Avilon Zoo Cheers to Life!

In a secluded part of the scenic district of San Isidro, Rodriguez, (formerly known as Montalban), Rizal, lies Avilon Zoo, otherwise called Montalban Zoological Park.    This 7.5 hectare zoological park is considered the largest in the Philippines.  I had attempted to pay it a visit a million times, but failed however, when a bad  heatwave hit the Rizal Area, I was driven out of my home and took refuge under the cool branches of the trees in this expertly-landscaped zoo. 

Avilon begun as an animal sanctuary for a hobbyist for his collection which started with mere guppies and budgies which expanded gradually and later included eagles, lions, macaques, and arapaimas.   Man-made lagoons were later constructed including this one where the pavilion sits.  The lagoons then became home to big FISH imported from Brazil.

 

Even though Avilon literally means Land of the Birds, we can see not only winged creatures here.  Today the collection consists of over 3,000 specimen of animals both exotic and endemic as well as 400 plant species and 50%  of which can be locally found.   

Avilon Zoo, more than anything else, is a home of animals, though they are kept in captivity.  Animals' needs are well-taken care of, even children who come here during educational tours are taught proper handling and feeding of animals.  

Cute, bushy haired bunnies are major attraction to school kids.  For a token amount, children can feed the bunnies grass, carrot or other vegetables, providing a chance to children to learn how to be sensitive to animals and their needs.  Kids simply can't resist it when an eeny-weenie bunny comes close and looks at them almost imploring that they be fed.  Trust me, I almost wanted to bring all of them and release them in my backyard. 

A rotunda where iguanas laze around bears the theme of Avilon which is "Celebrating Life", a philosophy that they want to inculcate to each guest and visitor.  Avilon Zoo wants to promote awareness that every life form in this planet deserves to be respected and has the right to live.  

How to come here:

Coming to Avilon Zoo can really be challenging but enjoyable because of the rough road that leads to the entrance.  It's like entering the wilds, literally.   But then, we did come to see animals in their almost natural habitat.  So enjoy the wild ride.

If you don't have a ride:  Upon arriving at San Jose proper, you may hail one of the hundreds of tricycles that create traffic in that area, especially near Montalban Town Center and tell the driver to take you to Avilon Zoo.  You need to come to an agreement about the fare because the price per head to Avilon is only P30, but other tricycle drivers charge as much as P60.  So haggle, haggle, haggle.   You may also ask the tricycle to come back for you after 3 hours because very seldom are there tricycles outside the zoo.  This is the least number of hours that you need to see Avilon Zoo in its entirety.  This does not include the eating and lounging under cool trees. 

If you have your own ride:  You simply go past the municipal hall of Rodriguez to the direction of Wawa Dam and turn left crossing the bridge towards Eastview Greenview Subd.  You will find road signages that direct you to the zoo.