The Idaho Falls Zoo is open

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Falls Zoo has opened its doors for the first time in 2022. Visitors and zookeepers were excited to get the zoo off to a great start to the season.

Through this opening, the zoo is excited to share new features and animals with the public. Red panda cubs Paprika and Saffron,and an Amur tiger, Eloise were both transferred from other zoos. Also, Jagger, the male sloth bar cub, and Ron, a red-flanked duiker fawn, were both born within the zoo around Thanksgiving and Christmas respectively.

Despite the hype about the return of the zoo, many are concerned about the cold weather. On Wednesday morning, snow is still on the ground from the winter snowfall the past few days and temperatures are mostly below freezing. The Idaho Falls Zoo says they are taking plenty care of the animals during this time.

"We have some off-space habitat areas where they go into in the winter if they need that additional warmth." says Idaho Falls Zoo Public Engagement Curator Sunny Catseanes.  "And some of them do, some of our tropical birds, some of our reptiles, they need still those warmer temperatures. And so right now, those guys are still off exhibit."

The Avian Flu is another concern for the zoo, but thankfully zookeepers haven't found any cases anywhere near Idaho Falls. The Idaho Falls Zoo is still taking precautions by moving birds under covers so that wild birds aren't able to visit them. Also, the zoo is removing any feeders for the ducks or any birds.

The Idaho Falls Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The first main event upcoming for the zoo will be on Saturday, April 23rd for Earth Day.