The Virginia R. Bartak Red Panda Passage will be a new exhibit at Zoo Boise in 2025 that will allow them to continue their conservation and even possibly breed this endangered species.
Construction has been going on for nearly a year now, but Zoo Boise needs to raise the final $100,000 on this $2.5 million project. Every dollar raised will be matched and if that happens the team at the zoo anticipates this new exhibit opening possibly in the spring.
“By supporting our mission you are supporting a positive future for red pandas,” said Harry Peachey, the curator at Zoo Boise. “It’s a species that is really facing an uncertain future in the wild. They are extremely susceptible to climate change.”
We got to meet a Himalayan red panda named Spud. He’s 14-year-old, but he’s still very active and incredibly cute. In 2023 Zoo Boise added a pair of Styan red pandas, a unique breed to go along with Spud.
“Spud is a favorite among the staff and guests,” said Peachey. “We have a lot of guests that come to the zoo that know Spud by name.”