Red Panda Passage and Small Animal Kingdom | Zoo Boise

Following the development of Zoo Boise’s long-term master plan, TESSERE’s partnership with the zoo continued to bring its first phase to life, transforming aging spaces into immersive environments that elevate animal care, accessibility, and guest connection. Red Panda Passage and Small Animal Kingdom mark the earliest realized projects within the plan, translating big-picture goals into tangible, guest-facing experiences at the heart of the campus. 

Red Panda Passage: A New Standard for Immersive Habitat Design 

Opened in 2025, Red Panda Passage establishes a clear benchmark for how the Zoo’s master plan comes to life – pairing species-specific care with a deeply immersive guest experience. Inspired by the forests of Asia, the habitat employs live planting, natural substrates, and purposeful verticality to support climbing, exploration, and social behaviors across multiple life stages. 

Three interconnected outdoor yards and a climate-controlled indoor dayroom are linked by overhead walkways, encouraging red pandas to move freely throughout the habitat while remaining in full view of guests. Enclosed tops, specialized HVAC systems, and integrated animal care spaces support year-round comfort and behind-the-scenes efficiency. 

Designed in close collaboration with animal care staff, the habitat enables Zoo Boise to care for multiple red panda families simultaneously, strengthening the Zoo’s role in conservation, species sustainability, and world-class animal care while creating meaningful, up-close moments for guests. 

Small Animal Kingdom: Reimagining Familiar Favorites 

Small Animal Kingdom brings the master plan’s goals into a familiar part of the Zoo, redesigning an existing area to prioritize accessibility, clearer sightlines, and interconnected habitats that support movement and animal choice 

Newly configured habitats support a diverse mix of species, including sand cats, meerkats, Aldabra tortoises, cotton-top tamarins, and spider monkeys. Elevated pathways allow small primates to move between indoor and outdoor environments, while adaptable layouts create flexibility for new species and future growth.  

Together, these updates transform Small Animal Kingdom into an active, welcoming hub that reflects the Zoo’s evolving approach to animal care and guest experience.