Zoo Boise Celebrates Opening of New Red Panda Passage

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Zoo Boise Celebrates Opening of New Red Panda Passage

May 14, 2025

A new and exciting exhibit that creates a world-class home for red pandas is now open at Zoo Boise. A division of Boise Parks and Recreation, Zoo Boise is an industry leader in conservation located in the heart of the City of Boise. Staff members are dedicated to creating sustainable and accessible environments for exceptional animal care and guest experiences. The Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage is unlike any other red panda habitat in the country, providing opportunities for the community to learn about and interact with these incredible animals in a variety of ways (Bartak is pronounced bar-tock).

"This is an exciting day for Zoo Boise, the City of Boise, and the red pandas," said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. "I know I speak on behalf of the entire community in sharing our gratitude for the dedication of our zookeepers, educators, and the Zoo Boise team. We look forward to welcoming people from around the world to this exhibit, showcasing your animal conservation efforts and this wonderful new habitat."

The new Red Panda Passage contains unique outdoor habitats, an indoor day room and overhead walkways to allow the red pandas to move between different areas. The design mimics an Asian forest, complete with various plants and trees. Plus, many new climbing structures for the red pandas to explore. The project also includes accessibility improvements for guests at Zoo Boise to better see and interact with the animals.

The improvements cost approximately $2.5 million and were made possible through generous donations from community members, private foundations and business partners secured by the Friends of Zoo Boise. The exhibit is named after Virginia R. Bartak, a longtime Boise resident, animal lover and zoo supporter who generously donated $1 million to kick off this project.

"I am proud of our Zoo Boise team and especially thankful for the efforts of the Friends of Zoo Boise to make these improvements possible," said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. "We continue to make improvements to the zoo experience while prioritizing animal care and wellbeing, which will always be our number one priority."

The expanded red panda area allows Zoo Boise to care for more red pandas, in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Zoo Boise is an AZA accredited zoo. Today, four red pandas call Zoo Boise home, with the hope of adding more in the future. Beloved Styans red pandas Stevie and Jasper are adjusting well to their new surroundings. They are joined by a female red panda born last year at the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska, and a 9-year-old male red panda from a zoo on the East Coast.

"This is an exciting day for everyone who has been involved in this project, and we are proud to be a leader in the preservation of this species," added Zoo Boise Executive Director Gene Peacock. "This new exhibit and the animals who call it home allow us even more opportunities to engage with guests and share the importance of red pandas worldwide. We're committed to continuing to improve the zoo and update our spaces to make them more inviting, accessible, and user-friendly."

In addition to the new and improved home for the zoo's red pandas, Zoo Boise also unveiled its new gift shop. The approximately 2,600 square foot facility offers more retail space and additional offices for staff.

This first phase of the "Heart of the Zoo" campaign is ongoing, with additional upgrades coming to aging exhibits and facilities planned over the next decade. Donations support a revamp of the Small Animal Kingdom, a new state-of-the-art education facility, as well as planned updates to the penguin and snow leopard exhibits, among others. To date, the Friends of Zoo Boise non-profit has raised more than $10 million to support the current phase of the zoo's visionary master plan, which encompasses three phases. Fundraising efforts continue to make current and future upgrades at the zoo possible. You can visit Zoo Boise's website to learn more and get involved.

Zoo Boise turns the act of visiting a zoo into conservation action. Part of every admission, along with proceeds from the zoo's most popular attractions, go to the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund that supports the protection of wild animals in Idaho and across the globe. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4 p.m.

Contact: Parks and Recreation Media Relations

(208) 608-7600 | bpr@cityofboise.org

© 2025 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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