Big Island Now Poll No. 20: What is your favorite animal at Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo?
Fur or scales?
With the myriad of creatures and critters housed at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, visitors are bound to have a favorite among the 225 residents.
Coming up on Saturday, patrons will have an opportunity to celebrate the 8th birthdays on Tiger Fun Day for resident Bengal tigers, Tzatziki and Sriracha. The event returns after the COVID-19 pandemic and facility renovations forced its cancellation for the past three years.
Penny-Ante, Giant Anteater at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens- Keoki Anne, Binturong at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Rowdy, Hyacinth Macaw at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Lyman, Red-Masked Conure at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Makani, ‘Io or Hawaiian hawk at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Kiba, male Capuchin Monkey at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Jake, the Red-Tailed Boa at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Poison Dart Frogs at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Sriracha aka ChaCha, female Bengal Tiger at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Tzatziki aka Ziki, male white Bengal Tiger at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
- Lilo, an American alligator at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
But tigers aren’t the only animals worth checking out on your next visit. There are a variety of birds, a two-toed sloth, monkeys, an anteater, as well as a variety of reptiles, including a green and black poison dart frog. And, of course, there is a fish collection.
Many of the animals were placed at the zoo by the state.
“They’ve been found or confiscated from the airport,” said Mindy Runnells, Pana’ewa Recreational Complex Administrator. “We also have several non-releasable native birds that have been given to us to exhibit by the state. We have quite a few relinquished pets and domestics.”
Animals have also been acquired from other zoos.
So, can you decide on a favorite? Meet the animals on the slideshow above and let us know which one you love!
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