Meet the New Animals of Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise’s new Gorongosa National Park Exhibit opened to the public on July 17. The 2.5-acre expansion highlights the zoo’s conservation efforts across the globe while educating users on efforts to aid the animals and the people who live in Mozambique, Africa.

The new exhibit is home to new animals that are typically found in Mozambique. Visitors can meet African wild dogs, spotted-necked otters, warthogs, a Nile crocodile, vervet monkeys and more. Each animals’ enclosure was designed to mimic existing landscapes and geological features found in Gorongosa National Park.

Come visit Zoo Boise's newest exhibit and meet the animals on display!

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Featured Animals of Gorongosa

Olive Baboon

The Olive Baboon is from the sub-Saharan region of Africa. She is a social animal and communicates through vocalizations and facial expressions. Baboons typically live 23-30 years in their natural environment and up to 40 years under human care.

Nile Crocodile

This is the first crocodile to ever come to Zoo Boise! They typically live along the Nile River Valley in Egypt and Sudan. They live in various aquatic habitats including large freshwater lakes, freshwater swamps, coastal estuaries and mangrove swamps. They can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 2,200 pounds.

African Wild Dogs

We have a pair of African Wild Dogs joining us at Zoo Boise. Packs can have as many as 40 wild dogs in the wild, all typically led by a monogamous pair. The average size of these animals is 55 pounds, but they can grow up to 80 pounds.

Warthog

Common warthogs are found in open and wooded savannas, green steppes and semi-deserts. Unlike other pigs, they are predominantly grazers and feed on the growing tips of grasses. Warthogs live about 15 years and can get as big as 250 pounds.

Vervet Monkey

The Vervet Monkey joins our growing family of different species of monkeys at Zoo Boise. They are highly social creatures, typically living in troops of up to 50 in the wild, with much of their time spent foraging and grooming. Their preferred habitat is acacia woodland along streams, rivers and lakes. In captivity, a vervet monkey can live up to 30 years.

Parking & Shuttle Information

Parking in Julia Davis Park is available on a first come, first served basis.

Zoo Boise guests who plan to check out the new Gorongosa National Park Exhibit on opening day, July 17, and throughout the rest of July are encouraged to use a free shuttle service provided by Boise Parks and Recreation to get to and from the zoo. The shuttle will pick passengers up near the softball fields in Ann Morrison Park (Ann Morrison Blvd. entrance) and take them directly to the zoo. Signage will be posted to point users to the shuttle stops.

Shuttles will run every 15 to 20 minutes seven days a week starting at 10 a.m. and the shuttles will stop running each day at 5 p.m. (last admission to the zoo each day is at 4:30 p.m.).

Zoo Boise visitors are always welcome to park in Ann Morrison Park and walk the Greenbelt to the zoo. In addition, Boise GreenBikes and e-scooter travel to and from the zoo is a great alternative transportation option.

If you are planning to park inside Julia Davis Park, please keep in mind that there is additional parking behind the zoo that is often still available when parking spots in front and around the Rose Garden are full.