Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is the only zoo in the United States set within a natural tropical rainforest, located in Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island. The zoo is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals, including Bengal tigers, giant anteaters, American alligators, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (Hawaii's state bird), macaws, parrots, and toucans. Lush botanical gardens feature palms, bamboo, orchids, and a water garden that seamlessly blends the plant and animal worlds. The petting zoo opens on Saturday afternoons, offering hands-on family fun. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for visitors and residents alike. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed first Thursday of the month), it offers a uniquely Hawaiian wildlife experience unlike any other zoo in the country.
