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.





For Applicants

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 35¢ fee included in admission prices and a $3.00 fee included in membership prices.  Zoo Boise was the first zoo in the country to create such a program.  In its first 3 years, we have made grants totaling $300,000.

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 should involve at least one of the following issue areas:
  • Habitat restoration
  • Wildlife conservation and management
  • Community-based conservation, including eco-tourism
  • Conservation education, including workshops and training
  • Scientific research related to natural history, ecology, habitat, national park inventories or biological assessments, although preference will be given to the other issue areas.  Generally, the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund does not support dissertation projects.

Zoo Boise believes that conservation goals can best be reached with the support and understanding of the people living around wildlife.  Therefore, projects that receive funding must work with the local communities or demonstrate how the project will benefit the local community in addition to the wildlife.


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.  Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2010 and must be received no later than July 1, 2010.

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