Corpse Plant Blooming at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens (September 5, 2013)

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Clayton S. Honma William P. Kenoi Director Mayor Robert A. Fitzgerald Deputy Director DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION  101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8311 Fax (808) 961-8411 NEWS RELEASE September 5, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Corpse plant” blooming at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation invites the public to the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens to witness a “corpse plant” that has started its rare blooming phase. When in full bloom, the giant rainforest plant amorphophallus titanum releases sulfur that smells like rotting corpses to attract pollinating insects. That’s why it’s known as the “corpse plant.” Full bloom is expected to occur at the zoo on Friday, September 6, and last 48 hours. Blooming frequency varies greatly, often taking place only once every decade. The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens has two corpse plants that artist Hiroshi Tagami donated in 2002. One of the plants bloomed in 2011, attracting large crowds of curious onlookers. The other, “Stinky 2,” is growing in the exhibit located next to the zoo’s feral pig and across from the large mixed-parrot aviary. Located off of Stainback Highway about five miles south of Hilo, the 12-acre Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. More than 100 palm varieties and 80 animal species, including Nēnē geese and Namasté, a white Bengal tiger, can be found at the zoo. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free. For more information, please call 959-7224 or email panaewazoo@co.hawaii.hi.us. -30- County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.