Zoo Montana, Billings

I went to the zoo about a year ago and it was lovely but this time the front desk personnel were awful - we had to go looking for them and found them talking it up with another staff member then when we finished this same person, Katie I believe was texting on her cell phone rather than assisting guests - bad impression on entry and exit. The grounds also look terrible - animals are always lovely however.

We've been to many zoos in the U.S. and Internationally. The Botanical Gardens were nice but you can't help but feel sorry for the animals. Most of the animals weren't on display and the few that were out did not look healthy. Animal collection is very small and the reptile cages and aquariums were too small.

I was really expecting a lot more when my family and I went in March. I had read online they had a petting zoo with farm animals and when we went they had 1 horse and a rabbit you couldn't touch. They have a grizzly bear, a tiger, a deer, a wolf, two red pandas and some otters. My family and children were very disappointed. I come from out of state and have been to better zoos so maybe that was why I was disappointed. If you go, don't expect much and maybe you won't be too let down.

Zoo montana is a wonderful placeto visit. They don't have alot olf animals, but what they do have is awesome. As a non profit, the money zoo montana has does not come from outside sources. All monies that go to feeding the animals and building the exsibits come from donations and zoo fund raisers. I take my children to the zoo all the time and i am sure to renew my zoo membership yearly. Thezoo has grown alot since they first opened and will continue to do so with community support. all the animals are in natural settings unlike big city zoos where all you see is bars and concrete. The zoo is quiet anda peaceful place, ideal for weddings and group gatherings.

I'm local and love going to the zoo. It is slowly growing. I'm a huge fan of the large open areas with gorgeous flower garden, lawn and water fountain. I enjoy the animal exhibits of course, and really appreciate the natural setting--creek, woodland paths, with deer, bunnies, goslings, turtles dropping in. There is a decided lack of concrete, noise and crowds. We had a birthday party for my daughter one year, invited the whole class. One of the education staff brought out a porcupine, snake, huge hissing cockroach. Up close and personal. The kids loved it. There are special events, weddings, Boo at the Zoo, preschool programs, etc. There is also a playground and picnic area. Quality over quantity.

upon first arrival we were greeted by a peacock with his tail fully fanned! My kids loved it! the zoo is smaller than most, but it being a non-profit org. (we learned they are one of only 3 zoos that do not recieve tax payers money) we were glad to contribute and walk around. Not only did we get to see the animals in their natural environment but all of the staff were well knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I could tell they really put their heart and soul into their work and genuinly love the animals and strive to give them the most natural and best quality of life

If you want to see animals in concrete and cages go to San Diego if you want to see animals in large natural looking habitats go to ZooMontana. It isn't large but it is growing and changing each year. The grizzly exhibit is huge and will be a wonderful home for any bear that inhabits it. Every animal is in excellent shape and the exhibits are wonderful. Nice walk that isn't confusing like many large zoos. Website was right on for what you found. If you didn't like it maybe you just don't like what zoos today should be. ZooMontana shows what I hope all zoos will be in the future a place for education, conservation and wonderful realistic habitats for the animals who live there.

My family and I really liked the zoo. The layout was nice and we got to stretch our legs from a long car trip and see some very nice animals in a natural setting wich from some of the reviews we were not expecting. The only one we did not get to see was the grizzly bear wich was a bit disappointing but we understood why when we got to his habitat. He will be in a big much nicer place when they are done with it! The care of the animals is evident in how they try to make each habitat special for its animal and the animals all seemed very content.The wolves even trotted along with us from the other side of their fence as we walked along.Friendly staff and gift shop was very cool. My daughter loved the living wall and the new little monkeys. Well worth the time and money it took to stop and see it. Way more then 7 animals and only cages we saw were in the living wall but how else are you going to keep a tarantula and a turtle in?

I loved how quiet and natural ZooMontana is. Most zoos that I've been too are a lot of people, a lot of cement and a lot of noise. ZooMontana is different with it's large woodland exhibits, a creek running through the zoo, nature paths, and cotton wood lined paths. They have a lot of interesting animals, red pandas, sika deer, siberian tigers, wolves, otters, etc. It's almost like when you go to Yellowstone (assuming your native to the area and over the whole geyser thing), seeing any animals is a bonus but just the natural beauty of the area makes it worth the trip!

I think Zoo Montana is a great place. Compared to other zoos I've been to, it is new and growing. Each time I return there is something new to discover. It is unique in that the animals they have have to be able to adapt to the winter weather.