Holidays with the Animals Returns to Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo located at 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Photograph captured by Robert Moore.

Yesterday, December 20, The Honolulu Zoo hosted its annual"Holidays with the Animals" event, a seasonal tradition that usually draws large crowds of families eager to see the residents celebrate. While the morning promised festive magic with the zoo opening an hour early at 9 a.m., the day turned out to be a bittersweet experience for many who braved the elements and ongoing construction.

To ensure everyone has ample time to soak in the atmosphere, the zoo opened its gates an hour earlier than usual, welcoming visitors starting at 9 a.m. The festivities ran until 2 p.m. providing a full morning of unique wildlife encounters and seasonal activities.

The heart of the event remained the "gift opening" sessions for the animals Residents including the giraffes, elephants, lemurs, and sloths were presented with holiday-themed packages filled with their favorite treats. The sight of these majestic creatures interacting with their gifts provided the primary highlight of the day."The experience fell short for us," Dale Williamson shared. "It felt like nearly half the zoo was empty, and since most of the visible animals were resting or out of view, we spent much of our visit searching for wildlife that just wasn't there."

However, the experience for human visitors was marked by several logistical hurdles. A significant portion of the zoo is currently undergoing habitat rehabilitation, leaving several major exhibits closed to the public. This narrowed the path for visitors and concentrated the crowds into fewer areas. The weather also played a major role; unforeseen heavy rain forced zoo staff to prioritize animal welfare, bringing many residents out for only a few minutes before returning them to their secure enclosures.

Because these appearances were so brief, families who were not at the specific enclosure at the exact designated time slot missed the opportunity entirely. Even those who arrived on time found that the viewing ports at many enclosures were too small to accommodate the crowd, leading to long waits in the rain. Tensions were further strained by the presence of professional photographers hired by the park. As families huddled around the limited viewing spaces, photographers frequently asked guests to move aside to secure promotional shots, leading many to feel that the zoo should have arranged separate media access to ensure the paying public wasn't displaced.

Despite the combination of closed exhibits, parking fees, and the rain proving to be a challenge for some, the spirit of the event still shone through in the moments of connection. From noon to 2 p.m., keiki had the chance to meet Santa and speak with educators about the wonders of wildlife. "Even with the challenges, the kids had a great time with the animals they did get to see," said Dale. "We definitely want to come back next year. We're hopeful for clearer skies and look forward to seeing the exhibits once the rehabilitation projects are finished."

Ultimately, while yesterday’s event served as a reminder that even the best-laid holiday plans are subject to the whims of nature and a zoo in transition, "Holidays with the Animals" remains a noble effort in wildlife enrichment and community education. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a visitor, the event still offers a unique blend of conservation and holiday joy. For those looking to attend in the future, arriving early to catch the first round of presents is the best way to ensure a memorable morning dedicated to the amazing animals that call the Honolulu Zoo home.

Interesting Facts about the Honolulu Zoo. Infographic created by Robert Moore.