Connecting people to wildlife
We believe everyone deserves a connection to wildlife. Kahu bridges the gap between people and the animals they love.
Our name
Our name, Kahu, comes from the Hawaiian word for guardian or caretaker—someone entrusted with protecting another living being. We chose this name because it reflects our core belief: that every animal deserves someone in their corner.
We use this word with gratitude and respect for Native Hawaiian culture and their deep, enduring relationship with the natural world. We recognize that words carry meaning beyond their definitions, and we are committed to honoring that responsibility.
Our story
Kahu was born from a simple observation: millions of people love animals, but most will never have the chance to form a meaningful connection with the wildlife they care about. Zoos and aquariums do incredible conservation work, but they can only reach those who can visit in person.
We saw an opportunity to change that. By partnering with ethical, AZA-accredited institutions, we could bring real animals and real conservation stories to anyone with a smartphone. Not through games or cartoons, but through authentic experiences built on actual zoological knowledge and care practices.
What started as an idea to make wildlife education more accessible has grown into a platform that connects hundreds of thousands of people to real animals while generating sustainable funding for the zoos and conservation programs that protect them.
"We believe everyone deserves a connection to wildlife. Kahu bridges the gap between people and the animals they love by partnering with the world's most ethical zoos and aquariums to create meaningful, educational experiences that directly fund conservation."
— The Kahu Team
Our mission
To create meaningful connections between people and wildlife that educate, inspire, and directly fund conservation efforts worldwide.
Every interaction in Kahu is designed to deepen understanding, foster empathy, and translate digital engagement into real-world impact for animals and their habitats.
Our values
The principles that guide everything we do
Ethical First
We only partner with AZA-accredited institutions and their international equivalents. Animal welfare is non-negotiable. We will never compromise on the standards of care or the authenticity of the educational content we provide.
Education Over Entertainment
Real zoological content, not cartoon fantasy. Every feature is designed to teach authentic animal behavior, natural history, and conservation science. We make learning engaging without sacrificing accuracy or trivializing animal care.
Conservation Impact
50% of revenue goes directly to zoo partners to fund conservation programs, habitat restoration, and species protection. We're transparent about where money goes and measure our impact in real-world outcomes for wildlife.
Accessible Wonder
Wildlife experiences shouldn't be limited by geography, mobility, or economics. We bring zoo experiences to everyone, everywhere, making conservation education accessible to millions who might never visit in person.
Privacy & Trust
Built on privacy-respecting infrastructure (Google Cloud Platform). We collect only what's necessary to provide a great experience. We never sell user data. Parents trust us with their children's screen time, and we take that responsibility seriously.
The team
A diverse group united by a passion for wildlife and technology
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Advisory board
Guided by leaders in zoology, conservation, and education
Expert guidance from industry leaders
Our advisory board includes zoo directors, conservation scientists, educators, and animal care professionals who ensure our content and approach meet the highest standards of zoological and educational excellence.
Why this matters
Wildlife is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. More than 1 million species face extinction. The window to act is closing.
But here's the truth: people protect what they love. And they love what they understand. That's where we come in.
Every child who falls in love with a penguin through Kahu is a future conservation advocate. Every dollar we generate for zoo partners funds real programs that save real habitats. Every fact learned is a seed planted for a generation that will need to make critical decisions about our planet.
We're not just building an app. We're building a movement.