A Haven and a Sanctuary

The mission of the Pocatello Zoo administration is to develop, improve, manage, and maintain facilities and programs to increase the public's knowledge of and appreciation for native North American wildlife. The Zoo is dedicated to educating and motivating the public to become active stewards of the environment, through their support of habitat preservation and wildlife conservation worldwide.

The animals exhibited at the Pocatello Zoo were either placed here because of injuries or they were captive born.  In either case they would not survive in the wild.  For these reasons they have become ambassadors for their kind helping educate the public about wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.

The Pocatello Zoo has roots dating back to 1932.  It began with two tiny wire pens holding 12 year old John Marshall's pet monkey and raccoon.  After a period of time it became a placement resource for native animals that were orphaned or injured.