Zoocobia Fun Zoo – A Hidden Gem in Pampanga

Zoocobia

🌿 A Rainy Road Trip to Zoocobia

After nearly a month off from work, I was dreading the return. Not only was the weather miserable, but rain was pouring down in sheets. Also, I was mentally not ready to jump back into the daily grind. My mom, ever the optimist, insisted on driving me to work. While my sister, tired of being cooped up due to pandemic restrictions, suggested a spontaneous road trip.

Since I work in Pampanga, we decided to explore somewhere nearby. After a quick search, we came across Zoocobia Fun Zoo. We weren’t sure if it was open, given the ongoing pandemic, but figured we’d give it a shot. The drive there was far from smooth—think bumpy roads and winding paths that made us question if we were lost. But then, there it was: Zoocobia, nestled in the hills, open and welcoming with some necessary precautions in place, like mask-wearing and social distancing.

We paid the entrance fee and set off to explore.

🐾 Animal Encounters

Our adventure began at the Aviary, where the air was filled with the sweet sounds of chirping and singing birds. It was refreshing, and for a moment, it felt like we were miles away from the stress of everyday life.

Next up was the Binturong—a species I had never seen before! It was one of those rare zoo encounters where I was genuinely excited. The binturong, with its bear-like features and long, curly tail, was as fascinating as it was cute. We spent a lot of time feeding him and snapping photos, marveling at how he lazily enjoyed the snacks. I couldn’t help but think, “This is a moment I’ll always remember.”

Then came the camels—a curious sight. I always associated them with the desert, so seeing them in the lush greenery of Pampanga was a bit of a surprise. It was fun watching them, though they seemed a little out of place, lounging around and looking as unimpressed with the rain as we were.

Lastly, we saw the ostriches—a species that always makes me chuckle with their long legs and awkward gait. And of course, there were a few snakes too. We didn’t get to fully enjoy all the activities and amenities (thanks, rain!), but we still had a blast exploring the zoo.

Check out our trip:

📍 Next Zoo Visit: