Kaneohe resident Kevin Abe said he noticed the changes as he walked with his daughter through the zoo.

"I think it's great. It keeps it fresh so all the kids can keep coming back and see new things," said Abe.

Mollinedo said the zoo's maps are improved.  He also says a not-so-obvious change but much needed change is the number of exit signs added around the grounds.

He is hopeful the upgrades will make visitors stick around longer.

"The good news is that we were accredited. The bad news is that we have four more years to get ready for the next accreditation inspection," joked Mollindeo.

Mollinedo said he would like to bring in koalas and kangaroos to the Honolulu Zoo.

Within the next fours, Mollinedo said he would also like to open a full-service restaurant on the zoo's grounds.