Go Wild on Valentine's Dayby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 08 Feb 2008 11:33 AM I'm a sucker for holidays... even the ones greeting card companies invent simply to boost sales. So it should come as no surprise that I found the following travel deal irresistible. The title alone grabbed my attention. Then again, it could be because my 3-year-old is wild about animals and our local zoo is closed until March. If you live or visit areas in warmer climates you don't have to deal with seasonal closings, which is why places like the Honolulu Zoo can host clever events such as "Love Gone Wild" just in time for Valentine's Day. Animal magnetism takes on a whole new meaning come February 14th at the popular Waikiki zoo. Romance will be in the air--and in the cages--Thursday night and visitors will be sure to get an eyeful as zoo officials take an estimated 400 people on small group tours to animal enclosures for a bit of romantic education. One of the stops will be to see Rusti, a 315-pound orangutan, romance his female companion, Violet. Animal caretakers warn that the scene is a bit awkward especially when young children are present, but adults might find witnessing the massive animal establishing his territory and dominance to be quite interesting. Learning about the recreational habits of orangutans is just one of the activities zoo keepers have in store for individuals who pay $40 (in advance; $50 at the door) for a night of love among the animals. Besides learning about the mating rituals of zoo residents, including elephants, gharials (Indian crocodiles) and Sumatran Tigers, visitors will get a "Taste of the Wild" in a tented area under the stars, with the Honolulu Jazz Quartet complementing the occasional roar from the lion's den. The Valentine's Day "Love Gone Wild" event takes place Thursday night from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Honolulu Zoo. Take note: Zoo patrons must be 21 and over to gain entry to the event. And as an added bonus if you are spending February 14th or 15th in Hawaii another romantic Valentine's Day option will be taking place at the Waikiki Aquarium. "Seaduction" begins at 7 p.m. on both nights and includes candlelight dinner on tables for two among the sea creatures. Visitors will be treated to a gourmet meal of Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Filet Mignon and Mahi Mahi in Parchment, and Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Puree for a cost of $300 per couple. The price also includes a champagne reception and "romantic souvenir." Related Articles: Hot Hotel Deals in Hawaii for 2008 Cruising the Pacific on a Ribcraft Traveling To Hawaii---With Your Pet Hawaii--Visiting the Big Island's Best Waterfalls Hawaiian 101: "Was that Mauka or Makai?" Adventure Travel--Swimming With Sharks Adventure Travel--A Trip to the "Valley of the Kings" Visiting the World's Largest Outdoor Shopping Center Destination: Hawaii--A Great Family Beach Visiting Hawaii's "White Mountain" Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu, hawaii, Travel, Valentine's Day travel Discuss this article
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