(Idaho Falls, ID) -- COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in the cancellation of several upcoming fundraising events at the Idaho Falls Zoo hosted by the Tautphaus Park Zoological Society (TPZS). The canceled events include the "5 O’Clock Some Bear" dates in August and September, the "Wines in the Wild" event, and "Zoo Brew." Full refunds have been issued to all who’ve purchased tickets.

“We would like to sincerely thank this year’s wonderful event sponsors who support the zoo,” says TPZS executive director Laurie Gravatt, “We all know these have been challenging, ever-changing times and we really appreciate everyone’s understanding.”

These events and several others annually put on by TPZS are key fundraisers for the zoo which, along with other donations and contributions, support zoo improvement projects like the William J. Maeck Education Center.

The TPZS board will meet later this month to make a final decision on "Boo at the Zoo," another of the zoo’s popular events that is normally held at Halloween time.  That decision will be based on feedback from zoo staff, board members, participating vendors, and mandates by public health officials.

Stay tuned for updates on zoo happenings and events by following the Idaho Falls Zoo’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts or visit www.idahofallszoo.org.

You can contribute to TPZS’ zoo fundraising efforts at https://www.tpzs.info/donate/

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Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with zoo staff, please contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer, Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306 or at [email protected].            

About Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park:   With more than 330 individual animals representing 130 species from all around the globe, the Idaho Falls Zoo is known as the “Best Little Zoo in the West.” Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo participates in 44 national Species Survival Plans. Learn more on our website.