Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

About Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is a zoo and botanical garden in Hilo, on the island of Hawaii. It covers about 12 acres within the Pana'ewa Recreational Complex. The facility is operated by Hawaii County and, according to Wikipedia, is funded through the county budget and private donations. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Wikipedia describes it as the only zoo in the United States located in a rainforest, and a Garden Island news report describes it as Hawaii Island's only zoo.

Hawaii.com describes the zoo as operating within the Panaewa Forest Reserve, which it says receives more than 125 inches of rain a year. Wikipedia lists more than 80 animal species and more than 40 species of plants on the grounds, and a 2024 Garden Island report mentions more than 1,000 orchids in the botanical gardens.

The zoo's website uses the name "Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens." According to Wikipedia, the Hawaii County Council adopted that name by ordinance in September 2006.

History

Wikipedia traces Hilo's first zoo to February 1969, when the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation opened a small zoo of about one acre at the entrance to Onekahakaha Beach Park. That location was treated as temporary. The reasons given for moving were the lack of room to expand, a location within a tsunami inundation zone, and the possibility of water contamination on the coast.

A permanent zoo was built inland at the Pana'ewa Recreational Complex. Wikipedia gives September 1978 as the opening, and Hawaii.com says the zoo opened in the fall of 1978. The zoo was renamed Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in September 2006, according to Wikipedia.

A major renovation took place in 2020 and 2021 while the zoo was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Wikipedia, the work included improvements to animal enclosures, walking paths and support structures, and the main entrance was rebuilt with restrooms and a gift shop. West Hawaii Today reported in June 2021 that the renovation was meant to bring the park into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and that the zoo would reopen on July 19 of that year after nearly 16 months closed.

In 2024 the Garden Island newspaper reported that the zoo, which had been free to enter, would begin charging admission on January 2, 2025. It described separate rate categories for Hawaii County residents and non-residents and said discounts for groups such as seniors, military and school trips were under consideration. The zoo's website now describes a ticket booth outside the zoo, with entry through the gift shop.

Exhibits and habitats

The zoo is a walking loop through tropical plantings, with animal habitats mixed among gardens. Visitor guide Love Big Island describes labeled orchids, bamboo and giant palms along the paths, a water garden, and a covered patio and playground for visitors.

Wikipedia lists the following among the zoo's animals: the nene, Bengal tigers, capuchin monkeys, Aldabra giant tortoises and poison dart frogs. Love Big Island lists nene geese, spider monkeys and lemurs among the zoo's residents.

The two Bengal tigers are Sriracha, an orange female, and Tzatziki, a white male. Wikipedia reports that Great Cats World Park in Oregon donated the two cubs to the zoo in March 2016. A 2024 Garden Island report referred to the pair as the zoo's tigers and mentioned a Tiger Fun Day event held on June 29, 2024.

The zoo also keeps 'alala, the Hawaiian crow. West Hawaii Today reported that a new 'alala exhibit opened to the public with the 2021 reopening, and the 2024 Garden Island report describes a mosquito-proof habitat for the birds. The same report mentions a green iguana named Red, emus, and four aviaries with upgraded netting.

The zoo also has a petting zoo. According to Wikipedia, the petting zoo houses rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, ponies, tortoises and goats. As listed on the zoo's website, the petting zoo is open every Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Conservation and programs

Wikipedia states that the petting zoo is run by the Friends of the Pana'ewa Zoo with the help of volunteers. The zoo's website describes the Friends as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accepts tax-deductible donations.

The Garden Island report on the zoo's 2024 plans also mentions planned improvements to playground features and interpretive signage with QR codes, and two televisions installed at the 'alala exhibit.

Love Big Island says animal encounters and scheduled feedings run throughout the day on several days of the week, and that the zoo's website carries the event schedule.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, the zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m., and closes on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and the first Thursday of each month. The website notes that special closures can occur and points visitors to its social media and the County of Hawaii Parks and Recreation website for updates.

Admission is charged on separate schedules for Hawaii County residents and non-residents, with infants free according to Love Big Island. Tickets are sold at a booth outside the zoo, and the zoo's website carries the current ticket categories.

Love Big Island suggests allowing one to two hours for the full loop and recommends mosquito repellent, rain gear and sunscreen given the climate. The gift shop sells ponchos and umbrellas, according to the same guide.