On February 9th, 2025, the zoo announced they renovated the binturong exhibit, adding new perching and log feeders.
3.3K views · 115 reactions | We have some scent-sational news… it’s a binturong bonanza here! After months of renovations, our binturong exhibit is finally back in action— and we have double the reasons to celebrate! Last year, we welcomed a young male binturong to the Zoo that YOU on social media helped us name. Chandler Bingturong has made his grand fur-st appearance all the way from Serbia! But that's not all... our beloved female binturong, Keoki-Anne, celebrates her sweet 16th birthday today! Our binturongs have been busy climbing, sniffing, and checking out their upgraded home. The new habitat is packed with features that support their natural behaviors such as high and plentiful perching, logs, browse feeders, “hammocks”, and other enrichment tools to help keep them engaged and entertained. Swing by to wish Keoki-Anne a happy birthday and catch these peculiar looking creatures as they climb, lounge, and of course, smell like buttered popcorn or corn chips (yes, really). Stay tuned for more updates and fun facts about the binturong residents of the Zoo. | Friends of the Panaewa Zoo
On May 3rd, the zoo announced they acquired 2 axolotls which are on exhibit in the Reptile House.
2.1K views · 50 reactions | Today is Salamander Saturday! In celebration, we’re introducing what’s new at the Zoo! There’s axolotl love to go around for these unique amphibians… Axolotls! They are fascinating for many reasons, but here are some facts about the "water dogs": Defiance of metamorphosis norms: They keep their juvenile features (such as external gills, which resemble a feathery head piece) through adulthood in order to thrive in their unique ecosystem— one very particular lake in Mexico They are carnivorous and consume small prey such as small fish, worms, and insects. They locate their food by smell and will "snap" at any potential meal, sucking food into their stomachs with vacuum force They are able to heal without scarring and even regenerate entire lost appendages, organs, and parts of their central nervous system over a period of months Their regenerative abilities are of significant interest to researchers hoping to translate this ability to humans Unfortunately, there are significantly more axolotls in captivity than in the wild. Habitat destruction and invasive species have led to a dramatic decline in their population. Their critically endangered status in their native habitat highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the broader implications of biodiversity loss. Come visit the two newest additions in the Reptile House and ax-olotl questions about the Zoo's fascinating animals to learn more! | Friends of the Panaewa Zoo
On June 27th, it was reported that the zoo will acquire another Hawaiian crow in the future, along with pygmy hippos, which have not been held at the zoo since ~2003. It was also reported that the zoo is currently constructing a new colobus monkey exhibit, as well as a new area for South American species.
Hilo zoo welcomes several new inhabitants - Hawaii Tribune-Herald
3.3K views · 115 reactions | We have some scent-sational news… it’s a binturong bonanza here! After months of renovations, our binturong exhibit is finally back in action— and we have double the reasons to celebrate! Last year, we welcomed a young male binturong to the Zoo that YOU on social media helped us name. Chandler Bingturong has made his grand fur-st appearance all the way from Serbia! But that's not all... our beloved female binturong, Keoki-Anne, celebrates her sweet 16th birthday today! Our binturongs have been busy climbing, sniffing, and checking out their upgraded home. The new habitat is packed with features that support their natural behaviors such as high and plentiful perching, logs, browse feeders, “hammocks”, and other enrichment tools to help keep them engaged and entertained. Swing by to wish Keoki-Anne a happy birthday and catch these peculiar looking creatures as they climb, lounge, and of course, smell like buttered popcorn or corn chips (yes, really). Stay tuned for more updates and fun facts about the binturong residents of the Zoo. | Friends of the Panaewa Zoo
On May 3rd, the zoo announced they acquired 2 axolotls which are on exhibit in the Reptile House.
2.1K views · 50 reactions | Today is Salamander Saturday! In celebration, we’re introducing what’s new at the Zoo! There’s axolotl love to go around for these unique amphibians… Axolotls! They are fascinating for many reasons, but here are some facts about the "water dogs": Defiance of metamorphosis norms: They keep their juvenile features (such as external gills, which resemble a feathery head piece) through adulthood in order to thrive in their unique ecosystem— one very particular lake in Mexico They are carnivorous and consume small prey such as small fish, worms, and insects. They locate their food by smell and will "snap" at any potential meal, sucking food into their stomachs with vacuum force They are able to heal without scarring and even regenerate entire lost appendages, organs, and parts of their central nervous system over a period of months Their regenerative abilities are of significant interest to researchers hoping to translate this ability to humans Unfortunately, there are significantly more axolotls in captivity than in the wild. Habitat destruction and invasive species have led to a dramatic decline in their population. Their critically endangered status in their native habitat highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the broader implications of biodiversity loss. Come visit the two newest additions in the Reptile House and ax-olotl questions about the Zoo's fascinating animals to learn more! | Friends of the Panaewa Zoo
On June 27th, it was reported that the zoo will acquire another Hawaiian crow in the future, along with pygmy hippos, which have not been held at the zoo since ~2003. It was also reported that the zoo is currently constructing a new colobus monkey exhibit, as well as a new area for South American species.
Hilo zoo welcomes several new inhabitants - Hawaii Tribune-Herald