Zoo, theme park to rise in Clark

State-run Clark Development Corp.’s efforts to promote the Clark freeport zone as a premier business and tourism destination got a big boost as an investor started developing a P135-million zoo in the area.

The planned attraction, which recently broke ground, will also provide a conducive habitat for wild animals, CDC president Arthur P. Tugade said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The zoo will be put up by Global Zoo and Theme Park Alliance Inc. (GZTPAI), which will also establish a theme park that will be complete with rides, adventure facilities and other recreational and commercial offerings.

The project, which is expected to be completed in two years, will employ about 140 workers in the next five years. It will initially occupy 20 hectares of land in the Clark Freeport, which can be expanded to 40 hectares.

Tugade said the company was expecting to hold the project’s soft opening within the next 24 months upon the issuance of occupancy permit by the CDC. GZTPAI has to get permits from other government and regulatory bodies involved in zoo operations.

GZTPAI general manager Ric B. Siccion has a private collection of tigers, imported species of birds, reptiles and other small animals which are in a mini zoo that he established in San Fernando, Pampanga. He is currently president of Zoo World Inc., a member of the Philippine Zoos Association (PhilZoos) and Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums (Seaza).

Siccion was quoted in the statement as saying that he decided to invest in Clark Freeport because of its sound business climate and fast-growing tourism industry.

The plan is to create a place where love for animals could be advocated and shared with others and to educate Filipinos about wildlife conservation and protection.