In light of General Election Day on Nov. 5, Honolulu Zoo has two of its own fan favorites vying for the role of “Mayor of Honolulu Zoo.”

The two candidates in the virtual contest are Makamae, the zoo’s native Hawaiian short-eared owl, and Jaws, a Galapagos tortoise. The selections were made to bring a focus on the environmental challenges that endangered and threatened species are facing around the world, according to a news release.

Makamae, a male pueo, is an ambassador for Honolulu Zoo's endangered native bird population. (Image courtesy of Honolulu Zoo)

Makamae is Honolulu Zoo’s only native Hawaiian short-eared owl, a male pueo. He came from the Kauai Humane Society on July 19, 2016, after being found in a neighborhood with a blind right eye and was deemed unsuitable for release back into the wild.

Zoo officials say that since his arrival, Makamae has thrived in his new home and with other native neighbors. His role as a popular ambassador for the zoo’s endangered native bird population is especially critical as the pueo population on Oahu is declining rapidly.

Makamae takes part in glove training exercises, flying onto the arm of his keeper and confidently posing during educational talks to the public about the importance of conservation. The Honolulu Zoo Society built a new enclosure for Makamae in Sept. 2024, allowing visitors to see and learn about him.

According to zoo officials, Makamae promises to be a mayor for all animals, native and non-native alike.

Makamae promises to be a mayor for all equally. (Courtesy of Honolulu Zoo)

Jaws is a male Galapagos tortoise, arriving at Honolulu Zoo as a juvenile in 1929 before the zoo was even officially established. He came as part of the Charles Townsend expedition that collected wild tortoises from the Galapagos Islands for zoos to aid in the conservation of the species.

Throughout the past 95 years, Jaws has seen the zoo’s progress from the beginning and witnessed the importance of Hawaii’s tropical climate as it supports the healthiest and longest-lived animals at the zoo. He and his fellow zoo herbivore species have been able to enjoy the fruits and produce grown at Honolulu Zoo year-round.

As such, zoo officials say Jaws is making climate change a priority in his campaign for mayor.

Jaws' campaign is about taking care of the planet for future generations. (Courtesy of Honolulu Zoo)

The public is invited to vote in Honolulu Zoo’s election this weekend, Nov. 2 and 3.

Visit Honolulu Zoo’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to vote. On Facebook, a vote for Makamae is a “like” (thumbs up) and a vote for Jaws is a “love” (heart). On Instagram, use the comments section to leave a thumbs up for Makamae and a heart for Jaws. One vote per person please. Voting will close on midnight of Nov. 3 and the winner will be announced afterward.