Tiger

Lion

Ostrich

Philippine Crocodile



THINGS TO DO BEFORE GOING 

Even though the entrance fee is quite expensive, I think it is well worth it if you see something as nice as this zoo. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Anyway, if you are planning to visit there are a few things you need to know before coming here.

1. Bring a water bottle. It can be tiring to walk and then you suddenly find yourself wanting refreshments. Even though there are food shops around, if you wanted to save a little bring water.

2. If you are touring with seniors make sure that you have a wheelchair (Ask one in the reception) for those ones who have a hard time walking. The zoo is really big so I strongly suggest this.

3. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. Hot weather and long walk requires you to be mobile and comfortable.

4. Budget money for interaction with the animals. If you are planning to interact with the animals make sure you have a bit of cash in your wallet.

Photo with the BIRDS - Php 50 per person

Here are the photos of the birds that you can take your photo with. 

Photo with the SNAKE - Php 50 

                                                                            Here is a picture of my grandparents lifting the snake. My grandmother was really delighted she didn't even blink (ha ha ha because of fright and thought that the snake might eat her)

                                                                             

         Photo with the MONKEY - Php 250 /8 shots

Here is a shot of Trixie being sweet to my grandfather and mom. So cool yeah!

                                                                                 

FEEDING BIG FISHIES - Php 20 per bucket

Good thing there are railings at the pond, these giants might jump at you... Ha ha you may never know what to expect

5. Bring an umbrella or a hat. If you are not a fan of the sun, I strongly suggest for you to bring an umbrella for your own protection. The heat can be really exhausting

6. Bring a camera. Well, of course to remember the trip by do not forget your camera

7. Ask for a tour guide. If you wanted to know more about the zoo then ask for a tour guide at the entrance, services are around Php 350 for the whole tour. 

8. If you are a large group before leaving an area make sure that everyone is with you. As I was saying the zoo is big, it is important to always make a headcount before going to the next area.

That's about it. For more information on the zoo, click on this link Avilon Zoo.