Baluarte Zoo

Baluarte Zoo is a zoological park in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It was established by politician and businessman, Chavit Singson.

Baluarte Zoo
Baluarte Zoo
17°33′07″N 120°22′34″E
LocationVigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Major exhibitsSafari Gallery
OwnerBaluarte Zoo Foundation[1]

History

The Baluarte Zoo was established by local politician and businessman, Chavit Singson. Initially it was only a rest house for Singson. The site was already known as Baluarte prior to Singson's arrival, which came from the Spanish term for "stronghold" or "fortress".[1]

Singson, who cites his hunting hobby as his motive in setting up Baluarte only considered opening a zoo when his hunting trophy collection grew too big. He thought that a zoo would serve to edify it patrons aside from promoting conservation and protection of endangered species.[2] Described as an interactive wildlife sanctuary, the facility was designed and developed by Singson himself.[3]

Operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the zoo has since reopened.[4]

Features
A camel in Baluarte Zoo. c. 2008

Animals in captivity

The Baluarte Zoo had various wild animals under captivity. This includes ostriches, Bengal tigers and lions. The zoo also has a butterfly sanctuary.[5]

The Safari Gallery is a trophy room which features the preserved remains of animals Chavit Singson personally hunted and killed in various parts of the world. Singson intended the gallery for people of Ilocos so they could see exotic animals without going to Manila or outside the country.[2]

Ostrich at Baluarte Resort and Mini zoo
Stuffed animals at Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo
Poolside at Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo

References
  1. "Baluarte Zoo Foundation Inc". LCS Group of Companies. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
  2. Gonzales, Joseph (August 18, 2016). "A day of fun with animals in Vigan's Baluarte". The Standard. Archived from the original on March 15, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  3. "The success of Luis 'Chavit' Singson". The Manila Standard. August 13, 2016. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  4. "Ilocos Sur reopens to tourists". Manila Bulletin. November 21, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
  5. Espinosa-Aritao, Giancarla (November 16, 2018). "Chavit Singson: Keeper of the sanctuary". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved November 13, 2022.


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