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Entrance sign at Zoo Montana showcasing wildlife and family-friendly attractions.
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Visitors at Zoo Montana observing a zookeeper with a small animal.
Wildlife at Zoo Montana, showcasing native animals and family-friendly exhibits in Billings, Montana.Visitors observing animals at Zoo Montana's outdoor wildlife exhibit.
About

ZooMontana

A zoological and botanical garden, accredited arboretum, and educational facility in Billings, Montana, dedicated to conservation, education, and unforgettable experiences.
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Our History

ZooMontana was incorporated and established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1984. It is the only true zoological and botanical park within a 500-mile radius of Billings, Montana.

1984

ZooMontana is incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. During the Zoo’s early years, its development committee garners community support and lays the groundwork for ZooMontana’s infrastructure.

1995

The Zoo opens its gates to the public for the first time. During the second half of this decade, habitats for the Amur tiger, gray wolf, bald eagle, and red panda are constructed.

2008

The Zoo continues to grow. In 2008, ZooMontana’s largest single capital project, Bear Meadows, is completed. This habitat remains one of the best Grizzly habitats in the country.

2011

ZooMontana nearly shutters its gates due to challenging years and loses AZA accreditation.

Jeff Ewelt and a new administrative team are hired to breathe new life into the organization, and the Billings community rallies behind the Zoo, ensuring its future.

2019

The Zoo is reaccredited by the AZA, marking a magnificent turnaround for Montana’s only zoological park.

2025

ZooMontana—now led by current President & CEO, Jessica Hart—achieves AZA reaccreditation once again and construction begins on the Animal Health Center.

OUR STORY

ZooMontana is dedicated to the mantra "quality over quantity," meaning our focus is not on how many animals the Zoo has, but how well those animals are cared for. As one of the few zoological parks in the country that does not receive public tax support, ZooMontana raises operating funds through admissions, memberships, events, and private contributions.

Located in the heart of Billings, Montana, ZooMontana offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife through direct observation, interpretive displays, and experiential education programs. Each year, community and educational programs serve more than 18,000 students, while welcoming over 150,000 visitors from across the Northern Rockies.

Led by a passionate and dedicated staff, ZooMontana enjoys strong support through volunteerism, donations, and community outreach.

ZooMontana continues to grow each year through new exhibits, capital improvements, educational opportunities, and conservation initiatives. In 2023 alone, ZooMontana contributed over $35,000 back to the community through free passes, memberships, and donated event space.
Visitors observing animals at Zoo Montana's outdoor exhibit in a natural setting.

Leadership

Our leadership team is dedicated to the care of our animals, our community, and the future of ZooMontana.

Jessica Hart

President/CEO - Daily Operations

Travis Goebel

Animal Curator - Animal Care, Animal Donations

Pete Bolenbaugh

Chief Development Officer - Development, Sponsorships, Planned Giving

Allyson Welborn

Assistant Curator

Kelsey Hess

Development Director

Luke Ashmore

Brand Manager

Wendy Chavez

Guest Experience Director

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides vision, guidance, and governance to help ensure ZooMontana's continued success and impact.
Man standing by river at Zoo Montana with forested background.

Gary Fagan

Gary is an attorney with Moulton Bellingham in Billings. His primary practice area is civil litigation, with an emphasis on products liability, personal injury defense, bad faith insurance claims, medical malpractice claims, and insurance claims.
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Montana Zoo featuring diverse wildlife animals and lush habitats.

Heather Descant

Heather is the HRBP Manager for Phillips 66 Billings Refinery, where she has been part of the refinery leadership team since 2023.
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Wildlife at Zoo Montana with diverse animals and lush greenery.

Holly Cremer

Holly is the commercial insurance team lead for the state of Montana at Leavitt Great West.
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Mountain lake with visitors, scenic Montana landscape, and mountain backdrop.

Sam Hensler

Sam is a founding partner of Dynamic Analysis and the company's President. Beyond the office and mountains, Sam is involved with Sportsball, a local non-profit that he founded, dedicated to building community and fellowship through active social gatherings with other adults searching for their crowd in Billings.
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Visitors exploring the diverse wildlife exhibits at Zoo Montana in Billings.

Steve Rand

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