Mayor Mclean Visits Gorongosa, Council President Nash Acting Mayor

Mayor Lauren McLean is traveling to Africa this month, taking a long-planned personal trip to visit Gorongosa National Park, which enjoys a formal partnership with Zoo Boise.  The partnership started in 2013 with the goal of helping to protect the many species in Gorongosa and assist the people of the region. Zoo Boise’s Conservation Fund supports initiatives that create jobs through tourism, support girls/education programs and set up mobile health clinics, among other things.

Zoo Boise’s Gorongosa National Park Exhibit opened in 2019. The 2.5-acre expansion highlights the zoo’s conservation efforts and work to protect and preserve wildlife in Mozambique, Africa.

“My husband and I have wanted to visit Gorongosa for many years and now, thanks to years of diligent saving - the dream is coming true,” said Mayor McLean. “While I’ll be on vacation, and visiting as a private citizen, I’m still looking forward to connecting with the Gorongosa team, seeing the incredible work being done there and exploring ways to deepen the already deep partnership between our cities.”

For years, Zoo Boise has coordinated guided trips to Gorongosa National Park to see the animals, experience the park, and meet the people of Gorongosa. These trips strengthen Boise’s connection to the land, wildlife and people of Mozambique.

Council President Colin Nash is serving as Acting Mayor. Mayor McLean will return to her duties Monday, September 30, 2024, excited to share her personal stories from Gorongosa with the community.