The Department of Parks and Recreation and Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens staff are urging the public to refrain from feeding zoo animals.

It is against zoo rules to feed the animals for the following reasons:

• The animals at the zoo are on monitored diets carefully designed by zoo staff for each species, and much work goes into balancing the diets of the animals, finding quality foods, and preparing the food to the animals’ liking.

• Foreign food items can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea, diarrhea and poisoning. Animals, including household pets, should not eat human food, especially processed foods. Even fruits and veggies that are healthy for people can be toxic to certain animals. Onions can be toxic to primates. Avocados are toxic to parrots. Processed foods can be high in fat and sugar and can cause digestive issues in almost all animals.

For those interested in watching the zookeepers feed the animals, the best time to visit the zoo is in the morning. Several reptile feedings are scheduled weekly.

The zoo also prohibits guests from putting foreign objects into animal habitats. Zookeepers frequently find coins, plastic bottle caps, hats, and other items in with the animals. These items can also be very harmful to the animals.

For more information contact Mindy Runnells at 808-959-7224.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth