HONOLULU — The Honolulu Zoo announced the reopening of the Primate Islands Habitat after renovations. 

The zoo’s ring-tailed lemurs and lar gibbon will enjoy the exhibit’s upgrades. 

The Honolulu Zoo Society, a nonprofit focused on supporting the zoo, sponsored the $175,000 renovations. The refurbished exhibit includes a new viewing platform for the lar gibbon, a new bridge connecting two of the islands in the ring-tailed lemurs for the ring-tailed lemurs, new climbing structures and ropework, and new landscaping and rock work. 

“We are very fortunate that the Honolulu Zoo Society earmarked funds raised at their 2023 Zoofari gala, ‘Primate Pāʻina,’ to support the modernization of this very popular primate exhibit,” said Linda Santos, Honolulu Zoo director, in a statement. “We truly appreciate the continuous support and contributions of the Honolulu Zoo Society.”

Mary Benson, Honolulu Zoo Society executive director, said when the lemur and gibbon were reintroduced to their habitat last week they were clearly excited, curious and happy about the renovations. 

The nonprofit raised additional funds from the ‘Primate Pāʻina’ that will go toward the siamang and orangutan habits. 

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