wildlife conservation – Jellybeans in the City

Manila Ocean Park has long been a favorite family destination for combining fun and education. Now, with the addition of the Philippine Biodome, there’s even more to explore.

The park’s former aviary section was transformed into a haven of plant and animal life which offers a unique blend of vibrant ecosystems, educational exhibits, and a commitment to sustainability, making it the perfect spot for families and educators looking for a meaningful day out.

Together with my content creator friends, I explored the Philippine Biodome to discover its charms for myself.

Why the Philippine Biodome Is a Must-Visit

A Mission to Protect Our Planet

The Philippine Biodome is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a testament to Manila Ocean Park’s commitment to sustainability. The park tackles pressing environmental issues like habitat loss and climate change by showing how nature and humans can live in harmony. Visitors get a first-hand look at conservation efforts and eco-friendly technologies, inspiring them to care for our planet.

For instance, the Biodome is equipped with solar panels that harness solar energy to power its lighting, heating and ventilation systems, as well as other electrical requirements.

The Biodome is also designed to collect rainwater which is used for cleaning and watering plants.

A Green Wonderland Awaits

Upon entering the Biodome, you’re immediately surrounded by lush greenery. Three imposing cone structures are covered with plant walls and cascading water that adds to feeling of serenity within the place. The dome that covers the area allows natural sunlight, wind and rain through, replicating natural habitats from around the world and offering an immersive experience for nature lovers of all ages. It’s a visual and educational treat for kids and adults alike, showcasing how diverse ecosystems can thrive even in urban settings.

What’s Inside the Philippine Biodome?

Animal Exhibits to Delight and Educate

The Biodome is home to a range of animals, making it a fun and educational stop for families.

One of the highlights of the Biodome is 14-foot Saltwater Crocodile. You can view one of nature’s most powerful predators from above but you can get up close from below, thanks to a crawl-through viewing tunnel.

Visitors can also interact with an interesting array of birds within the Biodome, from the cheerful and colorful Budgerigars, the majestic Brahminy Kites, the stunning Rufous Hornbill and the friendly and playful Sun Conures.

Freshwater Fishes are also on display in their peaceful yet resplendent glory through an underwater walkway tunnel.

Other featured animal exhibits include Butterfly Koi Fish, Paddle Fish, Mallard Ducks, Asian Small-Clawed Otters and Cape Fur Seals.

These animals are well-cared for within this environment, routinely monitored for overall health and behavior and provided with routine veterinary checkups including physical exams, blood work, x-rays and vaccinations. They are also housed in secure enclosures with adequate space for play and with ample protection from harm and harsh environmental conditions.

Nature Highlights: Diverse Plants and Stunning Greenery

The Philippine Biodome also features a rich variety of plant life that showcases the diversity of tropical and native species. You’ll see towering ground trees, lush greenery, and beautiful greenwall plants—vertical gardens that create a stunning natural display. This vibrant atmosphere helps teach visitors about the importance of biodiversity and the role plants play in supporting life.

What Makes the Philippine Biodome So Special?

Quality Time Together

The Biodome is a fantastic place for families to bond while learning about nature. Kids can explore different species and ecosystems, while parents can share the knowledge they gain. For educators, the Biodome provides an excellent field trip opportunity, where students can experience biology and environmental science in action.

Fun Meets Education

Learning in the Biodome is far from boring. The exhibits are designed to be engaging and interactive, making it easy for kids to understand complex ecological concepts. Parents and educators alike will appreciate the blend of fun and education in every corner of the Biodome.

Inspiring Change

Beyond the fun of exploring, the Biodome has the power to inspire young minds. It teaches kids about sustainability and conservation, planting the seeds for a more eco-conscious future. By interacting with the exhibits, children learn the importance of protecting our planet—and how they can contribute to that goal.

Interactive Features That Bring the Biodome to Life

Visitors can enjoy several hands-on experiences that make the Biodome even more exciting:

Amphitheater Show and Tell: Watch engaging presentations that showcase the wonders of nature, providing interesting facts and live demonstrations.
Flying and Feeding Encounters: Get up close and personal with birds in this interactive experience where visitors can interact with various bird species.

These features add an extra layer of fun to the educational experience, making the Biodome an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Make the Most of Your Visit

To ensure you have the best experience at the Biodome, here are a few helpful tips:

Arrive Early: Get ahead of the crowds and take your time exploring the various exhibits and interactive features.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: The Biodome is a large space, so make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes to explore freely. You will be sure to meet (and even overshoot!) your steps target as you explore its many attractions.
Take Lots of Photos: With its beautiful plants and animals, the Biodome offers plenty of picture-perfect moments.
Come back in the evening: At 6.30pm and again at 7pm, the Biodome comes to life in a burst of light and color with the Borealis Nights display. Experience the ethereal sights of the famous Northern Lights, right here in our neck of the woods.

Opening Blast Discount: A Great Deal for Families

Now is the perfect time to visit the Philippine Biodome! From November 24, 2024, to January 14, 2025, enjoy the Opening Blast Discount, with tickets priced at just Php680 (down from Php750). This special promotion is valid for visits from November 25, 2024, to January 15, 2025, so plan your trip and enjoy the savings!

Other optional activities to be enjoyed in the Biodome include:

Crocodile Tunnel Adventure (with 8R Photo Souvenir): Php700
Sun Conure Feeding (with 8R Photo Souvenir): Php700
Zipline Adventure: (coming soon!)

A Must-See Attraction for Nature Lovers

The Philippine Biodome is a must-visit destination for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and learn about sustainability in a fun, interactive way. Whether you’re looking for a fun outing or an educational adventure, the Biodome has something for everyone. Don’t miss this incredible experience— book now at manilaoceanpark.com and explore the wonders of the Philippine Biodome!.

You can also grab your tickets via Klook (don’t forget to use my code JELLYBEANS).

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

For more news and updates on Manila Ocean Park’s attractions and offers, visit its website or follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Check out my previous posts about Manila Ocean Park:

6 reasons to bring the fam to Manila Ocean Park

Gourmet Food Trippin’ at Manila Ocean Park

Summer fun with the barkada at Manila Ocean Park

How to make the most of your visit to Manila Ocean Park

Well, first there was IQ, and then there was EQ. Today, we have another aspect of child development that we, as parents, would do well to address: our children’s animal quotient (AQ).

From the apex predators in the wild, the little critters in the fields, and our furry friends at home, all animals have their own important place in the world.

ZooMoo, the new English language-based learning channel on SKYcable, aims to help parents in honing their preschoolers’ AQ, as well as fostering a love for animals and nature. The channel is a product of the collaboration among the world’s foremost wildlife filmmakers, early childhood educationalists and technology developers. Its entertaining and engaging animal-centered programs are designed stimulate and develop kids’ innate emotional connection to the natural world.

Recently, ZooMoo hosted a panel discussion for parents and guardians at the aptly themed Zoo Coffee. Here, the attendees were able to gain insights on the importance of teaching kids about animals and nature at an early age and how to further integrate technology into their kids’ early education.

The panel is composed of photojournalist and environmental advocate Gregg Yan, lifestyle television host and online influencer Kelly Misa-Fernandez and the marketing manager of ZooMoo’s parent network Blue Ant Media, Trippy Padilla. Together, the panelists imparted tips and information on how to foster kids into becoming good caretakers of the planet, which include:

The benefits and challenges to parents of being in the digital age

With the ubiquitous influence of technology, parents do wonder whether access to these gadgets, apps and social media is beneficial or harmful to their kids.

The answer is: As with most things, technology is neutral. It can be both good or bad, depending on how you use it.

In his line of work, Gregg Yan has seen first-hand how technology helps in animal conservation. For example, conservationists can upload photos of the lieft fin of the whale sharks they encounter on the Wild Hook system which helps them identify individual sharks as patterns of spots are unique to each shark.

Furthermore, access to animal and nature-related content through digital media has grealty helped in disseminating conservation awareness, even among kids.

“With digital technology, you don’t have to carry a fifty-pound backpack and go up mountains,” he said. “All you have to do is watch ZooMoo and you’ll be able to see the animals in their natural habitat.”

ZooMoo’s programming is comprised of 1,500 self-contained shows that combine spectacular wildlife footage with a range of puppetry, animation and narrative techniques to create a unique viewing and learning experience for a very young audience. Centered around five themes – explore, create, play, puzzle and quiet – ZooMoo’s shows are geared towards helping kids develop appreciation and compassion towards other creatures.

Through the ZooMoo App, kids and parents will have a second screen to enjoy ZooMoo’s animal-centric content. Parents can allow their kids to immerse themselves in the world of ZooMoo through interactive games, music, puzzles and other fun activities. The app’s Parent Page also provides personalized support to parents to aid in their children’s learning.

How to develop good conservation habits among young children

To Kelly Misa-Fernandez, modelling good behavior is key to raising socially and environmentally responsible kids.

“At this age, kids will immitate what they see.” she shares. “I want my son to see the real situation and I want him to be empowered to know that he can do something about it. And it’s best to lead by example.”

Recently, for example, her family has started assembling eco-bricks, environmentally friendly bricks made of recycled plastics from home waste. They stuff plastics like wrappers and cellophane tightly into sturdy containers which can later be used in construction while keeping harmful plastics away from the ocean and sea life.

Through the talks with the panelists, it is easy to see that conservation awareness is becoming a more important issue for today’s kids. Fortunately, with ZooMoo, parents and kids can get their start in becoming environmentally aware and doing their share to protect nature and animals.

ZooMoo ‘s program line up is packaged in an easy to understand format that is fun for both parents and kids. Among ZooMoo’s well-loved shows are Dinosaur Train wherein young Tyrannosaurus Rex Buddy travel across the Land of Dinosaurs with his family and friends), and ZooMoo Wild Friends which take kids on a journey to discover animals and the world around them.

SKYcable subscribers can choose to add zooMoo (channel 120 in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Lipa) to their channel line-up for only Php20 per month via SKYcable Select. For more details or to subscribe, visit mysky.com.ph or call +63 2 418 0000.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Tag: wildlife conservation

Explore nature’s marvels at the first and only Philippine Biodome in Manila Ocean Park