How Families Can Help While the release sites remain a secret to protect the snails, families can visit the Honolulu Zoo to learn more about the program and why even the smallest creatures matter. Zoo keeper Choquette says, “Even the tiniest animals have a role to play in the circle of life, and they deserve to be protected and cared for.” While learning about native Hawaiian snails is a vital first step, there are many other ways to support their survival. Planting and maintaining native gardens, preventing the spread of invasive species, and joining local conservation programs all play an important role in protecting these rare and fragile creatures. From just 10 known survivors to hundreds now thriving under human care, the remarkable journey of Amastra intermedia is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, patience, and community collaboration. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, this small but significant native Hawaiian snail has been given a second chance thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists, researchers, and volunteers. Their work—raising snails in captivity, protecting them from invasive predators, and carefully reintroducing them into safe habitats—shows that even the tiniest species can inspire hope and make a powerful comeback when people come together with a shared purpose. If you’d like to learn more and see the conservation work in action, stop by the Honolulu Zoo or visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/sepp/. Every visit and every bit of awareness helps protect Hawai‘i’s native snails. 140 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2025
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