Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park Tautphaus Park Zoo News

On August 19th, the zoo announced that a fennec fox named Sahara was born which is on exhibit. This is the first time that the Idaho Falls Zoo successfully bred the species.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On August 23rd, the zoo announced that a (1.0) red-flanked duiker was born on July 30th.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On September 5th, it was reported that on June 5th, a staff member accidentally left the doors open inside the African lion enclosure while an unsuspecting volunteer was cleaning. Though it did lead to a confrontation with the facility's previous (0.1) lion Kimani, neither it nor the volunteer were injured. The staff member, who also stuck his finger inside the snow leopard exhibit that day, is no longer employed by the facility.

A volunteer had a face-to-face encounter with a lioness at the Idaho Falls Zoo - Local News 8

On October 10th, it was announced that the zoo acquired a (0.1) African sacred ibis from the Los Angeles Zoo in California in August.

https://lazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2-Zoo-Commission-MINUTES-APPROVED-8.20.24.pdf
 
Other Early 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On April 22nd, it was reported that the zoo acquired 6 African penguins in November 2024, as well as a golden lion tamarin, which are all on exhibit.

What’s new at the Idaho Falls Zoo: Six penguins, one tamarin and farewell to lion

On April 23rd, the zoo announced they transferred a (1.0) African lion named Hondo to another unspecified AZA facility, later revealed to be Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in Pennsylvania.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On May 13th, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) turkey vulture named Ody from an unspecified wildlife rehab center which is now on exhibit.

3.4K views · 40 reactions | Today's Tidbit Tuesday, brought to you by Teton Auto Group, is all about second chances. Ody the vulture was injured in the wild by a human and couldn’t fly again, but now he’s a star educator at Idaho Falls Zoo! Alongside his rescue buddy Bodie, Ody shows guests how powerful wildlife respect and rehabilitation can be. Swing by and see what makes this bird so unforgettable! Teton Toyota Teton Honda #idahofallszoo #idahofalls #visitidaho #turkeyvulture #animalrehabilitation #animalconservation #zooanimals #vulture #wildliferespect #animaleducation | Idaho Falls Zoo

On May 19th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) Bactrian camel named Gankhuyag was born on May 11th which is now on exhibit.

Idaho Falls Zoo

Also on May 28th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) ring-tailed lemur named Nessy was born which is now on exhibit.

Idaho Falls Zoo
 
On August 19th, the zoo announced that a fennec fox named Sahara was born which is on exhibit. This is the first time that the Idaho Falls Zoo successfully bred the species.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On June 10th, the zoo announced they transferred Sahara to another unspecified facility.

5.4K views · 57 reactions | We’re pretty obsessed with this fennec fox duo. Last year, they even became first-time parents and totally rocked it. Their kit, Sahara, is now off adventuring at another zoo. Catch these two doing their thing on today's Tidbit Tuesday sponsored by Teton Auto Group. Whether it’s nap time or playtime, you never know what they’ll be up to next. #idahofallszoo #idahofalls #visitidaho #fennecfox #zooanimals #animaleducaiton #atthezoo | Idaho Falls Zoo

On June 17th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) golden lion tamarin named Sopressa in the winter, which is now on exhibit.

5.6K views · 47 reactions | Tam has called Idaho Falls Zoo home for a while, but this winter, he got a very special match: Sopressa! These two golden lion tamarins were paired through the Species Survival Plan, and they're helping bring their species back from the brink. Meet this conservation power couple on today's Tidbit Tuesday sponsored by Teton Auto Group! #idahofallszoo #idahofalls #visitidaho #conservationmatters #animaleducation #animalextinction #atthezoo | Idaho Falls Zoo

On July 4th, the zoo announced they acquired (1.1) African lions named Kenya and Dixie from Abilene Zoo in Texas earlier in the week.

Idaho Falls Zoo
 
Piece of March 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On March 24th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a female (0.1) cotton-top tamarin named Ash to Oakland Zoo in California.

4.1K views · 248 reactions | Welcome Ash, cotton-top tamarin! In November, Mia tamarin passed away, and a search began to find a new companion for Alberto. Ash, a female tamarin from Idaho Falls, joined us and the two tamarins met and bonded while Ash was finishing her intake quarantine at our vet hospital. We are pleased to share that both tamarins are now exploring their habitat and having a great time chasing each other around. Come visit these mini but mighty monkeys soon | Oakland Zoo

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On July 18th, the zoo announced that 2 fennec foxes named Gizmo and Pebbles were born on June 7th, which are on exhibit.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On July 19th, the zoo announced that a Nepalese red panda was born, and that due to the birth, the zoo temporarily closed the viewing areas to the Bactrian camel, sloth bear, and red-crowned crane exhibits.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On July 28th, the zoo announced they acquired a female (0.1) trumpeter swan named Valaida after it was deemed unreleaseable, which is now on exhibit.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On August 21st, the zoo announced they transferred a male (1.0) Nepalese red panda Twix to Zoo Boise in Idaho.

15K views · 222 reactions | Our male red panda, Twix, who was born here last summer, has moved to his new home at Zoo Boise. While we’ll miss seeing his playful personality every day, we’re so excited for the next chapter of his journey. Be sure to visit him if you’re in Boise—and give him some extra love from all of us here in Idaho Falls! #idahofallszoo #zooboise #redpanda | Idaho Falls Zoo
 
On September 12th, the zoo announced that a male (1.0) domestic donkey named Festus passed away due to severe gastrointestinal issues.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On September 12th, the zoo announced a female (0.1) North American river otter named Leia, a female (0.1) guanaco named Chica, and a greater rhea named Ethel all passed away due to old age. The zoo is currently working to acquire a new female otter for the future.

Idaho Falls Zoo

On November 4th, the zoo announced that a male (1.0) southern grey gibbon named Sid passed away due to a decline in health.

8.3K views · 388 reactions | It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sid, our male grey gibbon. Sid’s story has always been a special one, and we know how deeply many of you cared for him. Sid was born here at the zoo under unusual circumstances. When his mother, Shannon, refused to care for him, our animal care team stepped in to provide the round-the-clock attention he needed to survive. With their dedication, Sid overcame early challenges and grew into a curious, playful gibbon who captured the hearts of everyone who met him. In recent years, Sid faced ongoing health issues, and despite the constant care of his veterinary and keeper teams, his condition worsened. Sid’s care team loved him deeply, they’ve been part of his story since the day he was born, and saying goodbye was incredibly hard for everyone who knew him. Sid touched so many hearts with his spirit, curiosity, and playful charm. He was always a little different, often spending time near the viewing glass interacting with guests. Many of you will remember his mischievous personality and how he made everyone smile. Sid will be greatly missed by his keepers, our volunteers, and every guest who had the joy of watching him grow up here at the zoo. Please join us in remembering Sid and share the special moments he brought into your life in the comments. To read more about Sid’s story, visit: https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2868 | Idaho Falls Zoo
Idaho Falls Zoo Mourns the Loss of Sid, Beloved Gray Gibbon
 
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