The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden first opened to the public on July 25, 1959, during the tenure of Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. The zoo was constructed over the course of a year, with a total cost exceeding 1 million.

In 2021, HUAYI successfully completed the installation of various lighting solutions, including strip lights, panel lights, and floodlights, enhancing the zoo's illumination and visitor experience.