Zoo Boise’s New Small Animal Kingdom: A Wild Comeback for the Treasure Valley

Zoo Boise just hit a major milestone and for anyone who loves animals, conservation, or family weekends in the Treasure Valley, this one’s worth celebrating.

After months of renovation, Zoo Boise has officially reopened its upgraded Small Animal Kingdom, unveiling new habitats, exciting species, and modernized spaces that put animal care and visitor experience front and center.

This isn’t just a new coat of paint or a single exhibit. It’s a meaningful transformation that reflects the zoo’s evolving role in Boise’s culture and conservation mission, a space where community, education, and environmental stewardship all meet.

Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and how these updates are shaping the future of Zoo Boise.

What’s New: Modern Habitats and Star Residents

The Small Animal Kingdom has long been one of Zoo Boise’s most popular attractions home to smaller, often overlooked species that bring big personalities. The latest renovation completely reimagines that experience.

Here’s what’s part of the new lineup:

• Sand Cat Hideaway – Created in collaboration with the TLC Foundation, this exhibit highlights one of the most elusive desert species on Earth. Sand cats are rarely seen in the wild, so this new habitat offers an up-close glimpse into their unique adaptations and behaviors.

  
  

• Meerkat Exhibit – A fresh and open design gives visitors a better view of everyone’s favorite curious creatures. The enclosure mimics the meerkats’ natural environment, complete with tunnels and lookout points.

  
  

• Aldabra Tortoise Habitat – These gentle giants, native to the Seychelles islands, now have a larger, enriched space that lets guests observe their slow-paced charm up close.

  
  

• Cotton-top Tamarin Overhead Walkway – One of the most innovative upgrades, this elevated bridge allows the small monkeys to roam between indoor and outdoor areas freely giving visitors a chance to see them scurry overhead.

  
  

• New Arrivals – The zoo recently welcomed Ozzy, a prehensile-tailed porcupine known for his climbing skills and inquisitive nature. Coming soon: a Grand Cayman blue iguana and a two-toed sloth, both expected to join the Small Animal Kingdom this fall.

  
  

Each exhibit blends education and design creating spaces that are more natural for the animals and more immersive for the public.

Why It Matters: More Than Just a Zoo Refresh

It might sound like a simple upgrade, but the reopening of the Small Animal Kingdom signals something bigger: a renewed commitment to Zoo Boise’s dual mission local education and global conservation.

Here’s why these changes matter:

1. Better Homes for Animals

The new habitats were designed around modern zoological standards, giving animals more room, natural features, and enrichment opportunities. It’s part of a broader movement across U.S. zoos to prioritize animal welfare and replicate wild conditions as closely as possible.

2. A Better Experience for Visitors

For families, students, and animal lovers, these improvements make Zoo Boise a must-visit again. Clear sightlines, shaded paths, and interactive elements create a more engaging experience whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or on a school field trip.

3. Accessibility and Inclusion

Zoo Boise’s updates also align with its master plan to make exhibits more accessible for all visitors. That means better paths, improved viewing angles, and inclusive features for guests with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities.

4. Strengthening Boise’s Conservation Role

Zoo Boise isn’t just a place to see animals it’s a conservation hub. A portion of every admission goes toward wildlife projects around the world. The improved Small Animal Kingdom helps amplify that mission, connecting local curiosity to global impact.

When families walk through these new exhibits, they’re also contributing to conservation efforts for species facing real threats in the wild.

Behind the Scenes: How the Small Animal Kingdom Fits Into Boise’s Growth

Boise is evolving quickly, and Zoo Boise’s transformation mirrors that growth. As the Treasure Valley expands, so does its appetite for meaningful, community-centered experiences places that offer more than entertainment.

The updated Small Animal Kingdom helps position the zoo as one of Boise’s leading educational attractions where kids can learn about ecosystems, conservation, and the importance of protecting wildlife right in the heart of the city.

This matters for locals and newcomers alike. For long-time residents, it’s a symbol of Boise’s investment in family-friendly spaces. For those moving to Idaho, it’s another example of how the region balances urban growth with environmental values.

What Locals Can Expect

If it’s been a few years since your last visit, expect a noticeably different experience.

• More interactive elements: New viewing windows, informational signs, and accessible paths make exploring the zoo easier and more engaging.

  
  

• A mix of familiar and fresh: Longtime favorites like the meerkats are still around but with brand-new habitats that showcase them in new ways.

  
  

• A continued rollout: The Small Animal Kingdom’s reopening is part of Zoo Boise’s larger, multi-year master plan. More exhibits and improvements are in the pipeline, so future visits will continue to surprise you.

  
  

And yes it’s as family-friendly as ever. Whether it’s a quick afternoon stop or a full day at Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise’s revitalized spaces make for a low-stress, high-reward outing.

For Treasure Valley Families: A Local Gem Gets Even Better

Boise parents have long known that Zoo Boise is one of the city’s best all-ages outings. The new Small Animal Kingdom adds another reason to make it a regular weekend stop.

Here’s what makes it stand out now:

• Short drives, big experiences. You don’t need to go far for a real-world connection to nature it’s right downtown.

  
  

• New learning opportunities. Updated exhibits include conservation facts and interactive panels that help kids understand the bigger story behind each species.

  
  

• Membership perks. If you haven’t renewed your zoo membership lately, this is the perfect time. Members often get early access to new exhibits and seasonal events.

What This Means for Boise

Zoo Boise’s evolution isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects the Treasure Valley’s larger identity a place where growth and environmental stewardship intersect.

The city has been adding parks, expanding pathways, and investing in recreation spaces that connect people to nature. The zoo’s improvements fit neatly into that trend, making it a symbol of how Boise continues to prioritize quality of life alongside population growth.

The new Small Animal Kingdom, in particular, reinforces a simple but powerful message: education and conservation can be fun, local, and family-oriented.

Looking Ahead

The zoo’s leadership has made it clear that this renovation is just one chapter in a longer story. Upcoming projects will continue to modernize exhibits, improve animal care, and make the zoo a more inclusive community space.

As Zoo Boise evolves, it’s also strengthening partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and conservation programs ensuring that every visit contributes to something larger than itself.

Final Thoughts

The reopening of the Small Animal Kingdom isn’t just a headline, it's a milestone for Boise. It blends nostalgia with innovation, giving new life to one of the city’s most beloved attractions while setting a higher standard for how we connect with wildlife.

Whether you’re a lifelong local, a newcomer to the Treasure Valley, or just someone looking for a great Saturday outing, the message is simple: Zoo Boise is back and better than ever.

Want more local stories like this? Follow @iHeartCityOfTrees for the latest Boise news, openings, and community updates from hidden hikes to urban growth and everything in between.