My Zoocobia Experience

Having a great time doesn't necessarily mean spending a great deal of money. Going to the zoo is an inexpensive trip that is both educational and entertaining for children of all ages. My adopted son Kyle and I recently visited two of the different fun zoo theme parks owned by the Zoomanity Group. 

It was the first time that Kyle and I had set foot in Zoocobia Fun Zoo. And they do live up to their name--I had not realized how fun it is to visit a zoo until I came here. For one, Zoocobia isn't your ordinary zoo. Zoocobia totally spells F-U-N! There will surely be something for the whole family to enjoy- regardless of your age. Yes, there are lots of other activities that you and your family can do at Zoocobia. 

Getting to Zoocobia is a little bit tricky, the road is rough with some twists here and there because it is located inside the Paradise Ranch which is on the far end of the somewhat hilly slope. But I can assure you, once you and your family get there, it will be all worth the trip. 

Zoocobia houses an Animal Bone and Skin Museum where your little one can start his interest to become a future archeologist without digging for bones. Here, one can find a large black bear, Siberian tiger skin, Ostrich's eggs and bones, Palawan squirrel, pot bellied pig, mouse deer, civet cat, black ape etc. Zoocobia's Zoocology Museum had skin animals that offer extensive information and interactive activities for the young and old. Animal lovers and activists need not to worry though, because no animals were killed or harmed for the purpose of the said exhibit. In fact, it was made in honor of Zoomanity Group's chairperson Ms. Nita Laurel Yupangco for her unwavering support in the conservation and awareness of the country's biodiversity.

For live animals, there is the Birds Of Thrill where one could feed birds inside the aviary. Kyle even had a chance to feed love birds in different colors. We also had the chance to see other kinds of birds such as serpent eagle from South Asia, Rufous hornbill, Sun Conure from Brazil, and the Philippine Scops Owl. 

Those looking for some wild animals, there is a serpentarium which houses a few snakes. But kids will surely be delighted to know that they can feed banana slices to the buttered popcorn smelling animals, the Palawan bear cats. They looked so cute that I wish I could bring them home as pets. According to the tour guide, they originally eat cherries and fruits, so banana slices will suffice. 

You could feed more animals for a minimal fee at The Barn. Here, there are camels, miniature horses, goats, pot bellied pigs and other animals. It was fun to treat a child to an entire day filled with ostriches, horses, goats, birds. For small kids or pre-schoolers, I suggest you to bring along a small book about animals to let him see while you're still on the road to further acquaint your child with the creatures he sees later at Zoocobia. Interesting tidbits, such as monkeys' habit of peeling bananas before eating them, will help your child retain more information. 

A trip to Zoocobia isn't just all about animals though. There are other attractions like the Garden Maze. We had fun with the garden maze as a group where you had to go through plants and flowers to find your way out the maze. 

There is  also the Giant Fun Slide where kids and those kids at heart can slide to their hearts' content. Fee is about Php50 (per 3 slides) and Php20 (per slide). 

 But what probably made our adrenalin rush was the Zooc Ride. It was some slipper-looking car that the rider has to ride going down the hilly slopes using acceleration of gravity to make the said cars move and go down. A rider has to wear protective gear like the helmet to prevent head injury for the duration of the ride. But it is absolutely safe for kids 7 and up. I strongly suggest you ride the Zooc ride even once. It will give you a sudden rush of excitement and you will feel like a child again even for 5-10 minutes. 

Kids and teens can also try the Zing Ride--a combination of swing and zip line. It feels like just the real thing except that you feel much comfortable and safe as you seat on an actual swing. Not to worry though, there are seatbelts to keep you safe and harness. 

But for the more adventurous ones, don't miss the thrill of Zoocobia's other island called Clarkzilla at the Mango Camp. Adventure-seekers will surely be satisfied with the presence of 4x4 rides on a hilly rough ride. Get the chance to maneuver a powerful 4-wheel engine in an off road rail. Get ready to course through the slopes, mud and terrains using a well-secured leisure vehicle. Challenge yourself to zooper up your 4x4 experience by crossing river, lahar and off to Mount Pinatubo. It is indeed  one hell of an exhilarating ride. It is worth all the fun, thrill and the excitement. You are getting more than what you paid for. It will be an unforgettable experience for you. 

If riding the 4x4 ride is too much for you, one could try the Zoocobia's Clarkzilla Zip line. A 400 meter stretch of a zip line, it is not just a must-try when you come and visit Zoocobia's Mango Camp Clarkzilla area. I tried it myself, and I swear, it isn't for the faint of heart.  The fun part does not stop with the zip line though. After your zip line comes the more scary part: the carabao ride that will fetch you from the end of the zip line course. What's so scary about the carabao ride? The carabao will fetch you with a wooden cart but that's the catch, you need to hold on to your grip as the ride goes on that hilly slope. It's fun, it's indeed exciting yet a bit scary as it will become one of your most memorable fun experience at this extraordinary zoo called Zoocobia. 

So, make yourselves ready to zoom! If you'd like to experience these amazing adventure, call Zoomanity Group at 898-3695 or 899-9828 or better yet, visit their website www.zoomanity.com.ph 

Purple Plum Fairy thanks the Zoomanity Group, Ms. Evie and Ms.Karren for such awesome Zoocobia experience!

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.