Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is excited to announce the reopening of the Small Animal Kingdom. City of Boise leaders, zoo staff, and supporters gathered to unveil the all-new experience Thursday, October 23. The Small Animal Kingdom is filled with vibrant habitats, engaging animal spaces, and exciting new species. The transformation creates more dynamic environments for the animals and improves guest experiences by making the exhibits more accessible- bringing all closer than ever to some of the zoo’s most charismatic residents.
“The City of Boise is proud to join Friends of Zoo Boise, the zoo’s non-profit membership organization and fundraising partner, as we continue to evolve one of the nation’s premier destinations for wildlife education and conservation,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “These updates improve habitats for our animals, enhance learning opportunities for families, and ensure Zoo Boise remains a source of pride for the entire Boise community.”
The reimagined space now features the TLC Foundation Small Cat Hideaway, a specially designed home for sand cats, along with a new meerkat habitat, new Aldabra tortoise areas, and an immersive cotton-top tamarin exhibit where the tamarins can travel between indoor and outdoor habitats using an elevated overhead walkway. Zoo guests can also enjoy views of the spider monkeys in the Small Animal Kingdom. This update also makes room for some new animals to join the Zoo Boise family, including a prehensile-tailed porcupine named Ozzy now on exhibit. Later this fall, the zoo will welcome a Grand Cayman blue iguana and a two-toed sloth.
“The Small Animal Kingdom has been completely transformed thanks to the fundraising efforts of our Friends of Zoo Boise team,” said Zoo Boise Director Gene Peacock. “From the playful sand cats to the high-energy meerkats, every new habitat was designed to engage guests while giving the animals more choices and opportunities to thrive. It’s an exciting new chapter for Zoo Boise and for everyone who supports our animal care program.”
The Small Animal Kingdom is located adjacent to the Amur tiger habitat and Zoo Farm and is part of Zoo Boise’s long-term master plan to enhance habitats, modernize facilities, and expand conservation impact.
Zoo Boise is open daily from 10AM to 5PM with last admission at 4 PM.
About Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise has transformed the act of visiting the zoo into a conservation action. Since 2007, visits to Zoo Boise have generated more than $4 million toward the conservation of animals in the wild. Zoo Boise is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, a national organization that supports excellence in animal care, conservation, education, and science.
