Zoo Boise
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Definitely a smaller-scale zoo, but many of the enclosures are very attractive/high quality, especially around the African areas. (Some others, less so.) I will say that the animals almost always have a space away from the public and sometimes you can't see them, so it pays to make a few passes during your visit (I never saw the tiger or snow leopard, and only the sloth bear on a second pass. The red pandas were hard to find.) Just as often, they are right inside the glass, so you can be essentially right next to them. I had fun watching an otter and the sloth bear this way for quite a bit. I do wish they'd clean the windows more often - they're almost hard to see through they're so dirty. The zoo is kinda in three "lobes" - I'm not sure there's a great touring strategy for it. I was trying to get away from the opening crowd at the gate and went basically straight back to the newest Gorongosa area and had it to myself for mabe 30 minutes on a Saturday. That area forms one loop. The lions, giraffes, and zebras form another loop. Then near the entrance, the sloth bear, tiger, red pandas, and $1-extra petting zoo form another loop. Don't miss the "pampas" area - it shares an entrance with the farm so it almost looks like you have to pay to get in, but that's just for the farm area. There is a tiny carousel, and a boat ride between June-September. I was here in May and the river water was non-existent and looked under construction in parts. I didn't eat here, but there are at least two places for meals - one at the entrance and one by the giraffes, plus a small cart near the carousel and the gift shop.
Sara Beth WadeSara Beth Wade
10
Update April 26th 11am and the parking situation is awful, I would've bailed if it wasn't for my 3 yr old grandson throwing a fit. We drove around for 30 min only to have to walk a mile. I have to say there is a lot of room for improvement in the overall zoo appearance. First, the groundskeeping needs a lot of work there is too much overgrowth of weeds not to mention trash in the surrounding planters. Second, the exhibits need attention to detail. Maybe my expectations are to high and unreasonable but the overall experience is lacking. It's not expensive to come here so maybe the entry fees need to be raised or a stronger push for corporate donations. I just think the animals deserve more. Just saying. Btw the giraffe slide has been redone and is located in a new spot and it's amazing. My grandson loves it! It was a Tues at 11:30 and hardly a soul around. Just me and my 3 yr old grandson and it was perfect. We just causally wandered around the walk ways enjoying the outdoors and beautiful animals. Obviously this is not the busiest time of year so all of the extra snack stands and side attractions are closed. Most of the animals were out and didn't seem to be bothered by the cold. There appears to be alot of renovation going on or planned. Some of the animal housing is new or updated and some is a little run down. My only disappointment was the giraffes were not out, you can view them through large glass windows but the glare was so bad you couldn't see much. I'm not a huge zoo fan but my grandson loved it so we'll have to come back in the spring and experience the difference with the warm weather.
Craig WilsonCraig Wilson
00
Animals 5 stars! Concession and store employees only rate one star with us! The animals were out and moving around mostly. But, due to the expansion it was difficult to maneuver and figure out where you were. I think I was disappointed because the animals where in different cages and spaces. Some areas concealed one of the animals separating from another. Understanding it is spring and the Animals need separated. I was also disappointed at the end cleanliness of some of the cages . The expansion is inhibiting, because there is so much confusion. It is too bad that a temporary map couldn't be made for this time. The concession workers were rude, they didn't ask if we were having a good time, but more and more concerned about no straws in the regular drinks. They were Kurt no smiles but they always seem to say have a good day after they were indifferent. The store clerk seem to be the worst of the bunch. She was rude, she had a rehearse. Message about no plastic bags anymore. When asked if they had tote bags she said of course and the price and I offered back to her these are plastic. She was more concerned about moving me on. Did not ask how was our visit to the zoo just wanted ice is a customer gone. Of course maybe Saturday's do that for you. The city of Boise has a campaign called be kind. They need to chat with the zoo Boise employees to be kind to the people that pay their wages and visit.
Debra ChojnackyDebra Chojnacky
10
Zoo Boise is not the biggest or best kept zoo, though they do keep true to key mission goals of sustainability, conservation, and education. The cost of entry is low compared to other zoos. I was pleased to support Zoo Boise the past year as a member, and would continue to support them if I was living in Boise long term. Finding parking is difficult as it's shared with the adjacent park, so be prepared. The zoo does not wow visitors upon entry. Most of their exhibits appear small and are very dated. Animals do have a tendency to prefer hiding in their enclosures, but many animals can be seen throughout a typical visit. The butterfly enclosure is well done, and I encourage visitors to see it when in it's in season. There's nothing bad about the experience, but for the state's capitol, the zoo leaves a lot to be desired. I sincerely hope Zoo Boise receives funding needed to achieve its Master Plan outlined in 2021. Zoo Boise's Master Plan includes new exhibits, enclosures, and much needed revitalization. If you're in town or a local, consider visiting or donating so that Boise can continue to have a place for conservation, education, and outreach.
Tyler HaeberleTyler Haeberle
20
ABUSED ANIMALS. How is this legal. I left this zoo feeling so sad and helpless that I had no power to rescue these animals. The hornbill was limping, he actually came up to us at the window and looked me in the eye as if to ask for help. I didn’t want to leave his side. He was so sad. Globally there are over 3 million red tailed hawks. Why does this zoo have one isolated in a small enclosure? I see red tailed hawks in the wild daily. Next to him in an enclosure was an owl. Again, there are so many owls. It pained me to see them trapped. The servals were pacing back and forth as if they have started to hit a level of insanity, the warthog was no where to be seen and neither was the kinkajou. Only a sign staying the vet decided it was best to amputate one of his legs. I barely saw any animals except trapped birds in tiny enclosures. There was hardly any information about any animals except signs to justify poor living conditions and most of the other signs were the names of people who have given money to the zoo. I feel guilty that I went and even more guilty that I was so powerless to save these depressed and abused creatures.
Emily KEmily K
30
Parking is a nightmare with the construction that has been ongoing for over a year, and during the spring the field trips for the kids make parking impossible so plan accordingly until school is out, you may be walking a very long time. The exit used to be an exit but several years ago they put the exit inside the gift shop. This is hard for parents with strollers and kids and especially hard for kids with special needs like mine with ASD and for years the exit was so overwhelming because of the meltdowns having to walk through the gift shop to get out of the zoo, and as annual pass holders for many years, it became a deterrent for us. Perhaps others aren't as bothered but I've seen lots of parents dealing with epic meltdowns with their young children and my heart goes out to them. The exhibits are ok, the idaho falls zoo has a much better viewing situation for the tigers and lions, and I preferred the zoo before they got rid of the kangaroo walk and moved the monkeys around so I guess my review is summed up by saying I liked it the way it was 10 years ago, but my kids enjoy it regardless and that's what matters to me.
Stephanie AndersonStephanie Anderson
00
Nearby Attractions Of Zoo Boise
Julia Davis Park
Knitting Factory Boise
Discovery Center of Idaho
Idaho Central Arena
Jack's Urban Meeting Place (JUMP)
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Residence Inn Boise Downtown/City Center
Boise Centre
The Flicks: Rick's Cafe Americain
Idaho State Museum
Julia Davis Park
4.7
(2K)Click for details
Knitting Factory Boise
4.3
(928)Click for details
Discovery Center of Idaho
4.4
(942)Click for details
Idaho Central Arena
4.5
(668)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Zoo Boise
Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery - Boise
Bittercreek Alehouse
Tin Roof Tacos
Fork
BACON Boise
Yoi Tomo Sushi and Grill
Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood
Elmer's Kitchen (Boise, ID)
Matador Boise
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery - Boise
4.6
(1.4K)Click for details
Bittercreek Alehouse
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details
Tin Roof Tacos
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details
Fork
4.5
(1.8K)$$
Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.2
(2.8K reviews)
Phone
(208) 608-7760
Call
Website
zooboise.org
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