Public urged not to feed animals at Pana‘ewa Zoo

Staff at Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens are reminding patrons not to feed the zoo animals after finding a variety of food and objects in enclosures.

Mindy Runnells, the zoo administrator, said zookeepers find unauthorized food in with the animals daily.

“It’s disturbing to see some of the items we find in the enclosures that present serious risks to the animals, which are like family to us,” Runnells said. “The issue of zoo visitors feeding animals and putting other foreign objects into their enclosures is one we frequently confront, and recently we found onions and coins in one of our primate habitats.

“Onions can be toxic to primates, and coins present a choking hazard and can block the digestive system. A buildup of foreign material in an animal’s gut can make them constantly feel full, causing them to stop eating.”

Foreign food items can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea, diarrhea and poisoning. Animals, including household pets, should not eat human food, especially processed foods.

Even fruits and vegetables that are healthy for people can be toxic to certain animals. Onions can be toxic to primates. Avocados are toxic to parrots. Processed foods can be high in fat and sugar and can cause digestive issues in almost all animals.

So far, Runnells said there have been no issues with animals getting sick or needing emergency care for consuming food not authorized by the zoo.

Runnells said the animals all get plenty of healthy food. Their diets are monitored carefully and designed by zoo staff for each species. A lot of work goes into balancing the animals’ diets, finding quality foods, and preparing the food to the animals’ liking.

For those interested in watching the zookeepers feed the animals, the best time to visit the zoo is in the morning. Several reptile feedings are scheduled weekly. Click here to see feeding and animal encounter schedules.

Aside from food, zookeepers also frequently find coins, plastic bottle caps, hats, and other items in with the animals, which can also be harmful to the animals.

“The Wishing Well at the front of the zoo is a great place to deposit coins,” said Runnells. “These funds go to The Friends of the Panaʻewa Zoo and are used to support the zoo and its wonderful animals.”

With minimal staff to help keep a watchful eye on all the enclosures, Runnells hopes to grow employees and start a docent program where volunteers can be guides for guests at the zoo as well as look out for unauthorized animal feeding.

Runnells said the zoo does accept donations of fresh produce for the animals, and zookeepers also purchase formulated food specifically for the different types of animals.