Friends of the Panaewa Zoo

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Friends of the Panaewa Zoo

On the "Big Island" of Hawai’i, this 12-acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S.

Located on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. It is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered Nene (Hawaii State Bird) and two Bengal Tiger, Tzatziki and Sriracha. The links on the left will take you to interesting information on many of the Zoo's animal exhibits.

08/05/2025

The day is used to make necessary repairs, finish some of the ongoing projects, and begin new ones without endangering zoo guests. Sometimes, heavy equipment is required in the zoo to accomplish the required results. The time is also used for maintaining walkways throughout the zoo to make them safe for our guests.

07/29/2025

🐯🌏 Happy International Tiger Day! 🌿

Today, we celebrate the power, beauty, and importance of tigers in the wild—and right here at the Pana’ewa Zoo, we’re proud to be home to two incredible Bengal Tigers: Tzatziki and Sriracha! 🐅💛
These majestic animals are ambassadors for their species, helping us raise awareness about the urgent need for tiger conservation. With fewer than 4,000 tigers left in the wild, every effort counts. 🧡
Come visit and learn how you can help protect these magnificent cats and ensure their roar never fades from the wild. 🐾

07/28/2025

A Roaring Mahalo to Friends of the Pana’ewa Zoo!

We genuinely appreciate your contributions—they've truly helped us bring enrichment to our beloved tigers, Tzatziki and Sriracha. Thank you so much for your support!
These toys are more than just fun—they’re vital tools that help us provide the best care for our tigers. They spark the tigers’ natural instincts, promote energetic physical activity, and stimulate their minds—all essential for their happiness and well-being. Whether it’s a Weeble that wobbles and tips when pushed or pounced but never falls, a bongo that encourages movement and natural behaviors, or a Kore roller that, with its size and 50 lb weight, offers a fun challenge that sparks problem-solving skills, these items play a big role in keeping our tigers joyful and engaged.
It's wonderful to see our tigers thriving in a brighter, more engaging environment, and we truly enjoy watching their lively behavior. By working together, we can keep caring for these incredible animals and make a meaningful difference.

07/26/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Madison – Temp Zoo Animal Keeper II – has been a great addition to the team by helping out while we search for a new keeper. She has been a dedicated volunteer before joining as a temporary hire. Madison has been extremely open to learning about the animals, their behaviors, and quirks. She is always willing to lend a hand (and a smile) to a project. While Madison loves all of the animals, Lyman the conure, Ralphie the bearded dragon, Bling the emu and Lilo the kinkajou are among some of the favorites.

07/25/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Alicia – Zoo Animal Keeper II – came to the Zoo from the veterinary medicine field. She is a registered vet tech. and has brought an immense amount of knowledge to the Zoo. She is always willing to help with any medical needs and treatments. Alicia has also been instrumental and very passionate in developing and building new enrichment items for the animals.

07/24/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Elena – Zoo Animal Keeper II – came to the Zoo with experience from several other zoo institutions. This experience has been extremely valuable to the team. Elena is always willing to help with a medical procedure, learn new things, and talk to other professionals to bring things to the Zoo. She has been instrumental in the development of the current nutrition program at the Zoo and management of the peacock flock.

07/23/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Tanya – Zoo Animal Keeper II – has been with the Zoo for 6 years come August. Tanya is tremendously hardworking. She has been very driven to learn new things to assist in projects and building new things for animal enrichment and their habitats. Tanya loves being a part of training the tigers, binturongs, and medical procedures.

07/22/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Linda, our Zoo Animal Keeper II, is a valued senior keeper who's approaching 20 years with us! She’s incredibly dedicated and meticulous when it comes to caring for the animals. Linda has a special passion for our primates and has proudly led efforts to enhance their lives here at the Zoo. She's also a wonderful teammate and a natural leader among the staff.

07/21/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK

Bobby, our dedicated Zoo Animal Keeper II, has been an incredible part of our facility for nearly 30 years! His deep knowledge of the Zoo’s history, animals, and procedures makes him a wonderful resource. Bobby’s passion for all things animals and wildlife shines through as he happily answers guest questions and shares captivating stories about the animals. Besides his work with the animals, Bobby is also our talented resident musician. You might catch him serenading guests and gift shop staff during lunch or at our special events, adding a special touch of music and joy to our day!

07/20/2025

It's ZOOKEEPER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Kyle is the Complex Supervisor – he began his zoo career here as a keeper. He continues to lead the keeper team, often getting ‘in the trenches’ with them to lend a hand at daily husbandry, projects, medical procedures, and training sessions. Kyle is very passionate about helping the Zoo progress, especially with hawks, reptiles, and tigers.

07/16/2025

🎉 Happy Bird-Day to Max, the Catalina Macaw, who turns 37 today!! As our (unofficial) Zoo greeter, Max is quite the talker and is a favorite among guests and staff.

Meet Max:
🦜Hatchday: July 15, 1988
🦜Favorite Food: mixed nuts in shells, bananas, papayas, hard boiled eggs, and crunchy vegetables
🦜Favorite Toys: wooden blocks, hanging ropes, puzzle feeders, and anything he can destroy
🦜Favorite words or phrases: “Hi”, “Florida”, “Barbara”, “Aaron”, “have a cookie”, “bye-bye”, “mmmmm”, “Bobby”, “flower”, “noogie”, and “Alooo-HA”. He’s also known for mimicking laughter!
🦜Max Facts: Max is a Catalina Macaw—a hybrid with traits inherited from the Blue-and-Gold Macaw and a Scarlet Macaw. Max has a history of having a growth on his beak. The current beak discoloration you see is due to a cellular matrix band-aid, applied by our vet team, which is aiding in the healing process. 🤍

Max will be treated to extra enrichment toys, fruit kabobs, and all the attention he can get. Make sure to say hello 👋 at your next visit! 🧡❤️💚💙

07/10/2025

🎉🦅 Today, we’re circling around a very special celebration.. it's Igorina’s 42nd birthday!

Meet our Turkey Vulture:
☀️Birthday: July 10, 1983 (originally from the Honolulu Zoo)
☀️Favorite Food: rats & mice, chicken, small birds, fish, mealworms, ice treats with prey items
☀️Favorite Toys: toilet paper tubes, phone books, shredded paper, pine cones, puzzle feeders, zookeeper ankles
☀️Fun Facts: Igorina “Iggy” is the oldest resident at the Pana’ewa Zoo!! A not-so-fun fact is that when vultures feel threatened, they throw up. (They can propel their vomit up to 10 feet!) When the threat passes, they will re-eat the contents. Waste not, want not!

Stop by the Zoo today to sign her birthday card and help us wish Iggy a happy birthday. She will be receiving special treats and toys this week and will be eating up all the attention. 🍗

Address

800 Stainback Highway
Hilo, HI
.POBOX738,KEEAU,HAWAII.96749

Telephone

+18089599233

Website

https://hilozoo.org/

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