Friends of the Panaewa Zoo

09/29/2026

09/27/2026

Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is open to the public again!! We’re happy to welcome you back 🤙

09/26/2026

The Zoo will be closed to the public today as the Big Island remains under a Hurricane Watch. We encourage everyone to stay safe! 🌧️

09/26/2026

🌺 Come for the plants… stay for the warm fuzzy feeling of helping the zoo! 🐾🌿
Every purchase helps support Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens.

09/25/2026

The Zoo is closed today, Sept. 25. Stay safe out there!! ☔️

09/24/2026

Due to the ongoing hurricane watch, Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens will be closed today, 9/24 and tomorrow, 9/25 following the closure of all non-essential state and county services.

Please be prepared and stay safe! We will share updates regarding reopening as more information becomes available. 🌺💛

09/15/2026

Happy Bleptember to all who celebrate!

09/05/2026

Did you know that the first Saturday of September is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about vultures?

Often misunderstood and unfairly portrayed, vultures are actually some of nature’s most important cleanup crew! By feeding on carcasses and other organic waste, vultures help keep ecosystems clean and healthy. Their scavenging also helps reduce the spread of harmful pathogens and diseases that can affect both wildlife and people.

In honor of the holiday, Igorina the turkey vulture got full access to her favorite toy: a zookeeper’s ankle! 🦴 (No actual zookeeper was harmed in the making of this video 😜). The 3D-printed skeleton came complete with tasty treats tucked on top, giving her a fun reason to investigate, forage, and pick apart her food. Unusual-looking enrichment like this encourages natural scavenging behaviors and keeps Iggy engaged in doing what vultures do best.

Happy International Vulture Awareness Day! ❤️

09/03/2026

This day is set aside to make important repairs, complete ongoing projects, and begin new ones safely, without putting our guests at risk. At times, heavy equipment may be used to accomplish these tasks. We also take this opportunity to maintain walkways throughout the zoo to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

09/01/2026

This day gives us a chance to make repairs, finish ongoing projects, and start new ones safely—without putting our guests at risk. Sometimes, we need to bring in heavy equipment to get the job done. We also use this time to keep our walkways in good condition so everyone can enjoy a safe, pleasant visit.