Zoo Boise welcomes its only native Idaho mammal. When can you visit her?
Zoo Boise on Monday announced the arrival of a rare, threatened species not often seen in captivity — or the Idaho wilderness where some live.
In a news release, zoo officials said an 11-month-old female wolverine, named Laura after the daughter of comic book character Wolverine, came from ZooMontana. She will be the only native Idaho mammal on display at the zoo, Director Gene Peacock told the Idaho Statesman in an email.
“Wolverines are iconic Idaho predators that few people have the chance to see up close,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle in the news release. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laura and introduce our community to a species that is powerful, elusive, and incredibly important to Idaho’s wild places.”
The species is the largest member of the mustelid family, which includes otters, weasels and badgers, and is known for its ferocity and elusive nature. Wolverines are protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, with an estimated population around 300 in the contiguous United States.
Laura will be on display in a newly renovated habitat near the zoo carousel by the end of January. The news release said upgrades to the enclosure included climbing structures and cold-weather features, which are key for wolverines. The species is typically found in high elevation, mountainous areas and often gives birth to litters of kits in dens dug in snow.
Zoo Boise officials noted that wolverines are rare even among zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that focuses on conservation and animal care.
The zoo’s news release said only 10 accredited zoos care for wolverines.
While the wolverine is the only native Idaho mammal on display, Peacock said Zoo Boise also has Idaho ground squirrels that are not on exhibit. The director said the zoo had North American porcupines, which are also native to Idaho, until 2024, when the last one died of old age. It also had native red foxes until 2019, when the new plaza and Gorongosa areas were built. The foxes were moved to Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Peacock said.
The zoo also has two native bird species on display: the great horned owl and the red-tailed hawk.
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 2:41 PM.
