Zoo officials report $700K+ in off‑budget projects, outline capital plan and fundraising for new entrance
October 20, 2025 | Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho
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Zoo leadership told the council the Idaho Falls Zoo executed multiple capital projects in the last fiscal year using non‑general fund sources (visitor surcharge, grants and fundraising) and outlined planned work for the next year, including opening an islands exhibit and finishing the Log Hut cafe.
Dr. Penock (zoo director) and zoo staff reported that the Islands exhibit work and associated infrastructure improvements cost roughly $115,000 this fiscal year and that the Log Hut cafe restoration cost about $280,000, partially covered by $127,000 in fundraising and grants; the remainder came from the zoo’s capital improvement fund, which is primarily funded by a $1 per‑visitor surcharge on admissions and designated grant proceeds. Staff said total non‑general‑fund spending for the year exceeded $700,000.
Zoo staff explained the capital improvement fund’s purpose: it pays for building maintenance and capital projects outside the annual general fund process and is replenished chiefly by visitor surcharges, designated grants and fundraising. Staff said that in fiscal year 2025 the surcharge produced about $96,000 for the fund and that fundraising contributed roughly $223,000; the fund began the year near $900,000 and decreased after project spending. Staff noted a historic policy to keep a $50,000 emergency balance in the fund but said they are evaluating whether to increase that cushion.
Staff described other projects funded or pending: the Hornbill Barn (about $50,000), $83,000 for equipment and ADA/education facility improvements tied to accreditation preparations, and pending grants (including a $20,000 hospital equipment grant). The Zoological Society has raised nearly $900,000 toward a new entrance; earlier estimates placed construction near $1.2 million but staff warned construction cost escalation could push per‑square‑foot costs higher.
Zoo staff also reviewed conservation and education programs funded by visitors (quarters for conservation, grant‑funded education internships and partnerships). Staff said the zoo remains accredited but with provisional items to address and noted a lift‑station repair and other facility maintenance items that were unexpected and funded from capital funds.
Councilors did not act on new appropriations during the work session. Staff asked council to note the fund usage and the planned public outreach and fundraising timeline for the entrance and other capital items.
Dr. Penock (zoo director) and zoo staff reported that the Islands exhibit work and associated infrastructure improvements cost roughly $115,000 this fiscal year and that the Log Hut cafe restoration cost about $280,000, partially covered by $127,000 in fundraising and grants; the remainder came from the zoo’s capital improvement fund, which is primarily funded by a $1 per‑visitor surcharge on admissions and designated grant proceeds. Staff said total non‑general‑fund spending for the year exceeded $700,000.
Zoo staff explained the capital improvement fund’s purpose: it pays for building maintenance and capital projects outside the annual general fund process and is replenished chiefly by visitor surcharges, designated grants and fundraising. Staff said that in fiscal year 2025 the surcharge produced about $96,000 for the fund and that fundraising contributed roughly $223,000; the fund began the year near $900,000 and decreased after project spending. Staff noted a historic policy to keep a $50,000 emergency balance in the fund but said they are evaluating whether to increase that cushion.
Staff described other projects funded or pending: the Hornbill Barn (about $50,000), $83,000 for equipment and ADA/education facility improvements tied to accreditation preparations, and pending grants (including a $20,000 hospital equipment grant). The Zoological Society has raised nearly $900,000 toward a new entrance; earlier estimates placed construction near $1.2 million but staff warned construction cost escalation could push per‑square‑foot costs higher.
Zoo staff also reviewed conservation and education programs funded by visitors (quarters for conservation, grant‑funded education internships and partnerships). Staff said the zoo remains accredited but with provisional items to address and noted a lift‑station repair and other facility maintenance items that were unexpected and funded from capital funds.
Councilors did not act on new appropriations during the work session. Staff asked council to note the fund usage and the planned public outreach and fundraising timeline for the entrance and other capital items.
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