Idaho Falls, ID - The Idaho Falls Zoo saw its second-highest attendance ever this season with over 144,000 visitors. Last year, the zoo’s baby boom brought in the highest attendance ever with over 160,000 guests. The increased attendance is attributed to the community’s awareness of the zoo and the plans for future growth and continued enhancement.

“It’s a very exciting time for the zoo,” states Zoo Director David Pennock. “We are building an incredible new education center, we are on the cusp on starting a major expansion, and we have the great support of staff and volunteers who work so hard to make our zoo the best it can be by improving community outreach, taking excellent care of animals and zoo grounds, fundraising, and continuing essential animal conservation measures.”

Idaho Falls Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is the area’s largest Halloween event and, after this weekend, has become one of the largest events in eastern Idaho. Over 15,000 people attended the three-day event smashing last year’s record by more than 3,000 people.

Hosted by the Tautphaus Park Zoological Society and sponsored by Taki’s and Texas Roadhouse, Boo at the Zoo is one of the zoo’s largest annual fundraisers. All proceeds from the event go back into future improvements at the zoo.

“This year, we added more space, more vendors, new displays and a third entrance to your Boo at the Zoo experience,” says Laurie Gravatt, Tautphaus Park Zoological Society membership coordinator. “This amazing event is only possible because of months of hard work contributed by zoo staff and volunteers.”

The proceeds from the event go back to support projects at the zoo. For example, a large portion of previous proceeds ($350K) have been donated by TPZS to the City of Idaho Falls to support the building of the zoo’s William J. Maeck Education Center, which is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in February.

The Idaho Falls Zoo is now closed for the season and will reopen in April 2019. However, education programs are still held each month, especially during winter break.

Click HERE For more information on the zoo’s education programs, the outreach program known as the “Zoomobile,” which brings animals to schools, nursing homes, and other education facilities.

Even while closed, zoo staff will keep the public updated on the Idaho Falls Zoo Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

“We thank the community and guests for their wonderful patronage of the ‘best little zoo in the west,’ and look forward to seeing all of you back in April 2019,” states Pennock.

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Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with zoo staff, contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer, Bud Cranor.