About the Zoo

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is the only zoo in the United States set in a tropical rainforest, which provides the unique opportunity to exhibit various species in a natural rainforest environment.

Located on 12 acres in the Pana'ewa area of Hilo, an abundance of lush flora enhances the animal experience and transforms the Zoo into a diverse botanical park.

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens provides a welcome form of alternate recreation and education for all ages to enjoy.

Conservation Mission

Conservation of world wildlife and rainforests will affect many future generations. Continuing education and awareness are vital for preserving our natural resources, and the Zoo affords the perfect opportunity to combine this education with enhanced recreation.

Thus, our Mission is:

E kīpaipai i ka po'e kipa mai e ho'omaluō i ko kākou mokupuni a me ke ao kūlohelohe ma o ka hoʻonaʻauao me ka hōʻikeʻike pū ʻana iā lākou i kā mākou mau huihui meakanu a holoholona.

To inspire our guests towards the conservation of our Island and all natural places through education centered around the exhibition of our plant and animal collections.

Key Partners

The Zoo is maintained by meeting and upholding Federal USDA Animal Welfare Act regulatory standards and requirements to maintain Federal licensure; and by acquiring the State and Federal permits necessary to import, transport and house restricted animals.

Volunteers and community involvement are vital to the Zoo's success and future expansion. Friends of the Pana`ewa Zoo (FOZ) is a 501( c) 3 not-for-profit volunteer organization that provides financial support for both projects and supplemental animal care. FOZ is an integral part of the Zoo and they maintain a Zoo website and social media accounts that provide news and public information to increase visitor awareness.

Zoo Administration

Photo of Mindy Runnells Mindy Runnells, Administrator, Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex (Zoo and Equestrian Center)

Mindy grew up in rural Ohio exploring fields, forests, and ponds, always surrounded by her pets. Her passion for animals and the outdoors led her to The Ohio State University where she studied Natural Resources and Wildlife Management.

Mindy came to the County of Hawai‘i from Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Bay Lake, FL) where she was an Ectotherm Keeper for 17 years.

Prior to moving to Florida, Mindy was an Education Presenter and Keeper at The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium for three years. Between seasons at the Columbus Zoo, she interned at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in Volcano. This is where she fell in love with Hawai‘i Island and vowed to return!