The Malabon Zoo held its annual anti-firecracker drive Tuesday, marking 35 years of advocating for the safety of animals and children during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Manny Tangco, founder of the zoo, led the “Iwas Paputok” event by distributing torotots to young visitors. Tangco said the initiative aims to provide children with a festive alternative to explosives that can cause severe hand injuries.

“We are giving these to the children so they won’t use firecrackers that could harm them,” Tangco said.

Beyond child safety, the campaign focuses on the physiological distress firecrackers cause to animals. Tangco urged pet owners to keep dogs and cats indoors Wednesday night to shield them from the loud explosions.

The zoo recommended distracting pets by playing calm or classical music and keeping them in a secure space where they cannot injure themselves or damage property.

“Let’s get them used to watching TV or listening to music so that when night comes, they will be distracted and won’t get scared,” Tangco said.

The one-hectare facility houses approximately 100 species, including Bengal tigers, orangutans, lions and peacocks. Tangco, who views his role as a parental figure to the animals rather than just a caretaker, said showing love is the core mission of the facility.

As part of the festivities, children participated in a parade around the zoo with a horse, the animal that represents 2026 in the Chinese zodiac. Tangco noted that the horse symbolizes power, enthusiasm and adventure.

“It would be a good year for the Philippines because the horse will be the one guiding us,” he said.