Zoo Boise: To Conserve and Preserve

As you follow the paths throughout the zoo and find tigers, giraffes, red pandas, leopards, and more, you realize how incredible Zoo Boise is. It’s in the center of downtown Boise, nestled safely and serenely in the Julia Davis Park. You are surrounded by over 80 different species of animals, and you can almost forget that you are surrounded by the largest city in Idaho.

Boise is a fantastic place to live. From great real estate to sprawling parks, swimming pools, and a plethora of outdoor lifestyle opportunities, Zoo Boise sits at the heart, a testament of a city’s desire and will to actively conserve and preserve endangered wildlife and nature.

An Oasis Amidst Concrete and Blacktop

Today, Zoo Boise stands as a testament to our state and the City of Boise’s mission to preserve, conserve, and educate locals and tourists alike about the majesty and necessity of nature. There’s really a lot to do at the zoo as well. Apart from exploring the multitude of exhibits, you have some opportunities to get a little more hands-on with some of the animals.

One the neatest experiences is with the giraffes. Did you know that giraffes have black tongues? You’ll find out after you feed one a piece of lettuce from your hand. They are incredible animals, and you get up close and personal with them. It’s a one of a kind experience, to have the giraffe stoop down and reach out its long neck and grab the piece of lettuce with its black tongue.

You can also take a cruise on the river. They run a boat, and it’s called the Conservation Cruise. Explore the river, and explore Zoo Boise in a whole new way. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the conservation that the zoo is doing, and it’s a fun break from just taking the pathways through the zoo.

Part of a Great Organization

In 2002, Zoo Boise reached a milestone years in the making. The zoo became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This is a huge achievement, and only 210 of 2,300 of zoos have earned accreditation from this organization. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has high standards dictating the care of animals, handling of exhibits, education, and measures to encourage and promote conservation and preservation.

Because Zoo Boise is accredited, they take part in some neat programs, and you can witness the results of this participation. Recently, two red panda cubs were born in Zoo Boise. You can watch them grow, while they explore and play in their habitat. The births are part of a program to encourage and promote the breeding of endangered species. This is done to encourage growth of the species, and to provide animals to reintroduce into the wild to repopulate the wild population if necessary.

The conservation goes beyond just the animals though. A part of the effort also includes the plant life in the zoo. This ensures that the plant life is taken care of properly, and can flourish. It creates a wonderful slice of nature within the City of Boise, and allows the inhabitants of the city to explore and experience the beauty of nature, and to be a part of the preservation and conservation by visiting the zoo.

Be a Part of the Greatness of Idaho

A big part of living in Idaho is the great outdoors and the majesty of nature. It’s a big draw for people that decide to move to Idaho, and big part of why people live and stay in Idaho. Zoo Boise exemplifies the very best of nature, by creating a protected and beautiful habitat for the over 200 animals in the exhibits there.

Zoo Boise is more than just a zoo. It is the embodiment of Idaho life. Idaho is full of natural parks, forests, and preserves, and Zoo Boise sits in the center of downtown Boise because of this. Back in the 1920s, the zoo almost closed. But the city and its citizens banded together to save the zoo, and to create the wonderful oasis of education, preservation, and conservation that brings people from all over the country.

If you haven’t visited the zoo, you are missing out on a truly marvelous experience. If you visit, you can also vote on the zoo’s next conservation movement, by picking new animals for exhibits or the like. The zoo stands for everything that brings people to this great state, and it’s a shining example of the lifestyle available to you in Boise. While you may live in the city, you never have to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors. Nature sits in your backyard.