Zoo Idaho facts for kids
| Date opened | 1932 |
|---|---|
| Location | Pocatello, Idaho |
| Land area | 25 acres (10 ha) |
| Coordinates | 42°50′34″N 112°25′18″W / 42.8427°N 112.4218°W |
| No. of animals | 145 |
| No. of species | 40 |
Zoo Idaho is a fun zoo located in Pocatello, Idaho. It opened way back in 1932! This special zoo focuses on animals that naturally live in the Intermountain West region.
The zoo is home to over 100 animals, representing about 40 different species. It's one of only two zoos in the entire United States that specializes in animals from the Intermountain West. What makes Zoo Idaho even more unique is how it includes the culture of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes in its programs and design.
Zoo Idaho is built on a natural landscape covering about 25 acres (10 hectares) inside Ross Park. Many animal homes have a tall, 40-foot (12-meter) lava cliff behind them. This cliff actually splits the zoo into two main areas: Upper and Lower Ross Park.
What Can You Do at Zoo Idaho?
Besides seeing amazing animals, Zoo Idaho offers lots of cool activities:
- A 900-square-foot (84-square-meter) tree house for exploring.
- A tall, 30-foot (9-meter) teepee that teaches about tribal culture.
- A fun petting zoo where you can meet barnyard animals up close.
The zoo also has special programs for students. Through its Zoo Outreach Program, employees bring animals and lessons directly to classrooms. About 3,000 students learn about wildlife this way each year! Another 3,000 students visit the zoo on field trips in spring. Zoo Idaho also hosts exciting spring and summer camps in its outdoor classroom, called the Tall Tales Tent.
Future Plans for Zoo Idaho
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Zoo Idaho has big plans for the future! They have a 15-year plan to make the zoo even better, which might cost between $15 and $20 million. The first part of this plan, called Phase One, is estimated to cost $2.5 million.
One of the new projects is 'Charlies' Place,' which will cost at least $1.9 million. The rest of the money for Phase One will go towards improving walkways, building a new entrance, and adding new restrooms, a gift shop, a patio, and a snack bar. Money earned from the snack bar and gift shop will help pay for the daily running and upkeep of these new areas.
A brand new home for the Lynx is also being built. This exciting exhibit is being paid for by generous donations from the community.
