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!
