Zoo Boise

What Zoo Boise does

Zoo Boise is a single-site, AZA-accredited zoological park located on 17 acres within Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise, Idaho, operated as a division of the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Department with fundraising support from Friends of Zoo Boise, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID #82-6005995). The facility houses over 300 animals from 100 species, including African lion, Amur tiger, giraffe, and red pandas, and serves 340,000-350,000+ annual visitors, making it one of Idaho's most visited attractions. Recent capital deployment of $11.1 million through the Heart of the Zoo campaign delivered the Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage (May 2025), a remodeled Small Animal Kingdom (October 2025), an expanded Trading Outpost gift shop, a new Giraffe Platform, and the Bews Foundation Conservation and Education Center (May 2026).

The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack across admissions ($11-$15 per ticket including an embedded $1 conservation fee), tiered annual memberships ($70-$180), premium Private Animal Experiences ($35-$40 per encounter), summer camps and school field trips ($180-$370 and $6-$12 per student), facility rentals ($350 daytime up to 1,500-guest private events), corporate sponsorships reaching the 340,000+ visitor base, and a Conservation Circle philanthropic giving program ($300-$5,000 levels). The zoo pioneered the first U.S. conservation fee in 2007 and has since distributed more than $4 million to 21 global conservation partners including Gorongosa Restoration, Red Panda Network, Snow Leopard Trust, and Wildlife SOS, with $406,241 distributed in 2025 alone.

The core technology footprint is operational and physical rather than software-defined, comprising purpose-built animal habitats (climate-controlled Red Panda Passage with overhead walkway systems, Costa Rica-recorded rainforest soundscapes, sand cat hideaway), the WebTrac ticketing platform, Dayforce HR systems, and a curated ecosystem of conservation, corporate, and municipal partnerships. Customer segments span families with children (primary), schools and youth groups, conservation-supporting donors, corporate sponsors, and event-hosting enterprises. The zoo competes on AZA accreditation quality, conservation mission differentiation, and physical exhibit capital, not on technology or scale economics.

Name

Zoo Boise

Legal name

Friends of Zoo Boise

Website

https://zooboise.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Zoo Boise is a single-site AZA-accredited nonprofit zoo in Boise, Idaho, housing 300+ animals across 17 acres and serving 340,000+ annual visitors through admissions, memberships, education programs, facility rentals, and a pioneering Conservation Fund model that has channeled over $4 million to global wildlife partners since 2007.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation
• Zoo admission
• Animal encounters
• Conservation education
• Family recreation

Headquarters

HQ city

Boise

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Admission Fees: Daily admission fees ranging from $12-$15 for adults, $11 on Thursdays with discount, with $1 conservation fee included in each ticket.
2. Annual Memberships: Annual membership programs including Individual ($70), Two Person ($115), Household ($155), Household Plus ($180), and Grandparents ($130) tiers, with Conservation Circle levels at $300-$5,000.
3. Private Animal Experiences: Premium animal encounter experiences including Red Panda ($35), Giraffe ($40), Amur Tiger ($35), Anteater ($40), and African Wild Dog ($35) experiences with additional guests at reduced rates.
4. Education Programs and Summer Camps: Weeklong summer camps for ages 4-12, priced at $180-$370, plus school field trips, outreach programs, and STEM nights for youth groups.
5. Facility Rentals: Daytime rentals up to 40 people at $350, after-hours private events for up to 1,500 guests, birthday party packages, and wedding rentals.
6. Donations and Conservation Fund: Individual donations, planned giving, adopt-an-animal programs ($30-$80), name-a-cockroach ($20), and Conservation Circle memberships that include 10% contribution to Conservation Fund.
7. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships with logos on exhibits, banners, maps, and marketing materials reaching 340,000+ annual guests.
8. Adopt an Animal Program: Symbolic animal adoption at three levels: Level One ($30) with certificate and fact sheet, Level Two ($55) adding plaque and photo, Level Three ($80) adding plush toy.
9. Amenities and Retail: Food and beverage at Expedition Grill and Kijiji Market Cafe, gift shop at Trading Outpost, carousel rides ($3), equipment rentals (strollers, ECV scooters).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Zoo Boise operates a 17-acre zoological park in downtown Boise housing over 300 animals from 100 species, offering daily admission, annual memberships, premium private animal encounters, summer camps, school field trips, venue rentals, and an Adopt-an-Animal program. Since 2007, every admission has included a $1 conservation fee that has generated more than $4 million for wildlife conservation projects worldwide, making each visit a conservation action.

Product overview

Zoo Boise is a single-site zoological park offering a unified visitor experience centered on animal exhibits, conservation education, and recreation. The core offering is daily zoo admission providing access to over 300 animals from 100 species across 17 acres. This is enhanced through fee-based Private Animal Experiences (Red Panda, Giraffe, Amur Tiger, Anteater, African Wild Dog encounters), special attractions (Zoo Farm, Butterflies in Bloom, Conservation Cruise), and seasonal Special Events (Zoobilee Gala, Wild After 5, Boo at the Zoo). Educational programming includes Summer Camps for ages 4-12, School/Youth Field Trips, ZooTeens volunteer program, and outreach services. The facility offers venue rentals for private events including weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. Support programs include Annual Memberships, Adopt an Animal, Conservation Circle philanthropy, and the Conservation Fund. Major recent expansions include the Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage (2025), Small Animal Kingdom renovation (2025), and Bews Foundation Conservation and Education Center (2026).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Conservation Circle: A philanthropic membership group for individuals who ensure the vitality of Zoo Boise and the future of wild animals through enhanced membership benefits and exclusive experiences.
• Heart of the Zoo Campaign
• Zoobilee

Quantifiable outcome

• More than $4 million generated for wildlife conservation since 2007 through visitor support
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Paso PacíficominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Supporting spider monkey conservation in El Salvador through ranger patrols, fire breaks, and habitat restoration. Zoo Boise staff provided training during 2022 visit to establish sanctuary.
• Global Penguin SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner since 2021 protecting penguin breeding and migration feeding areas through satellite data and coastal protected area management.
• Red Panda NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership since 2019 supporting red panda conservation in Himalayas. Zoo Boise has raised more than $130,000 through guest visits. Red Panda Network now protects 109 community forests with Forest Guardians monitoring illegal poaching.
• Boise Parks and Recreation Open Space DivisionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Partner since 2016 supporting Boise Foothills restoration including bitterbrush planting, trailside revegetation, and invasive grass control with 5,400+ plants in 2025.
• Gorongosa National ParkmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Long-term restoration partnership since 2013 with one of Africa's most biodiverse parks in Mozambique. Zoo Boise has contributed $200,000+ annually to protect wildlife and support Gorongosa Girls Clubs educational programs.
• Wildlife SOSminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Partner since 2011 supporting bear monitoring in Kashmir, sloth bear habitat restoration in India, and anti-poaching community outreach.
• New Nature FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Partner since 2010 supporting conservation around Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda with stove and briquette programs saving millions of pounds of wood from illegal cutting.
• Snow Leopard TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Partner since 2009 supporting world's most comprehensive study of wild snow leopards using GPS collars and remote cameras.
• Gorongosa Restoration ProjectmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Receiving $200,000 in 2025 for long-term restoration partnership in Mozambique.
• Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007AZA accreditation ensures Zoo Boise meets highest standards for animal care, conservation, education, and science. AZA reciprocal admission program allows Zoo Boise members free or reduced admission at 200+ other accredited zoos and aquariums.
• Friends of Zoo BoisecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization (Tax ID #82-6005995) that supports Zoo Boise in animal acquisition, capital improvements, education programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events. Raises funds through memberships, donations, and events like Zoobilee gala.
• Boise Parks and RecreationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZoo Boise is a division of City of Boise's Parks and Recreation Department. City provides operational support and infrastructure within Julia Davis Park.
• Other Conservation PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdditional partners including: Paso Pacifico ($15,000), Snow Leopard Trust ($15,000), Tiger Species Survival Plan ($10,000), The Wolverine Foundation ($10,000), Xerces Society ($8,000), Intermountain Bird Observatory ($4,000), Painted Dog Research ($3,600), African Vulture SAFE ($3,000), Giraffe Conservation Foundation ($3,000), Lion Recovery Fund ($3,000), Turtle Survival Alliance ($2,000).
• Perkins CoiemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Giraffe Encounter experience and major event supporter.
• Ford (Idaho Ford Stores)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial automotive sponsor with logo displayed on zoo materials.
• StinkermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of summer camps and 2026 events.
• Ashurst Perkins CoiemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Zoobilee 2026 gala event.
• Other 2026 SponsorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdditional sponsors include: AccelTherapies, Boise Cascade, Craig Swapp, Delta Dental, Franz Witte, Goldenwest CU, ICCU, KellerSkin, Simplot Company Foundation, Scheels, SSA, St. Luke's Health Plan, Washington Trust Bank.
• OrkinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of ZooTeen program.
• TLC FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNaming sponsor of Small Cat Hideaway exhibit for sand cats.
• Taste CateringmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPreferred on-site caterer for all zoo events including weddings and private rentals. Contact: [email protected] or (630) 338-3832.
• Service Systems AssociatesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides food service and gift shop staffing through jobs.dayforcehcm.com.
• The CabinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with The Cabin for Wildlife Words summer camp combining creative writing with zoo education for ages 10-12.
• Valley Regional TransitminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorZoo Boise is a stop for VRT Access and Beyond Access paratransit services for guests with disabilities.
• Red Panda NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRed pandas listed as Endangered by IUCN. Zoo Boise's Red Panda Passage supports AZA Species Survival Plan. Raised more than $130,000 for red panda conservation efforts through partnership with Red Panda Network.
• Rewild SafarisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTravel partner organizing Gorongosa National Park trips for Zoo Boise supporters including August 2026 trip to Mozambique and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/zooboise
• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?list=PLXoEkTDzDaac__wczLTUulZhn0I5eAw5k
• Facebookfacebook.com/zooboise
• Instagraminstagram.com/zooboise
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zoo-boise

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zoo Boise