Friends

Who we are and what we do ... The Friends of the Zoo is a non-profit volunteer community-based organization. Our mission is to support and promote the Zoo and provide education programs. "Friend" volunteers are dedicated to the enrichment of the zoo animals, to the education of the community, and to all visitors' enjoyment of the zoo.
	Several times a year the Friends host the public at "Family Fun" days providing entertainment, games and refreshments. Some of these events have a theme such as the tiger's birthday party or Christmas at the zoo where specially prepared gifts are given to the animals.
The Friends raise money through donations, memberships, animal adoptions and sales from the gift shop. Money raised is used to fund animal acquisitions and enrichment, and special projects such as building new facilities for the petting zoo, a primadome and colobus enclosure.
		Community education is offered via the Friends' docent program. The docent program provides volunteers with relevant information in zoology and botany that is presented during group tours to enrich each visitor's experience.
The Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo is a public facility under the administration of the Hawaii County - Parks and Recreation Department. Friends volunteers have replaced the HVCB Warrior Marker behind the zoo sign on Highway 11. These markers are only awarded to sites that are considered culturally or educationally significant and of interest to visitors.