Manila, Philippines – In a striking display of advocacy, members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) took to Rizal Park on Thursday, June 5, clad in traditional Filipino attire and animal masks to deliver a powerful message: "Freedom is for all."
Dressed in Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya, and adorned with flower wreaths and animal head masks, the activists marched toward the Jose Rizal monument, symbolizing their call for the liberation of animals held in captivity at Manila Zoo and other zoos nationwide. The demonstration, timed days before the country’s Independence Day celebrations, drew attention to the plight of captive wildlife, urging the public to reconsider the ethics of confining animals for entertainment.
A Visual Protest with a Deeper Message
The protest blended cultural symbolism with animal rights advocacy. The traditional attire honored Filipino heritage, while the animal masks—representing species often kept in zoos—highlighted the contradiction between celebrating human freedom while denying animals theirs.
Just as we commemorate our nation’s independence, we must also reflect on the freedom we owe to other living beings who share this planet. Animals in zoos endure lifelong confinement, far from their natural habitats. True freedom should extend to them as well.
PETA’s Call to Action
The group emphasized that zoos often fail to meet the complex needs of wildlife, despite claims of conservation and education. PETA advocates for the phased closure of zoos and the relocation of animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can live in environments closer to their natural habitats.
The protest also encouraged Filipinos to support wildlife conservation through ethical ecotourism and habitat protection rather than patronizing facilities that profit from animal captivity.
As the Philippines prepares to mark its 127th Independence Day on June 12, PETA’s campaign invites a broader conversation about what freedom truly means—and who it should include.
Info and photo by Manila Bulletin’s Facebook post.
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