Consul Cunanan (2nd from left) with Jerry Young, Vice President of Zoo Crew Philippines, Zoo director James Albert Dichaves, and consulate public relations director Melissa Dizon

The Consulate of Georgia in the Philippines, led by Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr., is facilitating the establishment of a sister-park relationship between the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden and the Tbilisi Zoological Park. This will be the first such agreement between the Georgia and the Philippines and Georgia and Asia.

The Tbilisi Zoological Park was opened in 1927 and is home to over 300 animals, including elephants, zebras, greater kudu, and elands, and antelopes. ). There are also a number of carnivores in its collection like the lion, tiger and jaguar, and some primate species like the gibbon. The zoo is open year-round and has a small amusement park on its grounds.  Aside from the animal attractions, the zoo also conducts various conservation and environment programs to educate Georgians on wildlife management and protection.

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, on the other hand, was established in 1959 and is the oldest facility of its kind in Asia. The 5.5 hectare zoo is located in the center of Manila and receives millions of visitors every year, and is especially popular with visitors on weekends. The Manila Zoo is home to more than 832 animals from nearly 100 species as of 2007. The zoo’s most popular resident is Mali, an Asian elephant who arrived at the zoo in 1977 as 3 year old calf transported from Sri Lanka, after being poached from the wild.

Under the proposed sister-zoo relationship, Manila Zoo and Tbilisi Zoo will commit to cooperation in the areas of zoological park management, animal welfare, conservation and development, research, and the possible exchange of wildlife species.

Consul Cunanan is working closely with Manila Zoo director James Albert Dichaves and Tbilisi Zoo director Zurab Gurielidze. Both zoos are under the administration and supervision of their respective cities.