Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary is Hawaii's only fully accredited exotic animal facility, situated on five acres above Kona on the Big Island. Founded in 1998 and holding accreditation from both the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, this USDA-licensed nonprofit sanctuary is home to zebras, nene geese, hawks, owls, flamingos, and reptiles. The sanctuary prioritizes animal welfare and does not maintain regular public hours, instead offering private educational tours and school programs designed to foster youth engagement with Hawaii's unique natural heritage. Conservation efforts include wildlife rehabilitation and native species release work, notably with the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Three Ring Ranch provides a rare and meaningful opportunity for visitors to experience close encounters with exotic animals while learning about the fragility of Hawaii's island ecosystem.
