Trifter

Zoo Boise managed to survive, even though it had to begin charging admission in 1971. The zoo has grown in size over the years to include an African Plains Exhibit, a Summer Safari, Animals of Asia, and The Americas. During the summer months, from June until September, you can even take boat rides. There is also a carousel if taking a ride on the waters does not catch your attention.

In its efforts to encourage learning, there are many educational programs available. The Preschool Zoo invites children ages 3 through 5, and an accompanying adult, to join in hands-on activities featuring different animals each week. There is a variety of full-day, half-day, and single day camps for children aged 7 through 15. These camps offer insight into zoo keeping, biology, and art among other topics. There are even family programs, such as animal story time, overnights, and breakfasts at the zoo.

Conservation has become extremely important to Zoo Boise. This conservation does not stop at the gates of the zoo, but is extended to animals in their natural habitats. A portion of each ticket goes to the Conservation Fund. Zoo Boise was the first zoo in the country to create a program of this degree. The fund helps protect animals in the zoo’s master plan or in the zoo itself. To continue conservation efforts, Zoo Boise participates in the Species Survival Plans (SSP) which is typically seen as a breeding program for selected threatened or endangered species. Zoo Boise currently participates in 14 SSP programs, including the Amur Leopard, the Komodo dragon, the Red Panda, and the Snow Leopard.

As if creating their own conservation fund and participating in SSP programs is not enough, the zoo also partnered with ECO-CELL to help save habitats of the endangered gorilla and elephants. You can bring your old cell phone, cell phone batteries, and cell phone accessories to Zoo Boise between 10:00am and 5:00pm to be sent to ECO-CELL. ECO-CELL will reuse and recycle the equipment and also pays the zoo for each product sent to them. Even the zoo’s Critter Caf is using biocompostable products like plates, cups, and utensils.

Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park at 355 Julia Davis Dr. It is open daily from 10:00am until 5:00pm, except during the summer months when the hours are extended to 7:00pm on Monday and Tuesday nights. The best day to visit is a Thursday, as that is discount admission day. Admission is $6.50 for adults (12-61), $4.00 for seniors (62+), $3.75 for children (4-11), and free for children 3 & under. During discount admission day, admission is $3.75 for adults and seniors and $2.50 for children (4-11).