Center for Tropical Conservation Studies

The garden started in the 1960s as a tree planting project and field laboratory studies facility by the Silliman University Biology Department.

In 1990, it became the country’s first captive breeding center for the Philippine Spotted Deer (Cervus Alfredi). Since then, the garden’s captive breeding program has expanded to include other endangered wildlife unique to the Philippines.

By 1996, the garden had grown to include over twenty animals and twenty-four plant species. The place was named the A.Y. Reyes Zoological and Botanical Garden after the late botanist, Prof. Alfredo Y. Reyes who helped start and develop the garden.