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Nightingales find new home at Panaewa Zoo

Two Kona nightingales have found a new home at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. (Photo courtesy of Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens)

Two Kona nightingales have found a new home at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. (Photo courtesy of Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens)

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Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens has received a welcome addition to its zoo family, a pair of Kona nightingales rescued from the arid Kona coastline near Kaupulehu.   

Thanks to the efforts of Michael “Corky” Bryan, vice president of livestock operations, and George “Keoki” Wood, livestock operations manager of Parker Ranch, and former County Councilman Leningrad Elarionoff, the pair made their zoo debut Jan. 8.

Kekake Aa (Lava Donkey) and his female companion Keiki Aa (Lava Child) are now permanent residents of the Big Island zoo.

Elarionoff obtained Kekake Aa five years ago as a foal and bottle-fed him after he was found wandering alone during a relocation effort aimed to contain and protect freeranging Kona nightingales that had wandered onto Queen Kaahumanu Highway near dawn and dusk.   

The effort was coordinated by the West Hawaii Donkey Committee, whose goal was to prevent further animal-vehicle interactions. Nightingales are the progeny of relics from the by-gone days when donkeys were used to transport coffee on farms in the district.  

Keiki Aa was found alone a year later wandering onto the highway and was picked up by a patrol officer who had heard of Elarionoff’s previous success in nurturing Kekake Aa.  

The two remained in the care of Elarionoff for several years until he heard the zoo was interested in obtaining a pair of nightingales.   

Kekake and Keiki are reportedly adjusting well to their new digs and looking forward to visitors during the weekly petting zoo, which runs 1:30-2:30 pm every Saturday, rain or shine. Zoo admission is free; donations are accepted.

— Find out more:
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens: www.hilozoo.com/Z_home.htm

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