It was humid at the Honolulu Zoo Wednesday afternoon, but that didn’t stop the animals from being out and active – particularly the two female Asian elephants named Mari, 49, and Vaigai, 39.
Their enclosure had four watermelons spread out in a line; for each of them, one set of two watermelons that had engraved logos for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The teams will be playing in Super Bowl 59 this Sunday, Feb. 9.
Whichever watermelon was picked first, would be their official prediction.
Honolulu City Councilmember Augie Tulba, who was dressed as a referee, provided commentary to warm up the crowd, which was growing as the anticipation built. Tulba offered his prediction, “The Chiefs!”
The pair of elephants were shy at first. Vaigai hovered near the gate ready for her afternoon snack – mmm, watermelon! She waited for Mari to catch up, but then decided to go for it. And it happened fast!
Vaigai beelined to a watermelon with the Chiefs logo on it. Her trunk began to wander down. She slowly reached for it, paused, and then redirected for the…
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES!
Wow, she juked us. Vaigai stomped on the watermelon before scooping it into her mouth. Watch it live here:
After the main event, Tulba joined two employees of the zoo, to give an educational talk about elephants.
Tulba told Aloha State Daily he’s been busy with budget season, "so it was nice to get outside.”
Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos has worked there since 1986, according to the City and County of Honolulu, which maintains operations under the Department of Enterprise Services. Nonprofit the Honolulu Zoological Society also supports the zoo.
Who are you rooting for this year? The Chiefs, the Eagles, halftime show performer Kendrick Lamar or the commercials?
Sunday’s game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans will kick-off at 1:30 p.m. in Hawaiʻi.
There’s a few ways to watch it besides on TV (NBC): Paid streaming services like Peacock, Hulu+ Live TV, Youtube TV and Fubo; or at local restaurants and bars like Champs Hawai‘i and Dave & Busters.
CONTACT
The Honolulu Zoo
Linda Santos, zoo director
Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Phone: 808-971-7171
Website: honoluluzoo.org
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
