Zoo Idaho is a zoo in Pocatello, Idaho, that features animals native to the Intermountain West and has been open since 1932.
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History
Zoo Idaho opened in 1932 with attractions consisting of a monkey and a raccoon held in two small wire pens. The animals were donated for display by their owner, twelve-year-old John Marshall. He and his grandfather, William Raymond, the Parks Department director, trapped most of the animals locally.
Pocatello Pet Lodge Video
The zoo today
Today the zoo has more than 100 animals representing about 40 different species. "It is one of two zoos in the United States specializing in animals native to the Intermountain West." Zoo Idaho is the only zoo to incorporate the Shoshone-Bannock tribal culture into its program and design. The zoo itself sits on a natural landscape covering 25 acres (10 ha) in Ross Park. For many of the exhibits there is a 40-foot (12 m) high lava cliff as a backdrop. The cliff divides the zoo into two levels known as Upper and Lower Ross Park.
There is learning and fun for all ages with the zoo's 900-square-foot (84 m2) tree house, 30-foot (9.1 m) high teepee, and petting area of barnyard animals. During the school year the zoo has established the Zoo Outreach Program, where employees bring a "piece of the zoo" into the classrooms of 3,000 school children each year. An additional 3,000 students visit the zoo on field trips in April and May alone. Zoo Idaho also has spring and summer programs and camps. The zoo holds these educational and entertaining events in the outdoor classroom called the Tall Tales Tent.
Grizzly bear
Ursus horribilis Animal History: One female, Stripes, and one male, Charley. Stripes was born at a zoo in Columbus, Ohio in 1989. She came to Zoo Idaho in 1991. Charley was born in Alaska in 1975 and was believed to be an orphaned cub. He has lived at the zoo since 1978. His teeth are bad because years ago, visitors fed him junk food. He is gentle compared to Stripes. Natural Habitat: Forest and mountain areas of western North America. Diet in the Wild: Grizzly bears are omnivores and eat berries, roots, insects, rodents, fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, deer, young elk, etc.
Canadian lynx
Lynx canadensis Animal History: Two Females - Dakota and Lacy. Both were born on a fur farm in May 1994. Dakota is more active and social than Lacy. Natural Habitat: Forests; in Idaho, cedar-hemlock and Douglas fir forests Diet in the Wild: Canadian lynx are carnivores. They prefer snowshoe hare and rabbits but also eat ruffed grouse, squirrels, rodents and ptarmigan. Diet at the Zoo: Main Diet - "Feline Meat" (food specially packaged for zoos - includes ground- up horsemeat, vitamins and minerals) and rats Special treats - rabbit and chicken Physical Very large paws allow lynx to run on top of the snow. Adaptations: Sharp, retractable claws help them move quietly and catch prey. Behaviors: Lynx live by themselves and are active at night (nocturnal). They live in hollow logs or in hollows beneath the roots of trees. Fun Facts: Unlike bobcats, Canadian lynx have large tufted ears, a black-tipped tail and unspotted legs. Unlike domestic cats, lynx will go into water if necessary.
Future
Visitor walkways are steep, some not meeting ADA regulations. Also, there are no permanent restrooms or food services. The most popular exhibit, the Grizzlies, is also the most criticized exhibit. The zoo's 15-year plan estimates a cost of $15-$20 million. The total of Phase One will cost $2.5 million. 'Charlies' Place' will be a minimum of $1.9 million. The rest will go to the walkways, entrance, restrooms, gift shop, patio and a snack bar. Proceeds from the snack bar and gift shop will cover operation and maintenance costs associated with new and enhanced exhibits. The new Lynx exhibit is well under way with donations from the community.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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