ZooMontana is the only zoological park and botanical garden in Montana. It is also a certified arboretum. ZooMontana is a very manageable, family-friendly zoological park. The zoo is home to 80 animals across 56 different species. The design is exceptional, with Canyon Creek running through the center, giving the zoo a naturalistic feel and making for a very pleasant guest experience. The 70-acre park is also home to the Yellowstone Arboretum. While you walk along the paths, enjoy the native specimens (trees) on the grounds.
The Animals
The zoo is organized in five areas to visit: America’s Waterways, Asia, Discovery Area, Homestead Barn, and Rocky Mountain Adventure. The animals at the zoo are native to Montana or can be found along the 45th parallel of the earth. The zoo is dedicated to the care of the animals and providing educational programs to visitors and the local community. Plan to spend a few hours on your pleasant walk through the zoo and botanical garden.
Here were some of the highlights:
– American Bison – The new exhibit is home to Bert, a two-year old bison. He arrived at the zoo after suffering a broken leg. Nelli has joined Bert is the large exhibit. You can find him near the Homestead Barn.
– Grizzly Bears – Visit with Bruno and Ozzy. Before arriving at the zoo, Bruno was a movie star, appearing in several films.
– North American River Otters – Watch Ben and Mia— Neither of them knew how to swim when they arrived, and the zookeepers had to teach them.
– Amur Tigers – Also known as Siberian Tigers, Sofi and Jasmine are sisters and have been at the zoo since the summer of 2014. Amur tigers are the largest of all the big cats.
– Sichuan Takin – We are almost positive that this is the only Sichuan Takin in Montana. They are considered a national treasure in China and inhabit the mountains and forests of Tibet and Central China.
Hours & Admission
ZooMontana is open every day of the year at 10:00am except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Tickets cost $9.00 for adults, $6.00 for children (ages 3-15), $7 for seniors (55 and older) and military, and FREE for those 2 and under. If you are local to the area, this is a great zoo to have a family membership. You receive free or discounted admission to other zoos in the United States. Check the website for details and all the benefits.
Did you know? ZooMontana is one of the few Zoological parks in the country that does not receive public tax support. ZooMontana raises necessary operating funds through admissions, memberships, events and private contributions.
Special Events
Check the calendar on the zoo website for weekly events and upcoming concerts at the zoo. There are many family fun events and movie night under the stars. The zoo is also an outdoor concert venue, Sublime, Sugar Ray and Cody Johnson have all performed recently on the Zoo plaza
Mark the Calendar: Boo at the Zoo at ZooMontana on Saturday, October 26! Kids come in costume and trick or treat around the Zoo! Lots of activities, entertainment and food!
Getting There
Billings, Montana is located in Southeastern Montana and has one of the largest airports in the area. If you are flying into Billings for a family vacation, ZooMontana is a great place to stretch your legs before exploring the rest of Montana. The zoo is only 10 miles from Billings Logan International Airport and there is plenty of free parking.
ZooMontana
2100 S Shiloh Road
Billings, Montana 59106
