Plant sale will help support Hilo zoo

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Zoo patrons walk past plant boxes last week that were funded, installed and planted by Friends of the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Earlier this month, Mike Newman looks at plants that were planted by volunteers of Friends of the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.
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Friends of the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is hosting its annual plant sale fundraiser Saturday.

Fourteen vendors and plant societies will be selling orchids, bamboo, vireya, bromeliads and many more types of plants to support Friends of the Zoo.

The money raised through the Friends’ biggest fundraiser of the year is used to enhance the lives of the residents of the zoo.

Some recent projects funded by the Friends include refurbishing some of the enclosures that have deteriorated, special lighting for the reptile house, and fencing materials for a new donkey enclosure.

Volunteers from Friends of the Zoo also have used funds to plant more vegetation and flowers to keep the zoo lush and beautiful.

“I think some people forget that it’s a zoo and garden, so I like to remind people of that,” board member Mike Newman said. “We want to give visitors the option to enjoy the garden part of the park just as much as the animals.”

The plant sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the entry circle to the Panaewa Zoo and Equestrian Center.

There will also be a silent auction. Masks and social distancing will be required.

More ways to donate to the Friends of the Zoo can be found at hilozoo.org.