MEDIA RELEASE

The children’s playground equipment at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13, and remain closed each weekday through Friday, Oct. 24, while the playground surface is upgraded to a synthetic turf safety system.

Other areas of the zoo will be kept open and follow the normal operating schedule.

To minimize impacts to playground users, the playground will be opened Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19.

The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure and thanks zoo users and the general public for their patience and understanding while the modification work is occurring.

Located off of Stainback Highway about five miles south of Hilo, the 12-acre Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States.

More than 100 palm varieties and 80 animal species can be found at the zoo.

Admission is free.