There’s a new animal in town — he’s small, black and white and the only one of his kind in Hawaii.
Pepé the skunk has taken up residence at the Honolulu Zoo.
The zoo will introduce Pepé (and, yes, he is named after Pepé Le Pew from Looney Tunes) to the public during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Besides some educational activities, visitors will have the opportunity to smell a vial of skunk scent, see a skunk footprint and learn the mammal’s anatomy. The first 100 guests to visit will receive a plush skunk.
Zoo Director Manuel Mollinedo said it is exciting to have the opportunity to house Hawaii’s one and only skunk.
"This addition will prove an invaluable opportunity to educate our youth and general public as they are able to learn more about different animals around the world," he said.
Pepé was born May 8 in Ohio and arrived in Honolulu in July. Until he completes his quarantine, he will be displayed behind glass in the Keiki Zoo. After quarantine he’ll be moved to a larger outdoor enclosure.
Skunks, best known for their ability to deter predators by emitting a stinky, oily liquid, belong to the Mustelidae, or weasel, family, which includes badgers and otters.
As for Pepé, he’s been de-scented.
Zoo trainer Nancy Leong has been working with the animal for hourlong periods three times a day on new behaviors such as coming when called and slipping on a harness so he can walk with an escort to get exercise. His diet comprises softened vegetables with a natural dog food mixture similar to his diet in the wild.
Pepé is a very curious skunk, according to the zookeepers, so when he isn’t training, he enjoys sniffing his surroundings and looking for something new to uncover.
Otherwise, he takes frequent naps throughout the day.
General admission to the zoo, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is $14 for ages 13 and older, $6 for children 3 to 12 ($8/$4 for Hawaii residents and military). Call 971-7171 or visit www.honoluluzoo.org.
