BOISE, Idaho — Construction on Zoo Boise's new red panda habitat is officially underway, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning.
The project is part of the "Heart of the Zoo" campaign, which plans to build and renovate several facilities at the zoo. The first phase of the zoo's comprehensive plan features the red panda complex, a new gift shop, separate zoo exit and more over the next eight years.
Zoo Boise's current red panda exhibit – built more than two decades ago – was meant to be temporary. The new, larger habitat and upgraded gift shop are expected to open in the spring of 2025.
“This is an incredible day for Zoo Boise and an opportunity for us to highlight all of the generous donors who have made these investments possible,” Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway said. “We are proud to own and operate this premiere zoo and even more proud of the dedicated staff who continue to put animal care first.”
The zoo currently has three red pandas, named Jasper, Spud and Stevie. The upgraded complex is large enough for up to 12 pandas, with outdoor habitats, indoor day rooms and an overhead walkway for the animals to move between different areas.
The design also features an overhead tree canopy, tall climbing structures and accessibility improvements for increased guest interaction, according to Zoo Boise. The area mimics "a lush Asian forest complete with various plants."
"We're going to have 3,000-square foot outdoor exhibits with overhead trails," Zoo Boise Director Gene Peacock said. "It's going to be a themed-immersive exhibit, so it feels like you step out of the plaza into a whole new part of the zoo … It's really going to be one of the largest and most up to date red panda facilities in the country."
Officials said the Friends of the Zoo nonprofit has raised nearly $9 million to support the current phase of the master plan, which is expected to cost $11.5 million. The first phase also includes updates to the penguin and snow leopard exhibits.
“Zoo Boise has been a part of the fabric of our community since 1916 and is fittingly located in Boise’s oldest park,” Mayor Lauren McLean said. “These investments are much needed, and I applaud the Friends of Zoo Boise’s commitment to animal wellbeing and wildlife conservation, while continuing to offer a unique experience for everyone who passes through the zoo’s front gate.”
Click here for more information on Zoo Boise's visionary master plan.
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