Mariel de Leon calls for Manila Zoo volunteers
Image: Instagram/@mariaangelicadl
Mariel de Leon has announced that she would volunteer for the Manila Zoo after a video of a lion supposedly having a seizure at the zoo went viral last Sunday, Sept. 16.
The beauty queen expressed her heartbreak over the zoo’s treatment of animals last Monday, Sept. 17, on Twitter. “What can we do to help the abused and malnourished animals in Manila Zoo?” she wondered.
What can we do to help the abused and malnourished animals in Manila Zoo? 💔
— MARIA (mariel) DE LEON (@mariaangelicadl) September 17, 2018
She expressed doubts that the lions seen in the video, which both appeared gaunt, were properly taken care of.
“So the video showing the malnourished lions went on the news tonight. They interviewed the staff and they said that ‘they are being fed regularly’. YEAH RIGHT,” she tweeted Tuesday, Sept. 18.
So the video showing the malnourished lions went on the news tonight. They interviewed the staff and they said that “they are being fed regularly”. YEAH RIGHT. 🙄
These people don’t know how much to feed and take care of wild animals!
— MARIA (mariel) DE LEON (@mariaangelicadl) September 18, 2018
The Bb. Pilipinas International 2017 then announced that she would apply as a zoo volunteer.
“Joined a FB group called ‘Help Manila Zoo!’” There will be volunteer applications for ‘Zoo Crew Manila’ this Saturday 9:30 a.m. Who wants to come with?”
Joined a FB group called “Help Manila Zoo!”. There will be volunteer applications for “Zoo Crew Manila” this Saturday 9:30am. Who wants to come with?
Manila Zoo. 9:30am. Beside the elephant enclosure.
— MARIA (mariel) DE LEON (@mariaangelicadl) September 19, 2018
She also shared a post from the Facebook group that said that P1.5 billion was supposed to be infused to the zoo for its renovation, but the funds have not been given even after two years.
“Where is the money?!” she asked.
The P1.5 billion being referred to may be the amount discussed in the 2015 joint venture agreement between Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Garden Inc. and the Manila city government for the zoo’s rehabilitation. It is still pending for approval by the city council.
READ: Mayor Estrada promise of Manila Zoo rehab on hold
Manila Zoo director Jaz Garcia said that no major rehabilitation projects have been undertaken since the zoo opened in 1959.
Manila Zoo’s management said that the 5-year-old lion in the video, Rapee, has received medical attention. It has yet to be determined if it was suffering from a seizure. /ra
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