Animal Safari: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
If you love animals, then this is the program for you! Join us for an animal safari where we will be taking a virtual trip to check out and learn about new animals each week. This week we will be visiting the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, nestled in Hilo, Hawaii, is celebrated as the only naturally occurring tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Covering 12 acres, this unique zoo and botanical garden is home to over 80 different animal species, including a giant anteater, American alligators, and Bengal tigers.
Key features of the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens include:
- Diverse Animal Exhibits: Visitors can see a range of animals from rainforest climates, including white-faced whistling ducks, binturongs, red tegus, and the slow-moving South American two-toed sloth.
- Botanical Collection: The grounds showcase more than 40 different species of plants, flowers, and trees, with a focus on tropical species.
- Educational and Recreational Facility: The zoo serves as both an educational and recreational site, particularly for children, with a petting zoo open on Saturdays.
- Conservation Efforts: The zoo is involved in conservation and educational outreach, focusing on endangered species and environmental awareness.
Managed by the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is a family-friendly destination that offers free admission to visitors. It’s an ideal place for learning about local plants, rainforest animals, and conservation efforts.
Check out their website: Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
Please register below or by email: Alyssa@WeThriveTogether.org.