Gorongosa National Park Exhibit is now open!
The new 2.5-acre Gorongosa National Park Exhibit features a variety of animals that can be seen in Gorongosa National Park, including wild African dogs, baboons, Nile crocodiles, vervet monkeys, otters, hyenas, warthogs, nyala and southern ground hornbills. The exhibit tells the story of the agricultural, medical and education programs that are in place to partner with the local people. It is also a way for visitors to learn about all the components of a real life conservation project as it unfolds.
Past Construction Updates
- Otter and Crocodile Pools Completed 06-12-19
The otters and Nile crocodile will both have indoor and outdoor pools for them to enjoy. Here are some updated photos of the pools.
nile crocodile inside pool
otter inside pool
- Gibbon Exhibit Now Open 06-08-19
Zoo Boise’s brand new front plaza and gibbon exhibit are new open. The gibbons’ new home features indoor and outdoor areas for the apes to play and explore. The front plaza has 2 covered pavilions and a beautiful stage.
- Updated Construction Photos 05-15-19
gibbon building
Front plaza and stage
18 foot long Crocodile path between inside & outside exhibits
Fun Fact: Male Nile crocodiles can get up to 18 feet long!
Exhibit features and murals in the E.O. Wilson Science Center
- Murals, Mulch, and Mighty Boulders 03-07-19
As buildings are being completed, mulch is being brought in, boulders are being placed, and murals are being painted. The mulch is not only good for the animals feet, but also is eco-friendly! The following photo is inside the African wild dog exhibit.
- Concrete Pouring 02-22-19
Concrete is being poured for the floors of the new anteater building, maintenance shop, and off exhibit animal holding building.
- Crocodile Exhibit Glass Installed 01-12-19
To install the enormous glass for the crocodile exhibit, construction crews had to use a crane that lifted the glass over the outside walls of the E.O. Wilson Science Center and into the roofless building. Inside the building, a crew was there to help guide the glass into the appropriate spot and finish the installation.
- Demolition of Old Anteater Barn 12-27-18
The old Anteater Barn has been demolished, because we are building a brand new anteater barn that will be better for the animals, zoo staff, and guests.
Demolition of Old Anteater Barn
The old Anteater Barn has been demolished, because we are building a brand new anteater barn that will be better for the animals, zoo staff, and guests. Keep up with Zoo Boise's construction and expansion updates on our website at www.zooboise.org/blog.
Posted by Zoo Boise on Thursday, December 27, 2018
- Buildings Are Up 12-12-18
Even with the snow and cold temperatures, construction crews have been hard at work. The Wild Dog/Hyena building is getting its final finishing touches. The E.O. Wilson building’s walls are completely done and soon the windows will be installed for the otter and crocodile exhibits. At the front of the zoo, work continues on the plaza, stage, and new Gibbon Exhibit.
- Glass Panel Testing 11-08-18
Zoo staff had to test the strength of different glass panels for the new exhibits to ensure safety for guests and the animals. Here is a video of two of those tests.
- Crocodile and Otter Pools 11-02-18
Construction crews have begun to spray concrete and smooth it out for the crocodile and otter pools. Very cool stuff!
- Rock Removal in Former Hyena Exhibit 10-25-18
Demolition and rock removal inside the former hyena yard is almost complete. Soon this exhibit will redone for the future nyala and hornbills that will be moving to Zoo Boise.
- Gibbon Building is Almost Completed 10-06-18
Construction continues at full speed! The Wild Dog/Hyena building is up and it has been dry framed in with a roof. The Gibbon Building walls are up and construction crews will start framing and roofing that building next week. In addition, we have foundations poured for our new stage, crane holding building, and one of the pavilions.
- Backfill Completed on Several Exhibits 08-18-18
Several foundations are done, backfill completed, and blocks are going up. We will soon have walls! Soon construction crews will begin pouring the footers and foundation for the E.O. Wilson Building. Things are really starting to take shape!
- Foundations are Being Built 07-21-18
Foundations for some of the buildings and animal exhibits in the new Gorongosa National Park Exhibit are starting to be built. For example, the photo below is the foundation for the African wild dogs holding.
- Primate House and Aviaries Demolished 06-26-18
The Primate House, Aviaries, and Wallaby Walkabout have been demolished. Soon, construction will begin on the Annamite Mountains Exhibit and new guest amenities in the front of the zoo.
- Demolition Begins 05-21-18
Demolition has begun on the Primate House and Aviaries. This will make room for new animal exhibits and more guest amenities.
- Tree Protection in Place 05-19-2018
Proper processes and measures have been put into place to ensure protection of the trees within the construction zone.
- Digging Begins for Gorongosa Exhibit Foundations 05-16-2018
Digging at the new Gorongosa National Park Exhibit has begun. This hole is where the foundation for the African wild dog and hyena holding building will be.
- Access to the Primate House is Closed 05-11-2018
Access to the Primate House and Aviaries are closed off due to the upcoming demolition. Access to the African Plains Exhibit is now through the gate next to the Penguin Pavilion.
- Construction on new Fence 04-11-2018
Equipment and trucks have arrived to begin construction on the new fence that expands the size of the zoo by 1.5 acres.
- Groundbreaking Ceremony 04-06-2018
City of Boise and Friends of Zoo Boise leaders broke ground on the new Gorongosa National Park Exhibit today. The exhibit, which will expand the zoo’s footprint by 1.5 acres, will also enhance Zoo Boise’s conservation efforts around the world. Learn more about the groundbreaking ceremony HERE.
