Zoo Boise Celebrates Opening of Red Panda Passage
[MAY 14, 2025] A new and exciting exhibit that creates a world-class home for red pandas is now open at Zoo Boise. A division of Boise Parks and Recreation, Zoo Boise is an industry leader in conservation located in the heart of the City of Boise. Staff members are dedicated to creating sustainable and accessible environments for exceptional animal care and guest experiences. The Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage is unlike any other red panda habitat in the country, providing opportunities for the community to learn about and interact with these incredible animals in a variety of ways.
“This is an exciting day for Zoo Boise, the City of Boise, and the red pandas,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “I know I speak on behalf of the entire community in sharing our gratitude for the dedication of our zookeepers, educators, and the Zoo Boise team. We look forward to welcoming people from around the world to this exhibit, showcasing your animal conservation efforts and this wonderful new habitat.”
The new Red Panda Passage contains unique outdoor habitats, an indoor day room, and overhead walkways to allow the red pandas to move between different areas. The design mimics an Asian forest complete with various plants and trees. Plus, many new climbing structures for the red pandas to explore. The project also includes accessibility improvements for guests at Zoo Boise to better see and interact with the animals.
The improvements cost approximately $2.5 million and were made possible through generous donations from community members, private foundations and business partners secured by the Friends of Zoo Boise. The exhibit is named after Virginia R. Bartak, a longtime Boise resident, animal lover and zoo supporter who generously donated $1 million to kick off this project.
“I am proud of our Zoo Boise team and especially thankful for the efforts of the Friends of Zoo Boise to make these improvements possible,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We continue to make improvements to the zoo experience while prioritizing animal care and wellbeing, which will always be our number one priority.”
The expanded red panda area allows Zoo Boise to care for more red pandas, in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Zoo Boise is an AZA accredited zoo. Today, four red pandas call Zoo Boise home, with the hope of adding more in the future. Beloved Chinese red pandas Stevie and Jasper are adjusting well to their new surroundings. They are joined by a female Chinese red panda born last year at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska, and a 9-year-old male Himalayan red panda from a zoo on the East Coast.
“This is an exciting day for everyone who has been involved in this project and we are proud to be a leader in the preservation of this species,” added Zoo Boise Executive Director Gene Peacock. “This new exhibit and the animals who call it home allow us even more opportunities to engage with guests and share the importance of red pandas worldwide. We’re committed to continuing to improve the zoo and update our spaces to make them more inviting, accessible, and user-friendly.”
In addition to the new and improved home for the zoo’s red pandas, Zoo Boise also unveiled its new gift shop. The approximately 2,600 square foot facility offers more retail space and additional offices for staff.
This first phase of the “Heart of the Zoo” campaign is ongoing with additional upgrades coming to aging exhibits and facilities planned over the next decade. Donations support a revamp of the Small Animal Kingdom, a new state-of-the-art education facility, as well as planned updates to the penguin and snow leopard exhibits, among others. To date, the Friends of Zoo Boise non-profit has raised more than $10 million to support the current phase of the zoo’s visionary master plan, which encompasses three phases. Fundraising efforts continue to make current and future upgrades at the zoo possible. You can click here to learn more and get involved.
Zoo Boise turns the act of visiting a zoo into conservation action. Part of every admission, along with proceeds from the zoo’s most popular attractions, go to the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund that supports the protection of wild animals in Idaho and across the globe.
The zoo is open daily from 10AM to 5PM with last admission at 4PM.
The Latest Time Lapse Construction Video
[FEBRUARY 25, 2025] Exciting improvements are coming to Zoo Boise as the new gift shop and Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage are taking shape! Opening this year, guests will feel like they are entering a lush Asian forest. The new habitat features three outdoor yards, indoor space, climbing structures for the red pandas, and an overhead walkway where red pandas can explore and move between spaces. This thoughtfully designed environment will provide the perfect home for multiple red pandas and any future cubs. Learn more and support the project HERE.
Video courtesy of Michael McCullough
Bird’s-Eye Update of Red Panda Passage and Gift Shop
[DECEMBER 26, 2024] Take a look at the incredible progress on Zoo Boise’s new Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage and gift shop, captured by drone! Opening in 2025, this innovative habitat will feature separate indoor and outdoor areas, providing space for multiple pairs of red pandas and their future cubs.
We’re in the final stretch to raise the last $100,000 needed to complete this exciting project, and thanks to a generous matching gift, your donation will go twice as far!
Help us finish strong and give red pandas the home they deserve.
Big Improvements are Coming to the Small Animal Kingdom
[OCTOBER 29, 2024] Big improvements are coming to Zoo Boise, and we couldn’t be more excited! Starting Monday, November 4, we’re temporarily closing the Small Animal Kingdom for an exciting transformation that will bring new, updated spaces for both animals and guests to enjoy.
Red Panda Indoor Roof Complete
[OCTOBER 2, 2024] Opening in 2025, the Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage will welcome even more red pandas to Zoo Boise, with space for multiple pairs of red pandas and their cubs, all thanks to the large indoor habitat and multiple outdoor yards!
With the roof now installed, we’re on track for an exciting debut. Once complete, we can’t wait for you to experience this immersive red panda habitat!
Learn how you can help at zooboise.org/heart.
Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage Walls Built
[SEPTEMBER 1, 2024] Exciting progress on the Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage, which will open in 2025. The walls are up, and the construction crew is hard at work on the interior of the new habitat. This overhead shot gives you a peek inside as we continue to build a state-of-the-art home for our red pandas.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to welcoming you to this amazing new space!
Zoo Boise is a division of Boise Parks and Recreation.
Photo courtesy of Michael McCullough
Red Panda Foundation Complete
[JULY 26, 2024] Red Panda Construction Update! The foundation for the inside portion of the Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage is now complete. Next, the construction team will build the exterior walls and install plumbing and electricity for this building.
Coming in 2025, the red panda expansion will feature multiple outdoor and indoor habitats, further cementing Zoo Boise’s commitment to red panda conservation. Stay tuned because we will be sharing updates frequently!
Zoo Boise is a division of Boise Parks and Recreation.
ZOO BOISE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW HOME FOR RED PANDAS, UPDATED GIFT SHOP
[MAY 7, 2024] City of Boise leaders, Friends of Zoo Boise board members, and project partners are celebrating the much-anticipated groundbreaking of two important improvement projects at Zoo Boise. The expanded indoor and outdoor red panda exhibit will increase animal care and viewing opportunities for the thousands of families who visit Zoo Boise each year, while a new gift shop will help support Zoo Boise’s wildlife conservation and education efforts around the world.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE.
GIRAFFE SLIDE OPEN IN NEW SPOT
[APRIL 24, 2024] Zoo Boise’s Giraffe Slide is now reopen in a new location!
The beloved slide can now be enjoyed in the African Plains section of the zoo, right next to the giraffe habitat and Norco schoolhouse.
After a short presentation and ribbon cutting, 11-year-old Henry took the ceremonial first ride on the slide in its new home. Henry started visiting Zoo Boise and participating in education programs as a pre-school student, and has since participated in Critter College, day camps, and homeschool programs.
Zoo Boise is proud to inspire a love of learning and a passion for animal conservation in the next generation of Treasure Valley youth – and we can’t wait for the community to make memories on the Giraffe Slide for many years to come!
GIRAFFE SLIDE RELOCATING
[MARCH 13, 2024] Exciting news! The popular Giraffe Slide is relocating to a new spot in the African Plains section, next to the giraffe habitat. While it’s being safely secured, the slide will be closed for a few weeks. As soon as it reopens, we will make an announcement.
As part of our ongoing Heart of the Zoo Campaign, the slide moved to make room for our new Education Campus, scheduled to break ground later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments!
