Thanks to a tally of 130,157 visitors through Sept. 20, the Idaho Falls Zoo has officially reached an all-time high for annual attendance numbers. April and July were also record-breaking months for attendance at the zoo. Total visits will continue to climb as the zoo finishes out their season.
According to zoo staffers, much of the growth this year is attributed to increased community awareness and marketing initiatives. The zoo’s new Facebook page already has more than 2,300 likes, and the facility has also benefitted from support by local media outlets and other organizations for public outreach.
The limited-time snake exhibit – Jewels of Asia – featuring three species of snakes never before seen at the zoo was also a huge attraction that drove visitation numbers up. Additionally, zoo staff offered more education programs this year that were all at capacity for attendance.
David Pennock, Zoo Superintendent stated, “The increased visits are also attributed to the amazing and passionate staff and volunteers at the zoo. This group has worked 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.”
Prior to this year, 2009 was the zoo’s highest attendance year at 129,709 guests. This was also the year the zoo brought back the bears. According to patron surveys, 63 percent of zoo visitors came from outside of Idaho Falls. From April 9 to July 19, the zoo hosted more than 7,700 school children from 31 communities in 12 counties across Idaho and from cities in southwestern Montana and western Wyoming.
A previous independent study from 2009, using visitor surveys, concluded that the zoo adds $3.54 million annually to the local economy. Earlier in the month, the Idaho Falls City Council approved a resolution to adopt the Idaho Falls Zoo Five-Year Strategic Plan which will guide future decision-making for the zoo including additional facilities, staffing, marketing, education, volunteer and conservation initiatives.
“Our season may be winding down, but we are just getting started on plans for the zoo’s future. When you combine an excellent staff, more than 330 animals, beautiful grounds, and an incredibly supportive community – the sky’s the limit,” adds Pennock.