Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been a Utah treasure since 1931. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon just outside of downtown Salt Lake City, 42-acre Hogle Zoo is situated among natural hillside terrain in a beautiful mountain setting, which enhances the visitor experience as guests discover the wonders of the natural world. With nearly 900 animals to visit, the splendor of the animal kingdom is very much a sight to behold. What a perfect family activity in Utah!
Hogle Zoo’s Mission
With its mission of education, conservation and recreation, Hogle Zoo welcomes nearly one million guests per year, including over 70,000 school children, free of charge, on organized field trips. Additionally, Hogle Zoo is the most popular paid tourist attraction in Salt Lake County, and is the second most-visited paid attraction in the state of Utah, after the national park system.
What to do at Hogle Zoo?
There’s always something exciting to do at Utah’s Hogle Zoo!
- View Animals: Open every day of the year except for New Year’s and Christmas days, Hogle Zoo is place where visitors can view animals throughout different seasons so there’s always something new.
A number of baby animals were born at Hogle Zoo in 2009, including a female African elephant, Zuri. This little elephant has proven to be a draw for crowds of smiling fans ooh-ing and aww-ing over her energetic antics, and Zuri and her mom Christie are a commanding testament to the hard work and dedication of Hogle Zoo’s animal staff. - Ongoing Education: In addition to the continued education that visitors receive by viewing the animals at Hogle Zoo, there are a number of classes, workshops, lectures and special events on grounds each month for families to attend.
From learning experiences and camps to December’s ZooLights! holiday light event, Hogle Zoo is a year-round attraction for people of any age.
- Volunteer Work: Hogle Zoo also accepts volunteer applications twice a year for supporters 14-years-old and up who would like to donate their time to a worthy cause.
Renewing Hogle Zoo
Hogle Zoo has been working on an aggressive capital campaign to Renew the Zoo and securing a Salt Lake County bond to help with these efforts. Completed Master Plan projects to date include the L.S. Skaggs Animal Health Center, the Oasis Plaza and Conservation Carousel, Asian Highlands, Elephant Encounter, the Wildlife Theatre and the Entry Plaza.
In November 2008 72% of Salt Lake County voters said “yes” to this bond which will help continue building of the Zoo’s Master Plan. This bond will allow the Zoo to break ground in 2010 on the next phase of the Master Plan,Rocky Shores, which will provide a home to bring polar bears back to Hogle Zoo.
Association of Zoos Accredidation
Hogle Zoo is unique in that it is one of 221 institutions in the United States accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In 2009, Hogle Zoo once again received their accreditation and with this prestigious honor, Hogle Zoo is recognized as one of the top zoos in the world.
Follow Hogle Zoo Online
Web: Hogle Zoo Website and Baby Elephant in Utah Website (all about Zuri our new baby elephant)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HogleZoo
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Hogle_Zoo
Hogle Zoo Upcoming Events – Winter 2010
The 17th Annual World of the Wild Art Exhibition
January 30 through March 14
This exhibit was started to provide Utah artists an opportunity to display their works of wildlife and “wildnature” in a setting complementary to their work. This show has grown to be one of the best venues in Utah for viewing wildlife and nature art. This year’s show will be juried by Robin Rankin, the executive director of the Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah.
Chinese New Year Celebration
January 23
2010 is Year of the Tiger in Chinese Zodiac, so we will honor this year in our Asian Highlands area featuring our Amur tigers. These Asian Highlands cats are from cold climates and are very active this time of year. There will be kids activities in Asian Highlands on this day highlighting these animals, as well as the cultures that prevail in Asia and the surrounding countries.
Mating Dances and Wild Romances
February 12
Ever wonder how the animals attract each other, date and mate? Learn everything you ever wanted to know about love in the animal kingdom in a fun date-night setting at Hogle Zoo. Evening includes activities, education presentation and hors d’oeuvres.
Valentine Breakfast
February 13
This is a great event for kids of all ages to learn about flirting in the animal world through fun games and activities. Throw in a scrumptious continental breakfast and valentine craft, and you’ve got chemistry for family fun!
Memberships are a great way to support Hogle Zoo year-round!
Hogle Zoo membership is a year-long pass to animal exploration, exciting members-only events, great discounts and much more! Not only do you receive many great benefits from becoming a member, you also support the future of wildlife through conservation and education programs at Hogle Zoo.
- Free, unlimited admission during regular Zoo hours for one full year from the date of purchase, excludes ZooLights!
- Member e-newsletter
- Discounted admission to over 125 zoos across the country
- Discount on carousel rides
- Discounts on gift and food purchases
- Discount on train rides
- Discount on Zoo classes, ZooCamp and ZooSnooz overnights
- Invitations to members-only events