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