There are many attractions one can check out when they visit Honolulu. One that is definitely worthy of consideration is the Honolulu Zoo, which is a very popular attraction. Let’s explore some information about the Honolulu Zoo! You will learn about the history, the attractions, and some general information you need to know before you visit.
Facts About the Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo covers 42 acres, and is located in Honolulu Hawaii. The zoo is contained within the Queen Kapi ‘olani Park. It was officially opened in 1877, and was called the Queen Kapiolani Park. It didn’t officially become the Honolulu Zoo until 1947. The park was first opened to display King David Kalakaua’s bird collection, and also a horse racing track. It is the only zoo in the USA that was established by sovereign Monarch grants.
The city of Honolulu took responsibility for the zoo in 1914, which is when Ben Hollinger, the park director, started to collect new animals to display. Some of the first animals he collected were a bear, monkey, and an African elephant. The zoo now has over 1,230 animals in custom designed habitats. The zoo regularly sees over 600,000 people each year. Wow!
During the Great Depression, the Honolulu zoo faced financial struggles and was nearly shutdown due to lack of finances. Despite these financial hurdles, the zoo still decided to press on and expand on the amount of animals they acquired. Some of the animals they acquired during this period are a camel, several birds, an elephant, a tortoise, and spider monkeys.
In 1974, the Honolulu Zoo decided to revive their zoo when they accepted donations of a chimpanzee, a dear, an elephant, and a camel. The new designs of the zoo were largely influenced by the San Diego Zoo exhibits. The zoo was also able to get their master plan approved by the city and county of Honolulu, which determined the boundaries of the Honolulu Zoo. In the 1990s the zoo experienced another boost of enthusiasm when they redesigned their exhibits to display a more natural setting for all the animals they have on hand. The new exhibits were organized into zones, such as the American and Asian Tropical Forest, the African Savanna, and the Pacific Islands.
Admission Details
Honolulu Zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. They are open every day of the calendar year, except for Christmas. The general admission for children ages 3 to 12 is $6.00, and anyone over the age of 12 will be $14 for admission. The zoo also has special military discounts and admission price for children 3 to 12 years is $4 and $8 for anyone over 12 years old.
The Honolulu Zoo is not massive, but they do have have quality exhibits that rival other larger zoos. This makes for a very exciting and fulfilling experience. You’ll be able to view over 1,230 animals and experience the tropical zones of their new exhibits. You can learn more about the Honolulu Zoo by visiting their website!
