Zoo Boise Conservation Fund

Zoo Boise is expanding its focus towards conservation - from not only caring for the animals within zoo grounds, but towards helping animals in their natural environments.  This is in response to the growing extinction crisis that threatens some of the world's most famous inhabitants within the next 50 years.  This includes such species as rhinos, tigers, gorillas, pandas, Asian elephants, chimps and countless others.  We must act on their behalf.




To do this, Zoo Boise has created the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund.  Designed to support conservation programs in Idaho and around the globe, the fund focuses on projects that help protect animals found at Zoo Boise or in our Master Plan.  Revenue for the fund comes from a 25¢ fee included in admission prices and a $2.50 fee included in membership prices.  Zoo Boise is the first zoo in the country to create such a program.  In its first year, we made grants totaling $55,000. Our eventual goal is to provide $100,000 annually for conservation causes.

Where does the money go?  Each summer we accept project proposals from conservation organizations around the world.  Proposals are required to involve species found in Zoo Boise’s Master Plan. Projects
considered for funding may include, but are not limited to, the following issue areas:
  • Habitat restoration
  • Wildlife conservation and management
  • Community-based conservation, including eco-tourism
  • Conservation education, including workshops and trainings
  • Professional development, including education and scholarships
  • Scientific research related to natural history, ecology, habitat, national park inventories or biological assessments.
Who decides where the money is granted? You do! Each October, the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund Advisory Board will announce a slate of six project finalists. The Treasure Valley Community will then be given the opportunity to vote for the three projects they would most like to see funded. The three projects with the most votes will each receive a grant up to $25,000.

Are you looking for conservation funding?


If you are interested in applying for a grant from the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund, please review the grant criteria attached.  Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2008 and must be received no later than July 1, 2008.

Projects focusing on species in the Pacific Northwest or on amphibian conservation are highly encouraged to apply.

Funding for the 2007 Zoo Boise Conservation Fund brochures and voting surveys generously provided by the Idaho Community Foundation.