Three of the best zoos I’ve visited so far are Zootopia Everland Theme Park in South Korea where I first saw cutey patootie fennec foxes, Singapore Zoo where I met a majestic white tiger and Ocean Park Hong Kong where I witnessed a first-rate dolphin show. I love visiting zoos as I get to learn more about the animals and the environment they’re living in – fomenting respect, appreciation and love for these amazing creatures. I recently had the chance to get a sneak peek of what will soon be one of Cebu’s biggest tourist attractions – Cebu Safari and Adventure Park. I am ecstatic that Cebu finally has a zoo with facilities and attractions at par with the animal parks overseas.
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is situated in the quaint municipality of Carmen, about a 2-hour commute from Cebu City. It’s a 170 hectare property that showcases more than a thousand animals from 110 different species. The park highlights a vehicle tour inside an African Savanna, and a flora walking trail that displays over one million blooms from the owner’s over 30-year old orchid collection.
A visit to the renowned San Diego Zoo gave the owner Senyorito Michel J. Lhullier the idea and concept on how to build a safari in Cebu. Together with his team of experts headed by Eduard Loop, they recreated the animals natural habitats and brought in different animals from around the world, with the aim of preserving some of the endangered species for the generations to come, and educating the visitors about the living exhibits inside the safari.
The Cebu Safari Tour Experience
Arriving at the property an hour before hitting noontime, we were greeted by the park’s adorable mascots at the Welcome Pavilion, and had a quick bite before starting the tour. A Philippine Hawk Eagle was putting up a good flight show at the viewing deck while we were partaking snacks.
The first half of our itinerary included visits to the African Savanna, the sulcata tortouises, cheetahs, the crocodile enclosure, giraffes and meerkats, the lake where the swans, pelicans and crowned cranes are, and had a quick stroll along the canopy trail before heading to lunch.
Wildebeest
Zebra
Zebras and Wildebeests at The African Savanna
Zebras and antelopes
Crocodiles
Cheetahs
Giraffe
Giraffe
African Crowned Crane
Black Swan
The group had lunch at Michel’s Pavillion, a function area overlooking Michel’s Garden that features blooms of over a million from the owner’s over 30 years of orchid collection. After lunch, we were treated to a preview of the bird show flaunting witty, comedic and stunning brilliance from the feathered flocks of the zoo.
Our next stop was the Macaw Aviary where we fed the lories and macaws. Then moved on to the animal trail where the capybaras, macaques, llamas and javan rusas are. The Animal trail leads to the Tiger Turf, our last stop for this visit.
Michel’s Garden
Michel’s Garden
Michel’s Garden
Blue Red Macaw
Blue Gold Macaw
Blue Gold Macaw
Tigers
Tigers
This specific tour we were on was tailored to be quick, since the group has to be back to the city by 4:30PM. I would advice for anyone planning a visit to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park to maximize their time at the park, arriving at the venue the first thing they open. For curious bees, it will take an entire day atleast to enjoy all the attractions. Trams are available at designated stops, but exploring the property involves walking so wear your comfiest kicks. Bringing in food is not allowed. And strictly DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS with other food other than the fodder and comestibles provided by their keepers as each of the animals are on special, specific diets.
The park is currently on a trial launch. Some attractions were not yet ready and construction is still on going in some parts of the park during our visit. Also, some animals are still scheduled to arrive this coming March. Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is already accepting guests though, partially operating from Friday to Sundays and by reservation.You can book a tour through digits 0995 835 3460.
