Nature within a city.
by Elizabeth Aragon
Named after the late senator, Benigno Aquino, Jr., this zoological and botanical park is located at the heart of Quezon City. What started out as a part of the Quezon Memorial National Park, became a 64.58 hectare National Park. The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is my description of nature within a city. Living in Quezon City, it is not hard to forget about the simple things, like; walking in the park, smelling the fresh air, seeing beautiful landscapes or having a picnic on a lush field of grass. Sometimes, it's just great to get away somewhere not too far from reality and truly relax.
Inside the Park.
The inside of the park is like a surprise waiting to happen. You would be amazed with the greenery and fresh smell of the air. It's so clean and peaceful inside that you would think you were in the province. Apart from the lush scenery and beautiful landscapes, there is a man-made lagoon found inside. There is a bridge across it and standing from the bridge, you could view the simple beauty of the park. There are also benches and kubo's wherein you could just sit down and enjoy the environment with company or even alone. Going around the park, you would be able to see different trees and sections where animals are taken care of in cages.
The park is also known for housing different animals, especially birds. It also has a Wildlife Rescue Center, which the DENR (Department of Environmental and Natural Resources) uses as a shelter for animals that have been donated, injured or abandoned. The are raptor birds, monkey and other kinds of animals found inside here. The animals here are fed regularly and are given there proper care. It's really nice to see a place wherein animals could call their home and be taken care of the way they are suppose to.
The park is also known for housing different animals, especially birds. It also has a Wildlife Rescue Center, which the DENR (Department of Environmental and Natural Resources) uses as a shelter for animals that have been donated, injured or abandoned. The are raptor birds, monkey and other kinds of animals found inside here. The animals here are fed regularly and are given there proper care. It's really nice to see a place wherein animals could call their home and be taken care of the way they are suppose to.
If you go around the park, you will see large bird cages scattered all around. The Wildlife Center is known for housing different kinds of birds like, hawks and eagles. Some of the birds found here are the Philippine Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Serpent Eagle, White Cockatoos and many more. All of them are very interesting and so amazing to look at. If you're lucky enough and you're able to visit at a time when the caretakers are feeding these birds, they will allow you to enter the cage and be the one to feed them. The caretakers are approachable and well informed, they could answer any question about the animals.
"Hi, Girlie"
Who knew I would be in awe when I saw the Philippine Eagle just above me. As I was going around, I was lucky enough to meet one of the caretakers of the Park. His name was Kuya Ronnie, he was incharge of feeding some of the birds. He said his favorite one was the Philippine Eagle. We talked about how this bird was the tallest bird all over the world. He told me interesting bits of information about the Eagle and I was so amazed.
"Pangalan niya Girlie", he said to me. I wanted to feed her but then he told me feeding time was over. I was completely amazed that the country's national bird was at this park. The pak I ignored passing by going home for 17 years. It was so refreshing to see something so historic and beautiful. Kuya Ronnie told me that I could come back anytime during the weekdays in the afternoon and I could help him feed Girlie. Now that's something I wanna try!
"Pangalan niya Girlie", he said to me. I wanted to feed her but then he told me feeding time was over. I was completely amazed that the country's national bird was at this park. The pak I ignored passing by going home for 17 years. It was so refreshing to see something so historic and beautiful. Kuya Ronnie told me that I could come back anytime during the weekdays in the afternoon and I could help him feed Girlie. Now that's something I wanna try!
A place to get away.
Upon entering, I never really thought I would be in awe with what I saw inside. If you have been around Quezon Avenue, you would know that it isn't really a place in which a sense of nature could really survive. Hidden within the sound of cars beeping, pedestrians walking and city life passing by, you will find The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. A simple get way from one's busy city life.
I could definitely say that this is a place that you wouldn't find in any city but Quezon City. Family, friends, that special someone or maybe you would just want to walk your pets, this park welcomes anyone. Relaxing by the lagoon, seeing other animals or simply just having lunch, this is the a very comfortable place to sight see. Being in a place that welcomes you with the beauty of nature and a peaceful surrounding, is any place one must definitely visit. :)
I could definitely say that this is a place that you wouldn't find in any city but Quezon City. Family, friends, that special someone or maybe you would just want to walk your pets, this park welcomes anyone. Relaxing by the lagoon, seeing other animals or simply just having lunch, this is the a very comfortable place to sight see. Being in a place that welcomes you with the beauty of nature and a peaceful surrounding, is any place one must definitely visit. :)
More pictures!
