So here’s one of the many dilemmas that most of us have probably been faced with: liking what we see but opposing the principle behind it. I’m sure that applies to many scenarios and, for me, this is one of them. I love life and the freedom to live it to the fullest; I love animals and respect their right to live theirs freely as well. But here’s the thing: I also like seeing them up close and more than half the time the only way we can do that is if they are in captivity. There lies the dilemma.
Zoos and menageries somehow are the closest things to a safari tour that us mere mortals can have, and while I always look forward to visiting these places, a part of me is fully aware that these creatures are being held in captivity. Whether they actually like being in that place or not, whether they are being treated very well or not, those are beside the point.
They are still not where they are supposed to be. It may be home to them, but it’s not what nature intended.
So I came to the conclusion that I will never be entirely clear on my resolve on this matter. Because I’d be lying if I say that I do not enjoy seeing these animals up close. I am not entirely good with the principle of zoo operations, but I admit their operations provide satisfaction.
So, yes. I enjoyed my first visit to the Baluarte Zoo a couple of years ago…. and I enjoyed my second visit just as much. 
A Fortress of Sorts
Probably, the first (and most notable) claim to fame of Baluarte Zoo is the fact that it is owned by one of the most high-profile (and undoubtedly wealthiest) figures in current Philippine politics, Chavit Singson. “Baluarte”, in the local vernacular, translates to “fortress”.
And the zoo is not the main feature, because it’s actually just a mini-zoo. To be more accurate about it, it is a resort or zoological park with multiple attractions that will definitely interest people of all ages. That’s one part of the reason why it quickly became established as one of the top attractions and must-visit spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
You can check out the many offerings of the park on Vigan.PH.
Entrance to the park itself is free; it’s the activities and attractions inside that will require payment. Check out some of the rates:
Aside from cages and fenced areas, there are wide stretches of grassland where various animals are allowed to roam freely (although, again, “freely” might be pushing it, since they are still technically fenced in) and even interact with the crowd.
There are even some animals that are probably deemed to be tame and harmless enough to actually pull passengers (or some even carry children on their backs, from what I’ve heard).
Call it a centerpiece, but this is one spot within the park that’s like THE photo spot. Kinda like the HOLLYWOOD sign, if you will. This time, though, it spells BALUARTE in large white block letters, overlooking that wide patch of grass, and directly looming over a small pond complete with some fish and pond life.
Oh, and did I mention that there were these large sculptures of dinosaurs beside it? I’m not quite sure why, though, but the effect is quite something. And you can’t deny how much fun people are having taking photos beside, and under, them.
No Jungle Out Here…
I shall keep my opinions to myself about the state of some animals in their cages. Let’s just put it this way: some looked like they were being treated well. Some… well, not so much….
This peacock definitely took up most of our time, though, teasing us whether it’d spread its wings or not.
I could not help but take a close look at this (lonely) tiger, though. I am always in awe of these giant cats. I dunno, there’s just something about them that awes and scares me at the same time.
And this deer… I fell in love with it during my first visit, and saw the photo still stored on my phone even to this day. (I usually transfer photos I took then delete them from my phone, but this one “stayed” a bit longer.)
During my first visit, it was on a morning, so we were able to catch some of the “shows”, where trainers and animals put on skits and entertaining staged presentations for the audience. I was especially charmed by piglets dancing, and some kind of a critter being handed paintbrushes and “painting” on an easel. I think I have a video of that somewhere… if only I can find where I saved it in, haha!
Unfortunately, it was already quite late in the afternoon when we went to visit it most recently, so no more shows. So we just made do with walking around.
At the top of the hill is a building that looked like something out of a Greek story (I told you I don’t know my architecture). It’s called the Safari Gallery.
A Private Safari
When I first entered this museum-slash-gallery, I had a lot of thoughts going through my head, but in the spirit of honesty, let me just go through some of the first things that came to mind.
One, wow, the amount of money that went into setting up this whole thing.
For starters, going on a safari alone is bound to cost a lot of money. Financing an entire safari is going to cost a fortune. But then again, this is Chavit Singson we’re talking about.
Two, this is quite an amazing setup, to set it up and actually maintain it.
And so props to the curator (do they call him/her that?) that runs the Safari Gallery.
Three, these animals are so majestic.
Many of the displayed animals are exotic in these parts. Wildebeests, polar bear, rhinos and hippos, zebras, and numerous cat species… names that I only ever read or heard about. But there they were, real close, though dead.
Four…. the hunt for these animals, the actual takedown… because heck, it was bound to be quite bloody.
Again. That dilemma.
I admit to having been impressed when I was there, looking at the preserved animal parts on display. I will probably feel the same way if and when I go back, because who wouldn’t? Even in their preserved – albeit incomplete and dead – form, these creatures are gorgeous.
I just consciously avoid staring too long and too hard at those framed photos of Singson, with his long hunting firearm and the fallen animal on its side, with him showing a thumbs-up while smiling proudly. I know it’s a bit hypocritical of me but… *shrugs* I do what I can. (And let me just say… that painting of Chavit as a centaur? CRINGE.)
So.
Will I recommend a visit to Baluarte?
Yep, definitely.
Because, at the end of the day, your mind is your own. You can form your own opinion and make your own judgment, based on what you see and hear when you’re here, combined with what you feel and believe, in general. You’d probably end up hating it or loving it. Or, just like me, you’d end up loving parts of it while not liking other parts of it.
That’s the beauty of experiencing things firsthand: you’ll be able to be more confident in whatever choice or decision you make.
After this, we went back to the Plaza Salcedo to witness the Fountain and Light Show, which I am also watching for the second time. After the show was over, we headed back home to Baguio, putting an end to this road trip.
And this, my friends, wraps up my blog post series on this road trip up north. I’m not quite sure if we’d be able to do this again, maybe to a different place this time. This group was a fun crew to go on a road trip with, and I wouldn’t say no to a round two. Yes? Yes. …Yes!!
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