Planning a visit to the Honolulu Zoo? There's an app for that.
The zoo on Thursday launched a new mobile app the City and County of Honolulu says is "designed to provide an interactive and seamless experience" for visitors.
According to the city, the app features an interactive map to help you navigate the zoo; can help you plan your visit with personalized itinerary planning; highlights animal profiles and conservation efforts; provides real-time notifications so you can stay informed about upcoming habitat chats, enrichment sessions and feedings, and special events; and shares dining and shopping information to help you find food options, gift shops and refreshment stands.
The app also will share with users special offers, discounts and events, including a new series of "Keeper Chats" scheduled at the zoo. Designed by the zoo's animal keepers, the city says these chats "relay educational and captivating stories on their training, feeding and enrichment work with the animals."
The 42-acre zoo and botanical garden is located at the base of Diamond Head and is home to more than 700 animals.
Zoo Director Linda Santos said in an announcement Thursday that having a new app is a "significant step forward" in the zoo's modernization efforts.
The app — made possible by the zoo's partner organizations SSA Group and Honolulu Zoo Society — is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from Apple's App Store and Google Play Store.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
