HONOLULU — Honolulu Zoo officials are warning the public that an online scam is selling fake tickets at a discounted price. Tickets can only be purchased at the zoo's front entrance, according to a news release. 

The scam attempts to trick people into thinking they are buying reduced priced tickets for the Honolulu Zoo’s 40th anniversary and that the tickets will be valid for one year.

Image shows the scam website which uses the Honolulu Zoo Society graphic (Photo courtesy Department of Enterprise Services)
Image shows the scam website which uses the Honolulu Zoo Society graphic (Photo courtesy Department of Enterprise Services)

The Honolulu Zoo has received several phone calls about the scam, which was first spotted on social media. The scammers use an authentic-looking website to lure people into purchasing the fake tickets. Zoos across the county have reported similar scams targeting their patrons. 

Officials urge the public to only use HonoluluZoo.org when looking for zoo information. 

The scam comes as the Honolulu Zoo is being considered for The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards “Best Zoo.” Officials are asking people to vote for the Honolulu Zoo

Along with the competition, officials said there is a heightened interest in the zoo. Almost 8,000 people visited the Honolulu Zoo over President’s Day weekend, which is the highest count for that holiday in six years.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.