Zoo Idaho

Imagine a place where Idaho's wilderness unfolds in all its rugged beauty. Zoo Idaho, located in Pocatello, is a unique wildlife sanctuary specializing exclusively in the fauna of the Intermountain West region. Unlike traditional zoos with exotic residents, the focus here is on animals that call the USA and its northern states home.

The zoo covers 25 acres in scenic Ross Park, where natural lava cliffs over 10 meters high create a unique landscape. It is home to more than 100 animals representing about 40 species: from majestic grizzlies and powerful bison to nimble cougars and noble eagles. Many of the residents were rescued from the wild and rehabilitated, eventually becoming important "ambassadors" for their species.

One of the key features of the zoo is its deep connection with the culture of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes. It is the only zoo in the country that integrates indigenous heritage into its programs and architectural designs. The park's crown jewel is the Sara W. Ifft grizzly exhibit, where panoramic glass windows allow visitors to watch the bears swim in a pond while hunting for live trout.

For information about events or group visits, you can contact the zoo administration directly. Zoo Idaho is open to communicating with visitors and is actively involved in educational outreach.

The main highlight of Zoo Idaho is the opportunity to see the inhabitants of the mountains and plains in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitat. Be sure to stop by the grizzly exhibit: through a glass gallery, you can watch bears Strips and Shauni from close range as they explore their stream or relax on the beach. For a more immersive experience, attend the Keeper Chats—short sessions with keepers who share fascinating stories about the personalities and habits of their wards.

A walk through the zoo is also a bit of a geological journey. You can walk along ancient lava cliffs that divide the area into upper and lower levels. Along the way, you'll find enclosures with coyotes, badgers, bison, and rare pronghorns. Special attention should be paid to the birds of prey section, where rescued eagles sit proudly.

If your trip coincides with the holidays, you can participate in themed events such as the Ice Cream Zoofari or the Halloween-themed Zoo Boo. The zoo provides excellent conditions for families with children: easy-to-navigate paths, educational classes, and the integration of local Native American cultural elements make a visit both fun and educational.

Reaching this natural sanctuary is easy. Zoo Idaho is located within the scenic Ross Park at 3000 S 2nd Ave. If you are staying in downtown Pocatello, the drive takes only 5–10 minutes along South 2nd Avenue. Free parking is available on-site for visitors with personal vehicles.

For those who prefer public transport, Pocatello Regional Transit buses are available, serving the South 2nd Ave stop. If you enjoy walking, the route from the city center is about 3 kilometers and offers pleasant views of the city.

Travelers arriving from other regions of the USA should note that Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH) is approximately 15 km from the zoo (about 20 minutes by taxi or Uber). The larger Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is located 80 km away, from where you can also arrange a transfer or rent a car.

The history of this place began quite unusually in 1932—with two animals in a trailer park: a rhesus monkey named Josephine and a raccoon named Pete. Pete was caught under a bridge by a local boy, John Marshall, whose grandfather, William Raymond, was the Parks Superintendent. It was they who began building the first enclosures among the lava cliffs and sagebrush, laying the foundation for the future zoo.

Governor Ben Ross played a significant role in the site's development by allocating funds for land in the southern part of the city. For a long time, the zoo was known as Ross Park Zoo or Pocatello Zoo. It wasn't until 2016 that it was officially renamed Zoo Idaho to emphasize its unique specialization in the fauna of the state and the Northwest region of the country.

One of the zoo's most legendary figures was a grizzly bear named Charlie. He arrived here as an orphan from Alaska in 1978 and lived an incredibly long life—34 years—becoming a true mascot. Today, his ashes are interred in the foundation of the modern grizzly exhibit, opened in 2012, as a tribute to the zoo's most famous inhabitant.

The modern appearance of the zoo is the result of years of work integrating the culture of the local Shoshone-Bannock tribes into the design and educational programs. It is the only zoo in the country that so closely links the study of nature with the heritage of the region's indigenous peoples.

To see all the exhibits at Zoo Idaho without rushing, it usually takes about 2–3 hours. This is plenty of time to observe the bears in their spacious enclosure, walk through both levels of the park separated by striking lava cliffs, and visit the birds of prey.

If you're planning a visit with children or want to attend one of the educational Keeper Chats, you should budget about 3–4 hours. The zoo's compact size allows for a rich experience without unnecessary haste, making it an ideal destination for a family weekend getaway.

When planning your visit to Zoo Idaho, keep its seasonal schedule in mind. Generally, the zoo doors are open from Sunday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while on Saturdays, the hours are extended until 6:00 PM.

Since opening hours may change depending on the season and special events, it is highly recommended to check the official zoo website before your trip. During the summer, extended hours are often in effect, allowing you to enjoy the cool of the park in the evening.

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the southern part of the city. The Ross Park area offers a variety of leisure activities—from historical tours to active recreation on the water.