Have you ever been to a zoo that let's you get
THIS close to their animals?
Growing up, I love watching Animal Planet and reading encyclopedias about different animals.
Call me a nerd or whatever you like but there's always a random trivia out there about animals that I would always find fascinating. Believe it or not, I could recall vague memories of me trying to memorize scientific names of them. Ugh.
No wonder I don't have a lot friends. Just kidding!
Fast forward to 2015: I still love animals and I am still a nerd..
However, I forgot every scientific name I ever tried to memorize. Lol
Last weekend I finally went to Tagaytay and visited Paradizoo and Residence Inn.
Residence Inn is one of
Zoomanity Group's themeparks famous for its Mini Zoo and excellent location overlooking Taal Lake. If you are on a budget and you're looking for a place away from the noisy city, this is the perfect place to go!
Entrance Fee Rates:
Adult --- P249
Kid (3 ft to 4 ft) --- P199
Kid (Below 3 ft) --- Free
Senior Citizen --- 20% Discount
Complete with maps and signs so you wouldn't get lost as the place is huge and open for future expansions.
Here's just a glimpse of some of the marvelous creatures that you could encounter inside Residence Inn!
I didn't include everything here as it would take you forever to load this page.
FISHES
From L-R: White Tilapia, Flowerhorn, White Catfish and Shubunkin inside the Serpentarium Aquarium
Either this Pacu is really huge or I just have puny hands! Here's my hand for scale!
AMPHIBIANS
I really think this Asian Box Turtle right here is fully aware that I was stalking him.
He was following me the whole time I was taking his picture. Very cute!
REPTILES
Here's a not so sexy photo of me with an Albino Burmese Python taken at the Animal Encounter.
Don't be deceived on how I make it seem easy to pose with this surprisingly heavy guy!
From L-R: Bearded Dragon, Burmese Python, Albino Burmese Python and Blue Tongue Skink inside the Serpentarium Aquarium
There were also some well camouflaged Caiman Crocodiles in the Zoo Grounds.
The extreme close up shot I posted above was the scales of this relaxed Iguana.
Either he's just sleepy or doesn't seem to mind that I was there. I'm guessing both.
ARTHROPODS
***Note: Readers with Arachnophobia might want to look away***
Most of the arthropods you'll get to see there are spiders. Mexican
Fireleg, Mexican Red Rump, Chilean Rose Tarantula, Chaco Golden Knee,
Mexican Red Knee, Brazilian Black and White Tarantula and Mexican Pink are to name a few.
From L-R: Brown Tarantula (??), Mexican Fireleg, Chaco Golden Knee and Mexican Pink
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. These are wingless cockroaches that you usually see being eaten at Fear Factor. I got to hold one of these during the HCP Annual Pet Fair with Rattus and apparently they aren't as repulsive as your typical American or German Cockroaches. Still wouldn't eat them though.
BIRDS
The Umbrella Cockatoo was one of my favorite creatures there. The cockatoo was very wise as this one was plotting its escape plan during the photo-ops! As for the owl below, I couldn't recall if this intimidating fellow is a Philippine Eagle Owl though.
It was my first time to see a Cassowary in person! They are as beautiful as I could imagine from the books!
MAMMALS
Chelle, Axel and I also got to pet and feed a young Bengal Tiger at the Animal Encounter.
This is optional but they will charge an additional P50 for a photo with the Tiger.
From L-R: Arabian Camel, Long Tailed Macaque and African Female Lion (Lioness)
The African Lioness was adorable! I wish I caught her rolling around on video!
This is also optional but you could take a ride on their ponies inside the zoo grounds for a minimum fee.
These fluffy rabbits were also for sale. The juvenile costs P300 per pair while the breeder costs P1,600 per pair.
Surrounding us was this breathtaking view overlooking Taal Lake.
I have yet to stitch and upload a better panoramic shot of this.
What perfect way to savor the view? A zipline ride with your significant other or a cable car ride with the family! I tried both, the cable car was okay. The zipline on the other hand kept my heart pounding!
And to think I don't have any fear of heights!
In front of Residence Inn you will see a small playground and biking area situated in the center of a round green field. Perfect for the little kids!
If you're just like me, someone who wants a fun learning experience and a quick escape from the city.. you'll surely enjoy your visit in Residence Inn Tagaytay!
Want to try out Zoomanity's other theme parks? Guess what? I'll be giving away tickets to the most anticipated annual festivities in the field of agriculture as Paradizoo re-unfold "
Power of Three"!
This is perfect if you don't have anything planned for Valentines Day yet!
For those who can't join my giveaway, you could always visit their website at
www.zoomanity.com for details of get in touch by calling them at 899-98-28 or 08.
