MEDIA RELEASE
It is that time again!
Namaste, Panaewa Zoo’s white Bengal tiger, will be celebrating his 11th birthday Saturday, Sept. 26 and The Friends of the Zoo want everyone to come celebrate with him!
Namaste’s is the biggest birthday bash in Hilo and this year’s celebration will include musical entertainment all day long. The hourly shows start with the Waiakea High School Band at 9 a.m., Lobo Del Mar at 10 a.m., the Hawaii County Band at 11 a.m., the Dedication of the Namaste Rain Shelter Mural at noon, Java Jive at 1 p.m., Jazman at 2 p.m., and Lava Jam Band at 3 p.m.
There will be food booths serving hotdogs and shave ice. Free cake from KTA Superstores and Safeway and ice cream courtesy of The Pint Size Corporation will be served at noon to the public as long as supplies last.
At 9:30 a.m. Namaste will receive his ice cake and do the Pumpkin Pounce.
At 11 a.m., he will receive his birthday presents and at 3 p.m. the birthday boy will feast on his birthday dinner, donated by Kulana Foods.
At the entrance of the zoo, visitors can sign birthday banners for Namaste and take a photo with a life-sized plush white tiger at the Zoo Information Booth.
The zoo gift shop is celebrating by offering 10 percent discounts on all white tiger plush items for the day. The face painting has been so popular, it will be offered at two locations this year.
Keiki will be able to make a special craft project to take home, enjoy a scavenger hunt and play games. Terry the Tiger, Marc the Clown and the Black Monkey will also be on hand to entertain the keiki. The Petting Zoo will be open 1:30-2:30 pm.
Al Cabral and the Hawaii Horse Owners’ Association will assist visitors with parking.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Panaewa Zoo, a nonprofit corporation which supports and promotes the zoo. Funds raised at events contribute to the acquisition and care of zoo animals and for improvements at the zoo. the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. No admission is charged.
For further information contact the Friends’ Zoo Gift Shop at 959-9233 or visit www.hilozoo.com.
What a beautiful white tiger! I've not been to this enchanting little rain forest zoo (yet), but I hope to soon! It looks great.
Allen Nyhuis, Coauthor: America's Best Zoos