Honolulu Zoo celebrates re-opening and blessing for upgraded Hippopotamus and African Penguin Exhibits

A hippo and penguins at the Honolulu Zoo

WAIKĪKĪ — The Honolulu Zoo is pleased to announce the re-opening of the African penguin and hippopotamus exhibits following significant upgrades. The improvements were commemorated today with a blessing, performances, and lei untying, while students from nearby Jefferson Elementary were on hand to take in the moment with delight.

The City and County of Honolulu completed $942,000 in design and construction for both the African penguin and hippo exhibit viewing areas. CC Engineering & Construction, Inc. was the contractor for both projects.

The African penguin project received approval to start in November of 2024, with the penguins temporarily relocated to the old alligator habitat while work was underway. Now, a new walkway offers guests a more immersive experience to visit with our African penguins and provides a closer look at their habitat.

Additional improvements include upgrades to the hippo filtration system, sponsored by the Honolulu Zoological Society, with work performed by Ozone Water Systems.

“We are grateful to the Mayor and the Honolulu City Council,” said Zoo Director John Berry. “It is very exciting to reopen these two important exhibits. Our penguins, along with Mara and Louise, are excited to greet their many admiring fans!”

The Honolulu Zoo has 8 penguins. African penguins have been listed as endangered since 2010 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and they are the only penguin species found in Africa.

The Honolulu Zoo currently houses two female resident hippopotamuses, Mara and Louise. Mara is 22 years old and arrived at the Honolulu Zoo in February 2022 from the Los Angeles Zoo. She shares an exhibit with 34-year-old Louise who was born at the Denver Zoo. The Hippo and Penguin Exhibits are located near the entrance to the zoo’s African Savanna.

To view the full press conference and blessing, please visit: https://youtu.be/DFHCTzg03dc

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