Avilon Zoo 2009

The road to Montalban via the Commonwealth Ave QC route is scenic. You wind through a zig-zaggy mountainside that reminds you of Antipolo with the view. You'll pass through part of the walls of La Mesa Dam, though part of the way, you'll get to smell the Payatas dumpsite as well. Nevertheless, I always thought the views here were underrated.

On the first day of the Chinese New Year, we decided to be impulsive and go on a tour of Avilon Zoo in Montalban. It was a Monday, and I reckon it wasn't really a good day to go on a tour of a zoo. For one thing, there weren't too many people. I think we were only 1 of 3 groups that were in the whole 7.5 hectare zoo. Another thing, some of the animals seemed to be on vacation as well. Rumor has it some of the animals were on loan at the Ark of Avilon Zoo near Tiendesitas, but we never really got to spoke to anyone in the zoo. It was a tad disappointing though, what with the missing animals, and the general messiness of the place. On a positive note, we did notice a lot of ongoing construction to make the place at par with foreign zoos, with fake safari-type enclosures and trees. Plus, Avilon really seems to be making headway with its Veterinary School, something I didn't notice when we first visited in 2005.

Maybe Monday was the general cleaning day for the zoo, and the first day of the Chinese New Year wasn't really a good time to visit a zoo. In any case, our first visit to Avilon way back 2005 was great. What with all the improvements going on right now, maybe when we visit again next time, it'll be better.

The kids had fun though. We even had some pictures taken with Trixie the Orangutan.
Avilon Zoo is located in Brgy San Isidro, Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal. The place is a favorite for school field trips. You can visit their website for more information on how to get there. Entrance fee, without the guided tour, is 208 Pesos per head. Children over 1 will still pay the same amount. The zoo is usually open til 4pm.