A pair of ʻalalā (Hawaiian crows) will soon be on display at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens on Hawaiʻi island. The young male birds will be ambassadors for the endangered species.
For many years a conservation breeding program, managed by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, has been propagating ‘alalā. The partners of The ‘Alalā Project have attempted to reintroduce ‘alalā into native forests, after the last bird in the wild was spotted decades ago. The population grew to the point where in 2016, forest introduction efforts were started. A number of birds were reintroduced between 2016 and 2019 into the Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve.
“We are honored to bring a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and dedication to our Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden in Hilo,” said Hawai‘i Mayor Mitch Roth in a press release.
At the Pana‘ewa Zoo, visitors can see, hear, and learn more about the species while observing the birds as well as through a new ‘alalā exhibit that will help tell the history of these birds as well as the story of conservation reintroduction efforts happening for multiple species around the islands.
The zoo has been closed for renovations for nearly a year. Improvements included the construction of the new exhibit which was funded by The Friends of the Panaʻewa Zoo. All exhibit signage was created using funds donated to The ʻAlalā Project.
The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is open from 9am -4pm daily. Admission is free.
Photo courtesy of the DLNR
