The site was already known as Baluarte prior to Singson's arrival, which came from the Spanish term for "stronghold" or "fortress".

He thought that a zoo would serve to edify it patrons aside from promoting conservation and protection of endangered species.

[4] In 2024, a zoo employee was dismissed for hitting a lion to make it pose for photographs.

[7] The Safari Gallery is a trophy room which features the preserved remains of animals Chavit Singson personally hunted and killed in various parts of the world.

Singson intended the gallery for people of Ilocos so they could see exotic animals without going to Manila or outside the country.