Baluarte Zoo

Baluarte Zoo is a zoological park in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It was established by politician and businessman, Chavit Singson.

Baluarte Zoo
Baluarte Zoo
17°33′07″N 120°22′34″E
Location	Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Major exhibits	Safari Gallery
Owner	Baluarte Zoo Foundation[1]

History

The Baluarte Zoo was established by local politician and businessman, Chavit Singson. Initially it was only a rest house for Singson. The site was already known as Baluarte prior to Singson's arrival, which came from the Spanish term for "stronghold" or "fortress".^[1]

Singson, who cites his hunting hobby as his motive in setting up Baluarte only considered opening a zoo when his hunting trophy collection grew too big. He thought that a zoo would serve to edify it patrons aside from promoting conservation and protection of endangered species.^[2] Described as an interactive wildlife sanctuary, the facility was designed and developed by Singson himself.^[3]

Operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the zoo has since reopened.^[4]

In 2024, a zoo employee was dismissed for hitting a lion to make it pose for photographs.^[5][6]

Features

A camel in Baluarte Zoo. c. 2008

Animals in captivity

The Baluarte Zoo had various wild animals under captivity. This includes ostriches, Bengal tigers and lions. The zoo also has a butterfly sanctuary.^[7]

Safari Gallery

The Safari Gallery is a trophy room which features the preserved remains of animals Chavit Singson personally hunted and killed in various parts of the world. Singson intended the gallery for people of Ilocos so they could see exotic animals without going to Manila or outside the country.^[2]

Gallery

Ostrich at Baluarte Resort and Mini zoo

Stuffed animals at Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo

Poolside at Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo