ZooMontana sits on a 70-acre campus just off Interstate 90 on the west side of Billings, Montana, making it the only zoo and botanical park in the entire state. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1984, the organization later built out its current site in 1995 and has grown into an AZA-accredited facility recognized for its focus on animal welfare over flashy exhibits.
What sets ZooMontana apart is its rescue-first philosophy: the majority of its roughly 100 animals, representing around 56 species, arrived as rescues unable to survive in the wild rather than as wild-caught specimens. The collection leans heavily toward cold-climate and native Montana wildlife, including Amur tigers, grizzly bears, wolverines, river otters, takins, and Canada lynx, paired with an adjoining botanical garden and arboretum.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Billings, Montana
- Opened: Incorporated 1984; current 70-acre site since 1995
- Size: 70 acres
- Species/Animal Count: About 100 animals, roughly 56 species
- Annual Visitors: About 150,000
- Famous for: Rescue-first animal welfare model and cold-climate species focus
A Rescue-Driven Collection
Unlike many zoos built around marquee attractions, ZooMontana’s collection grew largely from animals that could not be released back into the wild due to injury or hand-raising. Species like grizzly bears, wolverines, and river otters share the grounds with native Montana wildlife, reflecting the zoo’s mission of providing lifelong care rather than simply displaying exotic animals.
The zoo earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in September 2019, a distinction held by only a fraction of U.S. animal exhibitors and one that requires meeting strict standards for animal care, safety, and conservation education.
Botanical Gardens and Visitor Experience
Beyond the animal exhibits, ZooMontana operates as a combined zoological and botanical park, featuring a Sensory Garden, a Montana native plant garden, and the Yellowstone Arboretum established in 2018. The grounds also host ZooSchool, an on-site preschool program, and educational outreach that serves thousands of students each year.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that receives no direct public tax support, ZooMontana relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to fund its operations, drawing roughly 150,000 visitors annually to Montana’s only zoo.
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Rubber-armored for small hands, so kids can find the snow leopard before the adults do.
ZooMontana FAQs
Where is ZooMontana located?
ZooMontana is located in Billings, Montana, just off Interstate 90 on Zoo Drive on the city’s west side.
How many animals live at ZooMontana?
ZooMontana is home to about 100 animals representing roughly 56 species, many of which came to the zoo as rescues.
Is ZooMontana accredited?
Yes, ZooMontana has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since September 2019.
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Photo: Montanabw / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.