Rare Wolverine Joins Zoo Boise Family

Wednesday, January 21 UPDATE: Wolverine Laura is now publicly viewable in her new habitat!

Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is excited to announce the arrival of Laura, an 11-month-old female wolverine who recently traveled from ZooMontana to join the Zoo Boise family. Laura is named after the daughter of the iconic superhero Wolverine, giving a playful nod to her species’ fierce reputation and her spirited personality. She will be at home in her new habitat and ready to meet our guests by the end of January.

Laura will make her home in the newly renovated wolverine habitat located next to the carousel. The upgraded space was designed with the species’ natural behaviors in mind, providing climbing structures, cold-weather features, and room for exploration and enrichment.

“Wolverines are iconic Idaho predators that few people have the chance to see up close,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laura and introduce our community to a species that is powerful, elusive, and incredibly important to Idaho’s wild places.” 

Wolverines are one of the rarest mammals housed in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos. Currently, only ten AZA accredited zoos care for wolverines, with just 30 individuals participating in AZA’s Wolverine Species Survival Plan Program. Zoo Boise is proud to join this exclusive group.

“Laura’s arrival is a milestone for Zoo Boise and a testament to our care and conservation focus,” said Zoo Director Gene Peacock. “She represents an opportunity for our community to learn about a unique and engaging species while giving back globally. As with all our animals, her presence also supports our mission: every guest who visits helps protect wildlife worldwide.”

Within North America, the normal range for wolverines includes Canada, Alaska, and remote mountainous areas in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. One of the most surprising facts about wolverines is their unique approach to parenting and survival. While many species give birth in spring or summer, wolverines welcome their young in the heart of winter, usually in February. Mothers dig dens deep within snowbanks, and kits are born white to blend into their snowy surroundings.

As part of Zoo Boise’s conservation model, $1 of every admission is contributed directly to efforts that protect animals in the wild. Since the program’s inception in 2007, Zoo Boise has generated over $4 million to protect wildlife in Idaho and all over the world.

Will you help Zoo Boise welcome and care for one of North America’s most elusive mammals? A gift will assist in providing wolverine Laura with daily enrichment to keep her engaged and support zoo kitchen chefs in providing her a variety of nutritious foods.

About Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise is a division of the City of Boise’s Parks and Recreation Department and is supported by the Friends of Zoo Boise, a 501(c)(3) membership organization that supports Zoo Boise in the area of animal acquisition, capital improvement projects, education programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events. The goal of each of these components is to increase public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the zoo, wild animals, animal habitats, species conservation, and the environment.

Zoo Boise is open daily from 10AM to 5PM with last admission at 4PM. As a reminder, all admissions are just $3 per person every Thursday through February 2026.