Maui animal facilities deal with extensive storm damage, costly repairs

News admin August 27, 2026 0 Comments

Maui animal facilities deal with extensive storm damage, costly repairs

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two Maui animal facilities are still recovering more than a week after tropical cyclone Lala passed south of Hawaii.

The Boo Boo Zoo in Haiku is home to more than 1,000 animals. While the animals survived the storm, the nonprofit says it is facing more than $50,000 in repairs.

Operations manager Andrea Werner Gillum said downed trees damaged roofs and fencing, while flooding affected areas that typically do not flood.

The storm also knocked out the refuge’s water system, creating another challenge for staff caring for more than 1,000 animals. The water has since been restored.

The refuge estimates its storm-related repairs will cost more than $50,000 on top of its regular operating expenses.

Gillum said the Boo Boo Zoo spends between $30,000 and $50,000 a month to operate, depending on repairs and veterinary costs. About $30,000 goes toward food, water and basic utilities.

“With the financial state that the world is in right now, we’ve lost a lot of monthly donors,” Gillum said.

The refuge has operated for 50 years and hopes to continue serving animals for decades to come.

“We have been here for 50 years and we want to make it another 50 at this point,” Gillum said.

The storm also caused losses at the Maui Humane Society in Puunene. The shelter says a backup generator failure resulted in more than $10,000 in lost medications, including life-saving medications and vaccines.

The shelter also took in about 35 displaced pets and strays following the storm, adding to the need for care.

Maui Humane Society CEO Alexis Pagoulatos said the organization is working to improve its backup power system so it can remain operational during future outages.

Both the Boo Boo Zoo and Maui Humane Society are accepting donations to help with storm recovery and ongoing animal care.