HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Honolulu Zoo is bidding farewell and celebrating the retirement of beloved reptile keeper Dwain “Oki” Uyeda.

Oki began working at the Honolulu Zoo 40 years ago, in 1985, after overcoming his fear of geckos.

Oki’s journey began through a high school work credit program, where he started in the bird department before becoming one of the Zoo’s most beloved reptile keepers.

According to Zoo staff, some of Oki’s favorite memories with his animal friends include Elton the Crocodile Monitor Lizard, who he trained to fetch on command and Lani Moo the Third, who would affectionately lick Oki during their interactions, despite the fact that he was allergic and would get itchy every time.

When asked what kept him going all these years and what message he’d leave beh

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