Honolulu Zoo
Beginning from a land grant in 1876, the Honolulu Zoo was
slowly stocked with animals in the early 20th century by
the Administrator of Kapiolani Park. Expanding from a small
collection of a monkey, a honey bear and a few lions, it now
offers views of hundreds of animals both familiar and
exotic.
There are over 43-acres in Waikiki of animals in one of the
most unique zoo settings anywhere in the world. More than
750,000 visitors per year come to this zoo near Diamond
Head to enjoy the painstakingly gathered species in a tropical environment.
Enter and pass by the Flamingo Pond. Travel farther down the
path to see the state bird, a goose called the Nene. To the
left is the children's petting zoo where young ones will be
fascinated by the llamas.
Wild lions roam freely in a 10-acre area called the African
Savannah in a setting similar to San Diego's Wild Animal
Park. But, in this case, the grounds are lush and filled
with contrast that isn't provided by San Diego's dusty pits.
Sharing the space with them are several other native species
of the Dark Continent, including Capuchin monkeys.
There are species that are natives of other continents as
well. Apart from the Nene the zoo houses a Hawaiian pig and
mouflon sheep. There is an anteater and a sloth. The zoo
offers views of the exotic Coatimundis from South America.
And don't miss seeing the outstanding Sumatran Tiger.
Many of the species can be seen in the evening. For
this, the zoo provides a special program called the Zoo by
Twilight Tour. There is also a family sleepover option as
part of the Snooze in the Zoo event held Friday's and
Saturday's once per month.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
If you find yourself in Hilo and want to have a fun
zoo experience, visit the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. Situated
in a genuine 12-acre rainforest, it offers a variety of
animals to view.
There are a Pygmy Hippo, Spider Monkeys, a Water Buffalo and
more. Birds have a lovely home in this lush tropical
paradise. There are Vultures, Parrots and the official state
bird, the rare Nene Goose.
Small by some standards, housing only about 150 animals
total, the zoo is full of fascinating little enclaves. There
is a section housing the Colobus Monkey, another with a
giant Anteater. Just down the path is an Aldabra Tortoise.
Make sure not to miss the beautiful peacocks not far from
the extensive butterfly enclosure.
Of course, any visit is best capped by seeing the rare White
Bengal Tiger named Namaste. This native of India was
actually donated by an owner in Las Vegas and his name means
'Aloha'.
That's just what you'll be saying when you visit one of
Hawaii's famous zoos. |
