Located in beautiful Julia Davis Park, in the heart of Downtown Boise, Zoo Boise is one of the most popular attractions in Southern Idaho as well as a living science facility that is home to over 300 animals from 100 various species. Zoo Boise is a community treasure where more than 350,000 annual visitors of all ages can learn about our natural world and the importance of protecting and preserving it for generations to come.
Zoo Boise turns the act of visiting a zoo into a conservation action.
10 years ago, Zoo Boise reinvented itself. We made it part of our mission to protect animals in the wild. We turned the act of visiting the zoo into a conservation action. With the creation of a conservation fee and a series of fee-based animal encounters, Zoo Boise has generated $3 million so far for wildlife conservation projects around the world. Now, part of every admission and proceeds from our most popular attractions go to the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund which supports the protection of wild animals in Idaho and around the world. Helping endangered species is easy and fun at Zoo Boise. Interested in learning more about our conservation programs? Please visit our conservation webpage.
While at Zoo Boise, here are some fun things to consider doing:
Zoo Boise Areas & Exhibits
- African Plains Exhibit
You don’t have to leave Idaho to take a walking safari through Africa. All you have to do is come to Zoo Boise to see lions, giraffes, patas monkeys, African birds, and much more. Don’t forget to get your photo taken inside the African hut and Safari Jeep.
- Animals of Asia
Asia is full of exotic and diverse animals and Zoo Boise’s Animals of Asia area is no different. You’ll get to experience red pandas, sloth bears, snow leopards, and many other exciting animals to learn about. While here, check out the Sloth Bear Encounter, where you can feed a sloth bear for only $5. 100% of the proceeds go to protect animals in the wild.
- Animals of the Pampas
The Pampas are grasslands in South America. The Animals of the Pampas exhibit features rheas, giant anteaters, and manned wolves. It’s also where you can find the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit during the summer. The Animals of the Pampas exhibit is located right next to the Zoo Farm.
- Gorongosa National Park Exhibit
This exhibit features more than 20 animal species and interactive exhibits. This exhibit directly helps the animals living in and the people living around Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, Africa.
- Small Animal Kingdom/Rainforest
The Small Animal Kingdom and Rainforest building is home to more animal species than any other area at Zoo Boise. Favorites include the spider monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, Komdo dragon, and many more! Interested in meeting a 350 pound Aldabra tortoise? Check out the Animal Experiences page.
- South American Loop
The Penguin Pavilion may be the most popular spot on the South American Loop, but make sure you visit the capybara (South America’s largest rodent) on the way there. Interested in a Penguin Private Animal Experience? Learn more on our Animal Experiences page.
- What's in a Name?
Sometimes referred to as the bat house, the What’s in a Name? exhibit is home to Ruwenzori long-haired fruit bats, Indian flying foxes, sugar gliders, and Amazon milk frogs. This exhibit is located right next to the zebras.
- Zoo Farm
Feed and pet a goat, sheep, or llama and you are helping wildlife all over the world! 100% of the quarters from the Zoo Boise Zoo Farm goes to protect animals in the wild. Learn more at the Zoo Farm page.
The Zoo Farm is presented by:
