Orchids at the Zoo

HOS volunteer Tim Brown mounts an orchid high on a tree at the zoo.

One of the Hilo Orchid Society's most successful projects has been the continuing effort to place orchids on trees at Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens for the enjoyment of the public.  This also shows people how orchids grow in nature – on trees, not in pots!  Hundreds of orchids have been mounted on trees along the zoo's scenic paths.

Many HOS volunteers have helped, but the vision behind the project has come from HOS member Eric Guttormsen, who first got the zoo's approval and then got things going with a few donated orchids, then a few more, then a few more ...

In 2013, the Society held a Zoo Day at which HOS volunteers mounted hundreds of orchids on trees under Eric's guidance.  But the project continues.  With the help of a few volunteers, Eric is looking to place more and better orchids at the zoo, now that he knows which orchids do best in which locations.

If you visit the Hilo zoo, be sure to look around as you wander the paths.  You're sure to see some orchids in bloom.

To see some photos of orchids on trees at the zoo, go to our Orchids Au Naturel gallery under Galleries.

Eric Guttormsen with a supply of orchids ready to be mounted on trees.