ZOOBIC SAFARI Adventure
Zoobic Safari is located at the Ilanin Forest at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and has been operating for over 5 years now. Because of its location, the animals are viewed in a jungle setting. Although I already had close encounters with a wolf, snake and baby orangutan at Avilon zoo, it's more unique and interesting at Zoobic Safari because you get closer encounters with the wilds especially the tigers-- almost like a real African safari adventure!
In fact, you can have a souvenir photo carrying a tiger cub for only P260. Unfortunately, the cub was sleeping when we went there. And by the time it woke up, we were already about to bid goodbye and a lot were lining up for the photoshoot already. But what's more exciting though was the opportunity to feed them!
LET THE TOUR BEGIN
For an Entrance Fee of P395/head, you can tour Zoobic Safari for about a couple of hours. You can choose to ride the Zooper train (P50 per head, per trip), a customized train with tiger stripes and colors or choose to use your personal vehicle to get to the other farther attractions
TIGER SAFARI
The tour started at the Tiger Safari. From the Zooper Train, we were transfered to a unique ride in a "Safari jeep". We were able to witness the tigers roaming freely and frolicking in their natural habitat. Some of them even jumped and went up the vehicle. To experience more adventure of the tour's highlight, you have to feed the tigers!
The chicken is for P150 only and with the help of a highly trained Aeta, you can dangle it outside the jeep. It was fun and scary to watch them gobble up the meat.
It was raining so hard that the total experience made it more adventurous! The only drawback was I had to keep my camera inside the bag once in a while so it won't get wet.
Anyhow, although it was a bit short, the jeep that got almost stucked at the muddy ground and the tigers that went all over our vehicle made it very exciting that you can't help but scream! The tigers get so near you that you could pat it on the nose! But you just really have to be careful or your hands will be eaten! The vehicle is actually fully enclosed in steel to keep you safe.
It was raining so hard that the total experience made it more adventurous! The only drawback was I had to keep my camera inside the bag once in a while so it won't get wet.
Anyhow, although it was a bit short, the jeep that got almost stucked at the muddy ground and the tigers that went all over our vehicle made it very exciting that you can't help but scream! The tigers get so near you that you could pat it on the nose! But you just really have to be careful or your hands will be eaten! The vehicle is actually fully enclosed in steel to keep you safe.
TIGER's DEN
Second stop was at the Tiger's den where several tiger cages are lined up and you walk about a few meters away from them. Be prepared as the place is somewhat stinky, but you're going to love to see the tigers in captivity.
Some of them were sleeping, others went roaring, others just doing nothing. I have learned that when a tiger is coming with its tail moving up, it's a sign they are going to urinate! =)
ZOOBIC PARK
The 4th stop was at the Croco loco where you can feed the crocodiles with some chicken (P50) too. Funny thing was they looked like statues because they barely moved.
But once you're going to feed them, they move like hunters in the wild with mouths wide open waiting for the food to be served!
ANIMAL MUZOOEUM
Next was a visit at the Animal Muzooeum to view some preserved animals, bones and skeletons on exhibits.
These are indeed collections of real stuffed animals.
The museum was converted from one of the war bunkers left by the American and Japanese military in Subic after World War II.
AETA's TRAIL
The Aeta's Trail was also interesting! It's actually my first time to see real Aeta's in person. I had a chance to have picture taking with them. We witnessed their ethnic ritual dances including the Tutubi dance or dragonfly dance that signals them whenever weather changes. Another was the the Unggoy or monkey dance which they perform during hunting season and the Pagbabayani or war dance which they dance whenever they need guidance for a victorious fight. These were accompanied by an Aeta guitarist too.
These Aetas now serve as forest rangers and guides to this popular ecotourism attraction in Subic.
The most non-flying mammals are rodents. The more common ones include mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats. They are also selling cute little Abyssinian Guinea Pigs if you wish to take one back home.
PETTING ZOO
Our 7th stop was at the Petting zoo. You have to trek through the forest with different exotic animals, a lot of which I’ve never seen before. I had a great time petting with the camel.
I remember when I was a kid that I thought the humps at their backare filled with waters, only to realize now that it's actually their back bones. Lol.SAVANNAH
Next was the Savannah where different ostriches abound.. I learned that you should keep at least 2 meters away from them since they can kick you off their feet 3x as deadly as the horse's kick!
Finally, we've reached the last stop -- the Serpentarium which showcases different variety of reptiles.
The wonderful experience I had was indeed a great escape from the busy streets and urban noises and lifestyle back in Cebu. I had a great time! Then again, I'd like to sincerely thank the two Swat officers who assisted us all through the tour. Because of them, we had a free entrance and had a memorable time at Zoobic Safari =)
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