Wellbeing Archives - Utah's Hogle Zoo

Red Panda Kiaria

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:47:43 +0000

Red Panda Kiaria

Utah’s Hogle Zoo mourns the passing of female Chinese red panda

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is mourning the passing of female Chinese red panda, Kiaria, who passed away on August 14, 2025. Kiaria (8) had a history of gastrointestinal (GI) challenges, which can be common for red pandas in managed care.

Over the past several months, her dedicated animal care and veterinary teams worked to adjust her diet, provide medication, and closely monitor her health, including surgery in one instance to look for an obstruction and administering IV fluids for a separate bout of GI challenges. In recent weeks, Kiaria had been eating well, sleeping, and showing her playful personality.

On August 14, 2025, her teams observed a rapid and severe decline in her health. Hogle Zoo’s veterinarians provided immediate advanced care and then transported Kiaria to MedVet Salt Lake City for evaluation by board-certified critical care and internal medicine specialists.

Despite our efforts, Kiaria responded minimally to treatments. After a thorough assessment, it became clear that she would not recover, and with consideration for her critical state and wellbeing, we made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her.

Gastrointestinal disease is a common cause of both morbidity and mortality for red pandas in managed care. Research has shown in adult red pandas it is the third leading cause of death in North American zoos. Gastrointestinal disease in red pandas continue to be an area of research as the disease is multifactorial and clinical resolution is often difficult to achieve.

- James Steeil, DVM, DACZM, SSP Red Panda co-vet advisor

Kiaria came to Hogle Zoo from the Toledo Zoo in November 2024 as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). After making her public debut in Asian Highlands in March 2025, she quickly became a favorite among guests and staff, known for her dark red features and a personality that balanced calm confidence with playful sass.

Affectionately known among her care team as the “boss of the cool room” — the indoor red panda habitat in Asian Highlands — Kiaria had a confident presence when she spent time with male red panda William (2) as part of their breeding recommendation. Red pandas are naturally solitary, so they often preferred their own space. William is expected to adjust well under the attentive care of his keepers, and guests can continue to visit him in Asian Highlands.

It was an immense privilege to have Kiaria in our care. She was a meaningful ambassador for her endangered species, helping to inspire greater understanding and appreciation for red pandas. This loss is deeply felt by our entire zoo team, and we understand that it is difficult news for our community to process. Thank you for your support and understanding as we mourn her passing. Kiaria will be dearly missed.

About Chinese red pandas

Chinese red pandas are found in the mountainous forests of the Eastern Himalayas and belong to their own unique family, Ailuridae. Adapted to cooler climates, they have larger bodies and longer fur to help retain warmth. Their reddish coats, striped tails, and distinctive facial markings resemble those of Himalayan red pandas, and face the same threats: habitat loss, degradation, and poaching. In the past two decades, it’s estimated that the overall population of red pandas has declined by 40 percent.

Animal Wellbeing

Hogle Zoo is committed to providing excellent animal wellbeing through individualized health care plans, including advanced critical care if resident animals experience rapidly declining health. Regular consultation with AZA-accredited institutions and community health partners is pivotal to achieving that commitment.

Learn more

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Remembering Juniper

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:30:39 +0000

Remembering Juniper

Utah’s Hogle Zoo grieves the passing of female gray fox Juniper

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is mourning the loss of female gray fox, Juniper, who passed away on June 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving care team. Juniper was born with a condition called congenital hydrocephalus, which causes a buildup of fluid around her brain. Due to this condition, she lost most of her eyesight and required high levels of care from her animal care team, veterinarians, and Hogle Zoo’s health partners. In recent weeks, Juniper’s condition progressed quickly, leading to complications with her immune system and overall health, resulting in a significant decline in her quality of life. With her wellbeing as the top priority, we made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her.

Left untreated, Juniper’s hydrocephalus would have significantly shortened her lifespan in her native habitat. Our animal health and care teams monitored Juniper closely throughout her life, giving her regular anti-inflammatory medicines and closely monitoring her appetite, weight, and watching for developing neurological signs.

She is a great example of what animals are capable of overcoming if given a second chance, a ton of patience, and love. Despite her struggles, she was strong to the end and was just happy to be around her favorite people.

- Audra, Animal Keeper II

Juniper and habitat-mate Willow were found abandoned as young kits in New Mexico and were taken in by a wildlife rehabilitation center. It was determined that the foxes wouldn’t be able to survive on their own in their natural habitat and were rescued to Hogle Zoo in 2023. In 2024, they were joined by Peppercorn—another young gray fox found abandoned and brought to the same rehabilitation center before making her way to Hogle Zoo.

Despite her health challenges, Juniper was a smart, determined, and curious fox who enjoyed enrichment activities and training. To support her needs, her keeper team adapted her training program to rely on auditory cues, rather than the typical visual cues used in training. She recognized her caregivers by their voices and scent, forming a strong bond with those who cared for her.

“Working with Juniper was an incredibly special and unique opportunity. She taught us that she was capable of so much. She was SO smart. Juni learned to recognize her care team by our voices, and we would talk to her to keep her aware of where we were and what we were doing. She grew to know and trust each of us individually. She was sweet and gentle, curious and determined, brave and resilient. She was absolutely perfect. When talking with zoo guests I often found myself saying, “Juniper can do everything except see.” I cherish every moment of the short time I had with her. Knowing her was a privilege and it was my greatest honor to serve as her advocate. She will be missed every single day.”

- Anna, Animal Keeper II

“Juniper had difficulties, and her time with us was short, but she brought joy to everyone around her and seeing her thrive was so rewarding. She loved to explore new smells and would comically rub her face and body all over the especially stinky ones. She loved her sister, Willow, and we would often find them snuggled up in the same bed. Juni was endlessly patient with Willow, who tended to be rambunctious and would tackle her when she got over-excited. Their bond was so heart-warming to witness. Juniper's transition to the new Wild Utah exhibit took a lot of hard work, but there was nothing more fulfilling than watching her succeed more than we ever thought possible.”

- Audra, Animal Keeper II

Juniper was a beloved member of the Wild Utah exhibit and the Hogle Zoo family. She left a lasting impression on all who cared for her and visited her. We are deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, and guests who took the time to connect with her—she was a special part of many zoo visits and memories. Juniper will be deeply missed by her animal care team and the entire community who loved her.

About Gray Foxes

Gray foxes play a crucial role in our ecosystems by controlling small rodent populations, helping to maintain a balanced predator-prey dynamic. Found in rugged, densely vegetated areas from southern Canada to South America—these foxes are elusive and rarely spotted in the wild. Known as the “tree fox” or “cat fox,” gray foxes are unique among canids for their ability to climb trees.

Animal Wellbeing

Hogle Zoo is committed to providing excellent animal wellbeing through individualized health care plans for each resident animal. Regular quality-of-life assessments are pivotal to achieving that commitment, which includes making the tough decision to humanely euthanize when a resident’s quality of life declines.

Learn more

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Hoof Care

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:59:30 +0000

Providing head-to-hoof care

Hogle Zoo’s animal care team earns certification
to provide expert hoof care.

Providing the best care means looking after animals from head to toe—or hoof. Caring for hooves might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering animal care at the zoo, but for many species, it’s an essential part of their health and wellbeing.

“Proper hoof care is vital for a long, healthy lifespan and is important to establish proper trimming early in every animal's life. Hooves inform us about conformation, diet, moisture levels, type of substrates animals spend time on, and activity levels. Properly maintained hooves are a key element in bone and joint health as our animals reach their geriatric years.”

- Melissa, Associate Director of Animal Care

From towering giraffes to hearty warthogs, hooved animals at the zoo receive regular, customized check-ins to ensure their hooves are trimmed, inspected, and taken care of. Through positive reinforcement training—an approach our team uses to build trust—many animals voluntarily participate in their hoof care.

Training for Top-Tier Hoof Care

A few Hogle Zoo animal care team members recently completed The Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program (ZHTP), an intensive training focused on preventative hoof care and maintenance. This hands-on farrier program equips keepers with the skills to provide routine trims and treatments tailored to each species’ hooves.

Meet the Trim Team:

Keeper Isaura

Keeper Cheyenne

Keeper Beth

Animal Care Supervisor Michelle

Animal Care Supervisor Lauren

“Certifying our staff for farrier work is beneficial, as we train these animals for voluntary hoof work. As a farrier, you need to recognize the proper gait and movement of an animal to identify if they're having issues anywhere in their hoof. The old saying ‘no hoof, no horse’ holds true. If the horse has an unbalanced, unhealthy, or injured hoof, it can be detrimental.”

- Lauren, Animal Care Supervisor

The trim team cares for 30 hooved animals at the zoo – zebras, Mongolian wild horses, camels, warthogs, burros, giraffes, big horn sheep, and markhor – that’s 120 hooves to maintain! But hoof health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Diet, activity levels, and even seasonal changes all play a role in how an animal’s hooves grow and wear down.

Hoof Care in Action

Hoof care looks different for every species, and our trim team works closely with each one to ensure they get exactly what they need. Mongolian wild horses, for example, rely on strong, durable hooves built for rugged terrain, while warthogs use their hooves to dig protective burrows.

Some hooved animals, or ungulates, walk on the tips of their toes, while others bear weight more evenly across their hooves.

Ungulates are divided into two groups:

Odd-toed ungulates (like horses and zebras) bear weight on one or three toes.

Even-toed ungulates (like giraffes, camels, and warthogs) distribute weight more evenly across two toes.

Hoof care looks different for every animal, and our trim team works closely with each one to ensure they get exactly what they need.

Swifty the warthog

6-year-old warthog Swifty’s hoof care routine changes with the seasons. Swifty naturally wears down his hooves in warmer months while running through African Savanna. In colder months, when he prefers long naps over long runs, he requires more frequent trims.

Through Swifty’s daily husbandry and training, he can voluntarily participate in his hoof care. Animals at the zoo always have choice and control when participating in their care, and when they do, they’re always rewarded for their participation. Swifty’s preferred method of positive reinforcement? Belly rubs.

Mikhail, the Mongolian wild horse

For some animals, routine trims are incorporated into regular health procedures, like dental work. Mikhail, among other hoofstock at the zoo, receives annual dental care under anesthesia.

Part of their routine training is training for voluntary injections to support procedures like these, ensuring a smooth and stress-free induction of anesthesia. Climate-controlled areas with padded floors and multiple access points for quick staff and equipment access are used during these procedures.

These comprehensive check-ups give our team a chance to assess multiple aspects of an animal’s health, including their hooves.

Supporting Every Stride

From the sturdy hooves of zebras to the split hooves of our markhor, routine trims and inspections help keep these animals moving comfortably. No matter the species, the goal remains the same: healthy hooves for healthy animals.

“I've been passionate about hoof care for a long time, having worked with horses my whole life and now as a hoof stock keeper. I am fascinated by the complexity of their anatomy and the way we can help them live more comfortable lives with routine trims. My biggest takeaway from my training is how quickly issues can develop and not to wait for visible signs of discomfort before intervening. If we can see their feet daily or even monthly, we can stay on top of any growth and keep them healthy. ”

- Beth, Keeper

Hogle Zoo has been working with ZHTP since 2017 through keeper training, in-person consulting, and virtual support. Our team has shared their expertise at Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) conferences and webinars, presenting on the training program and the importance of hoof care. The trim team also lends their farrier skills to local farms and ranches, while staying up to date on the latest techniques through workshops, webinars, and conferences throughout the year. Thanks to our amazing team members who work hard to ensure healthy hooves!

You can visit all 30 hooved animals throughout the zoo in areas like High Desert Oasis, African Savanna, and Wild Utah.

Animal Wellbeing

Protecting animals in the wild starts with the wellbeing of the animals under our care. Providing excellent animal wellbeing through animal health is a key priority and hoof care is one of the many ways we work to achieve our vision of prioritizing animal wellbeing in everything we do.

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Diego’s Care

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:40:32 +0000

Deep Dive on Diego's Care

How Utah’s Hogle Zoo and its health partners came together in a milestone for zoo medicine.

Nothing bids a warmer welcome to Rocky Shores than the iconic barks of California sea lions Maverick, Finn, and Diego. For eight years, Diego has been a charismatic and beloved presence at Hogle Zoo, captivating guests with his playful personality. In fall 2024, Diego faced an unexpected health challenge that would call on every resource and ounce of expertise from his dedicated care team and the zoo’s community partners.

Rut season

Each breeding season between May and August, male sea lions experience rut—a period of heightened hormonal activity marked by vocalizations, displays of dominance, and territorial behaviors. Shortly after rut season ended in September, Diego’s care team observed changes in his behavior. Diego, typically lively and robust, became less mobile, vocalized more than usual, and showed a decreased appetite. These concerning signs prompted swift action from the zoo’s animal care and health teams.

Collaboration of care

Determined to help Diego, Hogle Zoo enlisted renowned pinniped anesthesia expert Dr. James Bailey to lead a lengthy anesthetic procedure so we could run diagnostic testing. On October 5, 2024, the team came together in a monumental effort to provide the best possible care. With the help of keepers, veterinarians, and health partners from University of Utah Health, Diego underwent an extended anesthetic procedure in the sea lions’ indoor habitat.

The initial results provided some relief to the team – Diego’s bloodwork and abdominal ultrasound came back normal, ruling out several potential concerns. However, they also left unanswered questions about the cause of Diego’s symptoms.

“Diego is an incredibly special individual that we, the Rocky Shores team, have had the privilege to care for since he arrived here at UHZ in 2017. Initial exam results alleviated some concerns, but we knew we needed more information. Our veterinary and animal care teams were ready to meet the challenge of figuring out the logistics of how to get Diego the best possible diagnostic care to allow us to properly address the health concerns we were seeing.”

- Rocky Shores Senior Keeper, Kimmy McIntyre.

The team’s unwavering commitment and determination led to a rare and complex undertaking—getting a 650-pound sea lion to a CT scanner. With his care team by his side, Diego was carefully moved to the U of U Health radiology department. Under anesthesia, Diego’s vital functions were manually supported by his team, who delivered breaths through a large oxygen tank during the transfer.

“Hogle Zoo’s medical and husbandry team often perform innovative diagnostics and therapies to give the animals the very best care possible, but taking a 650-pound sea lion for a CT scan was a first. Riding in the back of the zoo van with him, the large animal anesthesia machine and a huge tank of oxygen and manually giving him breaths the whole way was quite an experience,”

-Dr. Erika Crook, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine and Director of Animal Health for Hogle Zoo.

Edward Quigley, MD, PhD, professor of radiology at U of U Health, led a CT scan of the sea lion’s entire body to diagnose him. “It was logistically pretty amazing,” Quigley said. “Diego was longer than the standard CT scanner table, so we had to be creative to support his hindquarters while imaging.” He adds that the radiology department often lends its expertise and advanced scanning equipment to help Hogle Zoo with complex imaging or critical cases.

Diagnosing Diego

Through the CT scan, Diego was diagnosed with severe degenerative disc disease, a spine condition that involves narrowing of vertebral disc spaces, narrowing of the spinal canal, and bulging discs. These findings explained Diego’s flipper weakness—chronic in his front flippers and progressively worsening in his rear flippers.

Road to recovery

Waking up after arriving back at Hogle Zoo, Diego began his recovery journey, closely monitored by the animal care and veterinary teams through the night. In the days following his procedure, Diego’s appetite returned, allowing him to eat enough fish to take his twice-daily steroid anti-inflammatory medication, similar to aspirin, to treat his back discomfort. He began regaining strength and mobility, even enjoying a brief swim.

Despite advanced spinal disease, Diego is stable and continues to participate in his care. Animal care and veterinary teams provide daily medication, assess for signs of relapse, and evaluate his habitat to ensure mobility and comfort.

Diego’s team modified his routine to support his wellbeing, including training adjustments to protect his spine and training for laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation. While Diego’s overall range of motion has improved, his rear flipper movement is limited.

We’ve started monitoring superficial wounds on Diego’s body and believe these are due to his spinal disease and how he moves and rests in his habitat. While living in an aquatic environment limits treatments, Diego’s team is committed to finding creative ways to heal the wounds with oral and topical medicine, providing the best possible care as his needs evolve.

“Utah’s Hogle Zoo has amazing teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, stamina, and dedication that allowed us to do something remarkable. Without University of Utah Health’s radiology department, a diagnosis for Diego would not have been possible. Diego’s procedure was successful because of teamwork and innovation between animal experts at Hogle Zoo, the best pinniped anesthetist in the world, and a brilliant and willing human radiologist. This monumental effort reflects the zoo’s commitment to advancing animal wellbeing and the importance of partnerships in achieving remarkable outcomes,”

-Dr. Erika Crook

You can visit Diego and his habitat-mates Maverick, Finn, Mira, and Nika in Rocky Shores.

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Southern white rhino George

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:50:30 +0000

Southern white rhino George

Utah's Hogle Zoo mourns the passing of longtime zoo resident.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is deeply saddened to share the loss of southern white rhino George, who passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. At 48, George was one of the oldest southern white rhinos under human care and one of Hogle Zoo’s longest residents. Surrounded by his dedicated care and veterinary teams, George was humanely euthanized after his health declined in the last few weeks.

George has been a part of Hogle Zoo and our visitors’ memories for decades, since he arrived in 1977 at just under one year old. George was joined shortly after by Princess, his half-sister.

"When I started at Hogle Zoo over 13 years ago, I had never worked with rhinos. I knew I would quickly fall in love with George and Princess. George's love for attention and scratches was why I started public rhino encounters years ago-I wanted to share my love for him with others.

I am certain hundreds of our guests had amazing and intimate connections with George and Princess. I love people's surprise when I would say, "Do you want to come scratch him?" I think rhinos get such a bad reputation that it surprised people to hear and see how affectionate and personable they are. He loved to get his back legs scratched and was always down to eat a bucket of bananas, his favorite.”

-Lauren LeCoque, Supervisor, High Desert Oasis

As George entered his golden years, he began experiencing dental disease, muscle atrophy, and a general slowing down – much like human seniors. George received special bedding and flooring, supplements, medication, and treatment to support his comfort. The treatment plan was modified daily if needed as our dedicated team of zoo experts, including veterinarians, keepers, and operations, worked together to provide George with the highest level of care.

In early 2024, George was diagnosed with rapidly advancing cancer in his rear left leg. Our zoo’s veterinarians consulted with human and veterinary oncologists to consider various treatment options for the cancer. However, no long-term treatment options were available based on his age, size, and thick skin. In November 2024, our expert animal care and health teams discovered two new masses on the back half of his body, which they managed with daily medications in fruit to support his comfort and mobility.

Every day, a dedicated team of zoo experts, including veterinarians, keepers, and operations, worked together to provide George with the highest level of care. Their advanced geriatric care is evidence of our team’s commitment to wellbeing as animals enter the end of their lives.

“I have loved being part of Princess and George’s health care team for the past 18 years. I work with a lot of unique and amazing species at Hogle Zoo, but I have an extra soft spot for the gentle rhino giants. The veterinary team made house calls to George nearly every day for about a year and a half as we helped him through his old age conditions. George would eat his breakfast in an area where we could administer treatments. He was very good-natured with all the different treatments we tried. It was fun to scratch and talk to him up close while he chomped and slurped away at his food,” shares Dr. Erika Crook, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Board Certified Specialist in Zoological MedicineTM – Director of Animal Health for Utah’s Hogle Zoo. “We consulted with rhino colleagues and a handful of veterinary and human specialists to give him top-notch care. Everyone agreed we were doing all we could for George.”

In their natural habitat, rhinos can live up to 20-25 years old. With exceptional health care and no predators in managed care, old male southern white rhinos can live into their mid-40s, leading them to experience natural ailments of old age.

At 45, George’s half-sister Princess is also considered geriatric for her species. In July 2024, our team observed Princess displaying abnormal behaviors. Based on her behavior and symptoms, which appeared to be neurologic, we believe she had a seizure. We consult with rhino experts and treat her seizures with twice-daily medication and modified care. After his passing, we provided Princess time and space to see George. Princess and George have lived together for 44 years, and this practice is helpful for social bonds and understanding.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with rhinos since 2002 and came to Hogle Zoo in 2015 to work with George and Princess specifically. Over the years, I have attended seven International Rhino Keeper Workshops and eight rhino conferences, worked with wild greater one-horned rhinos in Nepal, and visited white and black rhinos across several African countries. White rhinos have always been my favorite species to work with ever since I became a zookeeper over 20 years ago. Learning more about them and sharing my experiences with all rhino lovers worldwide has always been my passion,” shares Melissa Dacumos, Associate Director of Animal Care for High Desert Oasis, African Savanna, and Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah.

Hogle Zoo’s animal health team performed a postmortem exam to understand further factors impacting George and advance our scientific understanding of rhinos, positively impacting rhino wellbeing and conservation worldwide. “The stories of George and Princess’ care in Utah have circulated throughout the entire international community of rhino experts from the Rhino Research Counsel, Rhino Taxon Advisory Group, and other AZA program leaders for the species on advancement in geriatric care and training; something we are very proud of,” says Dacumos.

"George was an amazing representation of rhinos everywhere and had many fans! He was sweet and spicy, like hot honey. He loved his skin scratches, mud baths, and attention as much as he liked destroying his toys, excavating dirt piles, and marking his space. I will miss George very much, and I will always remember the feel of his skin and squishy lips and the sounds of him eating his treats and pushing his toys around the barn."

- Melissa Dacumos, Associate Director of Animal Care, High Desert Oasis | African Savanna | Wild Utah

Caring for George for as long as we did is an honor and a privilege. We are deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, and guests who loved him over the years. George and Princess have been a cherished part of many zoo visits and memories across generations, and we know how much they mean to you.

“He was my favorite part of my day. My team and I have given countless hours, days, months, and years to care for him. I hope people know how much he was loved and spoiled. Losing him is like losing a member of my family."

-Lauren LeCoque, Supervisor, High Desert Oasis

"I have a huge hole in my heart that George has passed, but I am glad he lived such a long life surrounded by so much love from the Hogle Zoo staff and our supportive community."

-Dr. Erika Crook, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Board Certified Specialist in Zoological MedicineTM - Director of Animal Health for Utah’s Hogle Zoo

We share in your grief and understand the emotions that come with this tremendous loss. Thank you for your compassion and understanding during this time as we support our staff and resident animals.

Image Gallery

About southern white rhinos

Southern white rhinos live in the grasslands, savannas, and shrublands of South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. They are the third largest land animal after the two species of elephants. White rhinos have two horns and are called square-lipped rhinos because of their wide, straight upper lip for “mowing grass.”

Rhino conservation

At the start of the 20th century, about 500,000 rhinos shared the planet with us. Today, roughly 28,000 rhinos remain. Four of the five rhino species are threatened with extinction; three are critically endangered and could become extinct within our lifetime. Rhinos are threatened by poaching for rhino horn, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo partners with the International Rhino Foundation to support anti-poaching efforts, reduce rhino-horn trafficking, and support local communities. Just by visiting Hogle Zoo, part of your ticket goes towards conservation efforts like these around the globe.

Animal Wellbeing

Providing excellent animal wellbeing through animal health is an essential priority for Hogle Zoo. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, committing ourselves to the highest animal care standards. Learn more about animal wellbeing –>

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Polar bear mating and denning

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:34:09 +0000

Polar bear seasons: breeding and denning at Hogle Zoo

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is dedicated to protecting vulnerable species under our care and in their natural habitats. One key aspect of this commitment is supporting the natural behaviors of animals in our care, like polar bears.

Facilitating polar bears’ natural reproductive processes is one of the many ways we play an active role in preserving this iconic and vulnerable species.

This journey begins in the winter and spring with the breeding season and transitions into the fall with the denning season. Our animal care team carefully supports each phase. They work tirelessly to create environments and conditions that reflect the bears’ natural cycles while prioritizing their wellbeing.

From fostering bonds during breeding season to preparing for the possibility of cubs during denning, every step highlights the critical connection between conservation efforts and the potential to contribute to the survival of this vulnerable species.

Polar bear breeding season

Polar bears are primarily solitary animals, both in their natural habitat and under human care, and typically only come together in the spring for breeding season. At Hogle Zoo, Nikita (male) and Neva (female) share habitat space each spring for breeding before parting ways in the fall.

During the spring months of the breeding season, guests may expect to see normal behaviors from the bears that our animal care team keeps a close eye on, like:

Chasing or following each other

Resting near each other

Making different sounds, like chuffing

Sharing toys

Open-mouth greetings

Minor wounds

Breeding season can last from a week to a few months—depending entirely on the bears’ behaviors and preferences. Each year, their confidence and comfortability with one another grows.

See breeding season updates:

2025 →

2024 →

When facilitating breeding season for the bears, our teams take everything one step at a time and work hard to give them space and time to participate in breeding if they choose. By providing the right environment and closely observing their needs, we help Nikita and Neva thrive in ways that work best for them.

Resident female polar bear, Neva

Resident male polar bear, Nikita

Bulking season

One step in this delicate process is adjusting Neva’s diet for substantial weight gain before denning season begins. Denning is an energetically expensive process for female polar bears. During this time, they don’t hunt or seek food; instead, they rely on fat reserves. Female polar bears gain up to a third of their body weight before denning.

To help Neva reach an ideal denning weight, our team begins increasing her diet in the spring. Over the years, Neva has steadily gained weight, indicating that she’s becoming more accustomed to preparing for denning season. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals and build essential fat reserves in their natural habitat. However, Arctic ice is now melting earlier in the spring and freezing later in the fall, threatening the polar bear ecosystem and their ability to reproduce. The shrinking hunting season leaves polar bears less time to hunt and fewer opportunities to build the needed fat reserves. Without sufficient sea ice, females may not gain enough weight to support pregnancy.

Delayed implantation

Polar bear breeding and pregnancy are separate events.

Female polar bears experience a unique process called delayed implantation, meaning the bears mate in spring, but if an egg is fertilized, it doesn’t implant until fall—and only if the mother has built up enough fat to safely support herself and her future cubs through denning. There’s no way to know if a female is pregnant or may be experiencing a “pseudopregnancy.” Blood and urine pregnancy tests aren’t effective for polar bears – and with their extra thick layers of fat, ultrasounds also don’t work. Female polar bears may den even if no cubs are on the way.

Polar bear denning season

After several months together during breeding season, the denning season begins in the fall. Female polar bears den to provide a safe, protected environment for potentially giving birth. The keyword here is “potential” – polar bear reproduction is unique and uncertain, and many things must go right.

Supporting Neva and Nikita

When Neva enters denning season in the fall, she is separated from Nikita to support their natural reproductive cycles. While there’s no way to confirm if she’s pregnant at this stage, our teams dedicate months to preparation—ensuring Neva is physically ready. Her denning environment is carefully tailored to her needs.

Neva’s Den

Neva’s den is a quiet, dark, cold space with reinforced HVAC, soft substrate, and soundproofing for minimal disruption. When our team observes Neva calmly nesting and resting through cameras, it shows us she’s comfortable and confident in her space.

See the 2024 denning season update →

Where’s Nikita?

When Neva is in her den, Nikita continues training and interacting with enrichment in his habitat. Our teams carefully think through changes in Rocky Shores designed to support Neva’s denning process – during the denning season, guests may see:

Less cleaning and maintenance in their habitat to minimize disturbances

Increased window marks

Adjustments to BooLights and ZooLights decorations

Guests can visit Nikita in Rocky Shores.

What comes next?

Facilitating polar bears’ reproductive cycles reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of the polar bears in our care. Whether or not cubs are in Neva’s future, each season offers opportunities for us to learn, grow, and refine our approach. We gain new insights into polar bear reproduction every year, allowing us to better support these incredible animals and their natural behaviors.

Neva’s progress each year is a testament to the strong bond and trust she has built with her care team. Polar bear cubs under human care are born between early November and late December. If Neva has cubs, she and her little ones will remain in the den until late spring. If she doesn’t, the cycle will begin again with breeding in the spring, guided by the bears’ needs and choices.

At the heart of everything we do is Neva and Nikita’s wellbeing. We continue taking this process one step at a time, remaining cautiously optimistic, and are prepared to help the polar bears thrive in whatever situation they show us is best for them.

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Geriatric Giants

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:33:19 +0000

Geriatric Giants

Caring for sibling southern white rhinos.

Remembering George

Our hearts were full as Hogle Zoo said goodbye to geriatric giant George. Surrounded by his dedicated care and veterinary teams, George (48) was humanely euthanized on December 18, 2024, after his health declined. In early 2024, George was diagnosed with rapidly advancing cancer in his rear left leg. Our zoo’s veterinarians consulted with human and veterinary oncologists to consider various treatment options. However, no long-term treatment options were available based on his age, size, and thick skin.

“He was my favorite part of my day. My team and I have given countless hours, days, months, and years to care for him. I hope people know how much he was loved and spoiled."

-Lauren LeCoque, Supervisor, High Desert Oasis

Where is Princess?

You may not see Princess during your visit because she may be indoors resting, receiving treatments, or being pampered by her keepers, which are important parts of her advanced geriatric care.

We love how Princess has been part of your zoo visits and memories for many generations and understand the disappointment in not being able to visit her. Thank you for being understanding as we support this incredibly loved member of our zoo family.

“One of the best parts about working with the animals in our care is the relationship we build with them. Because of this relationship, we can notice subtle changes and address them quickly. We are also able to address any issues more easily and with less stress on the animals and the care staff. Working with George and Princess throughout their life, especially in this time, is an honor. I take great pride in the work we do to provide the greatest wellbeing in every stage of their life."

-Megan Pushie, senior animal keeper, High Desert Oasis

Geriatric giant

In their natural habitat, rhinos can live up to 20-25 years old due to predators and poaching. But, with exceptional health care and no predators, southern white rhinos in human care can live into their mid-40s, leading them to experience natural ailments of old age.

The animal care team describes 3,900-pound Princess as inquisitive and motivated. Since she is in her golden years, her medical needs are changing, and her size makes care even more challenging.

Providing whole-life care

Hogle Zoo’s mission is to create champions for wildlife, and we consider ourselves lucky to have incredible animals like Princess under our care. As champions for wildlife, we know how important zoos and the connections made here can be to achieving our vision of a world where humans and wildlife thrive together. We also know that, in exchange, we must provide each animal under our care with the individual attention it needs to thrive.

Princess receives extensive specialized care as she enters her golden years.

On July 1, 2024, our team observed Princess displaying abnormal behaviors. Based on her behavior and symptoms, which appeared to be neurologic in nature, we believe she had a seizure. Princess experienced one more seizure in November 2024. We consult with rhino experts and treat her seizures with twice-daily medication and modified care.

Princess voluntarily participates in laser therapy to treat arthritis in her left ankle. This non-invasive treatment stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation.

We provide soft substrate beds, and our rhino barn has special rubberized flooring. Rhinos can sleep standing up or lying down. We see Princess choosing to lay down to rest as she ages—understandable given that her feet have supported her 3,9000-pound body for more than 45 years!

Despite rubberized flooring in indoor bedrooms and tilled dirt in outdoor habitats, older rhinos are prone to pressure sores. Due to the thickness of pachyderm skin, it takes much longer for wounds to close. The rhino care team monitors and treats pressure sores daily, including laser and hydrotherapy. For pressure sore treatment, you may see silver wound spray, bandages, or ointments on Princess.

Like human seniors, rhinos will experience weight changes, muscle atrophy, and a general slowing down. Princess’ care teams monitor her body condition and health daily, providing supplements, medication, and treatment as needed.

Princess has a one-of-a-kind eye mask to protect her eyes as she deals with the effects of seasonal allergies. See her fly mask →

Princess receives special nutrition, like pre-cut hay, because her teeth have worn down with age. We have shifted away from sugary fruits and use high-fiber greens like celery and lettuce, which are easier on Princess’ elderly digestive system.

Princess enjoys mud-wallowing areas, and we help her apply mud to her skin, keeping it moisturized and protected from the sun and bugs.

Our team holds regular training and drills to prepare us if Princess needs assistance standing up.

A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist diagnosed Princess with small cataracts, leading to decreased depth perception and night vision.

Health checks

George and Princess voluntarily participate in their health monitoring and veterinary treatments thanks to a long, trusting relationship with their care team. Animal training at Hogle Zoo is on the animals’ terms. They choose to interact, build trust with the trainers, and become active participants in their veterinary care.

Training behaviors like opening a mouth, allowing us to touch different parts of their bodies, or voluntarily allowing us to draw blood helps us assess health and respond quickly to any needs. By tracking blood and urine samples, we monitor George and Princess’ kidney values, as kidney disease is common in geriatric rhinos.

The rhinos enjoy eating part of their breakfast in an area where keepers can examine them closely. In the morning, we also do laser therapy, treat pressure sores, and administer medicines.

Are you wondering where we draw blood from a rhino? We draw blood from small veins on the top of their ears!

About southern white rhinos

Rhino conservation

At the start of the 20th century, more than 500,000 rhinos shared the planet with us. Today, roughly 26,000 rhinos remain. Four of the five rhinos are threatened with extinction; three are critically endangered and could become extinct within our lifetime. Rhinos are threatened by wildlife poaching, habitat destruction, and human conflict.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo partners with the International Rhino Foundation to encourage anti-poaching efforts, protect rhinos, and support communities. Just by visiting Hogle Zoo, part of your ticket goes towards conservation efforts around the globe.

Animal wellbeing

Saving animals in the wild starts with the wellbeing of the animals under our care. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, committing ourselves to the highest animal care standards. Every day, a dedicated team of zoo experts, including veterinarians, keepers, and operations, works together to help George and Princess experience positive wellbeing during their golden years. While we don’t know how much time we have with them, we will ensure they are happy and comfortable for as long as possible.

Learn more about animal wellbeing

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Welcome William

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:47:45 +0000

Welcome William

Meet the newest resident in Asian Highlands,
Chinese red panda William.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is excited to welcome one-year-old Chinese red panda, William, to Asian Highlands!

About William

William came to Hogle Zoo from Lincoln Children’s Zoo based on Hogle Zoo’s recent transition to Chinese red panda care, which also allows him future breeding opportunities. At just one-year-old, William is a cautiously curious Chinese red panda, eager to explore new surroundings and enrichment opportunities. William’s care team describes him as a smart panda who enjoys training and learning new behaviors, and especially loves snack time with fruit or bamboo.

About Chinese red pandas

Chinese red pandas are well-equipped for life in Utah – they tend to live in colder climates and have larger bodies and longer fur to help keep them warm. With their reddish fur, striped tails, and darker facial markings, these pandas are similar to Himalayan red pandas and face the same threats: habitat loss, degradation, and poaching. In the past two decades, it’s estimated that the overall population of red pandas has declined by 40 percent.

Transition in care

William’s arrival comes after former Himalayan red panda, MowMow, departed Hogle Zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Native to the mountainous forests of China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, red pandas belong to their own family, Ailuridae. They are divided into two species: Ailurus fulgens fulgens (Himalayan red pandas, like MowMow) and Ailurus fulgens styani (Chinese red pandas, like William). Through our partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) and several recommendations, we have transferred our care from Himalayan red pandas to Chinese red pandas.

MowMow's Move

MowMow recently made his move to The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, to contribute to the conservation of his endangered species. The move was recommended by the Red Panda SSP, which coordinates breeding and transfers to help maintain a genetically diverse, biologically healthy population

To get ready for his transport, MowMow had been practicing early wake-up times and training sessions, which helped him participate in voluntary crating. Thanks to his cooperation and trust in our teams, the move went smoothly, and MowMow is settling in nicely in Virginia.

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, which is closed to the public, plays a leading role in global efforts to protect wildlife species from extinction and train future conservationists. While we will miss MowMow, we’re proud to support the Red Panda SSP in growing red panda populations.

Thank you to our amazing team members for their dedication and care for MowMow, who worked tirelessly to support his move. Their passion and hard work continues to shine through the transition of care to Chinese red pandas. We are so excited to welcome William to the Hogle Zoo family! You can visit William now in Asian Highlands.

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Pallas’ Cat Petenka

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:12:00 +0000

Pallas' Cat Petenka

Utah’s Hogle Zoo grieves the passing of male Pallas’ cat Petenka.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is bidding a heartfelt goodbye to male Pallas’ cat, Petenka, who passed away on September 8, 2024. Petenka was recently placed under close veterinary care, receiving daily treatment for periodic seizures. Though responding well to treatment, animal care and health teams observed a recent increase in seizure activity. He passed away at the age of 13, surrounded by his dedicated care team. Petenka was the second oldest Pallas’ cat in human care, surpassing the average 11-year lifespan in their natural habitat.

Petenka, affectionately nicknamed “Potato” by his care team, had been a cherished resident of Hogle Zoo since his arrival in 2015. Brought to Hogle Zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation alongside a female Pallas’ cat, Hal, the pair made a significant contribution to the Pallas’ cat species survival program with ten kittens together.

Petenka was known for his hops of excitement and his love of lounging in dens within his habitat – so much so that he didn’t mind occasionally getting snowed in. His ultimate grumpy cat face will be adoringly remembered by zoo staff, volunteers, and guests.

“Petenka taught us patience in winter and that sometimes you don't need to move too fast. Although we have said goodbye to this spicy cat, his legacy lives on through his kittens, keepers, and you. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Petenka’s life and has helped navigate his last few months with us.”

-Asian Highlands keeper team

We understand the difficulty of processing recent passings at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Our entire zoo team is mourning alongside our community and will deeply miss Petenka.

About Pallas’ cats

Pallas’ cats, the oldest living cat species with fossil records dating back 10 million years, originate from the grasslands of Mongolia and the Tibetan Plateau. Known for being an elusive species, they are well adapted to cold, arid climates, thriving in stony highlands and alpine deserts at elevations up to 13,000 feet. With the thickest and densest fur of any cat, they can withstand temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pallas’ cat conservation

Pallas’ cats are hunted for their pelts in parts of their natural range. Currently, one of the biggest threats to their survival is the poisoning of their main food source, pika. These small rabbit-like animals are considered pests and competitors with livestock grazing. Pallas’ cats are losing their prey sources and consuming poisoned prey, leading to a sharp decline in populations.

Animal wellbeing

Providing excellent animal wellbeing through animal health is an essential priority for Hogle Zoo. Every day, our experts—veterinarians, educators, keepers, technicians, and other specialists—work hand in hand to ensure resident animals are given every opportunity to thrive.

Learn more

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Gray Fox Juniper

Utah's Hogle Zoo — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:21:14 +0000

Training with Juniper

Hogle Zoo’s care and training program for gray fox born with congenital hydrocephalus

Meet Willow and Juniper

Gray foxes Willow and Juniper are beloved residents of Wild Utah, Hogle Zoo’s newest 3-acre expansion that opened in May 2024. Willow, the more outgoing and energetic of the two, can often be found climbing trees and running around their habitat. Juniper, the smaller of the two foxes, tends to be a bit shyer, remaining cautiously curious about the world around her.

Estimated to be around two years old, the pair were found abandoned as young kits in New Mexico and were taken in by a wildlife rehabilitation center. During their short stay, Juniper was observed to have some visual impairments. It was determined that the foxes wouldn’t be able to survive on their own in their natural habitat and were rescued to Hogle Zoo in 2023.

Junie’s Journey

Nicknamed “Junie” by her care teams, Juniper was born with a condition called congenital hydrocephalus, which causes a buildup of fluid around her brain. Due to this condition, she has lost most of her eyesight and requires high levels of care from her animal care team, veterinarians, and Hogle Zoo’s health partners.

In January 2023, Dr. Jaycie Riesberg, an ophthalmologist from MedVet, completed a comprehensive eye exam on Juniper to help us determine the cause of her visual impairments. The exam helped us understand that Juniper’s visual impairments didn’t derive from her eyes and led us to believe it was from her brain.

On March 9, 2023, Hogle Zoo’s animal care and health teams transported Juniper to the Utah MR Research Center at the University of Utah where an MRI of Juniper’s brain was conducted. The MRI showed a buildup of fluid around her brain, leading to the diagnosis of congenital hydrocephaly.

“The staff at Utah MR Research Center (UMRC) was happy to share their expertise with the community by providing MRI services and care for Juniper, the gray fox.”

-UMRC

This diagnosis also helped us interpret that Juniper’s vision loss was due to fluid buildup, which created pressure on the optic area.

Ongoing Training and Care

Our animal health and care teams work hard to keep Juniper healthy, giving her regular anti-inflammatory medicines and closely monitoring her appetite, weight, and watching for any neurological signs. Juniper stays active and curious despite the challenges, enjoying enrichment activities and training.

Our dedicated team at the zoo has adapted their training program to better support Juniper. Unlike usual training methods that rely on visual cues, Juniper’s training focuses on auditory signals, like a buoy filled with rice. The buoy, attached to a long stick, is gently shaken until Juniper responds to the sound.

Usually, the goal is to have animals touch a target with their nose. Instead, Juniper is encouraged to move in the direction of the sound. Doing so allows keepers to position her for important care activities, such as visual health checks, medication delivery, and training for behaviors like crating and stationing. Like all animals at the zoo, Juniper can always choose whether to participate in training. When she does, she’s always rewarded with her favorite foods.

Training Juniper requires immense patience and dedication, and we are fortunate to have a team of keepers who are deeply committed to enhancing her quality of life.

Juniper, who identifies her team through voice and scent, has developed a trusting relationship with her keepers. Their sensitivity and dedication made her transition to Wild Utah a thoughtful and carefully planned process. Thanks to their efforts, Juniper and Willow have settled in well at Wild Utah, where you can often find them playing together or snuggled up for a nap when they’re not training with their keepers.

"Working with Juniper is incredibly rewarding! We love creating training solutions to accommodate her vision loss and helping her develop new skills. Juniper is a sweet, smart, determined fox, and it's heartwarming to watch her thrive as she gains confidence."

-Animal care team

About Gray Foxes

Known as the “tree fox” or “cat fox,” gray foxes are unique among canids for their ability to climb trees. With rotating wrists and semi-retractable claws, they can scale trunks to escape predators, hunt tree-dwelling animals, or ambush prey from above.

Animal Wellbeing

Providing excellent animal wellbeing through animal health is a key priority for Hogle Zoo. Protecting animals in the wild starts with the wellbeing of the animals under our care. Juniper is just one example of the individualized care we give each resident animal at the zoo.

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

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Wellbeing Archives - Utah's Hogle Zoo

Red Panda Kiaria

Red Panda Kiaria

Utah’s Hogle Zoo mourns the passing of female Chinese red panda

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Remembering Juniper

Remembering Juniper

Utah’s Hogle Zoo grieves the passing of female gray fox Juniper

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Hoof Care

Providing head-to-hoof care

Hogle Zoo’s animal care team earns certification to provide expert hoof care.

Training for Top-Tier Hoof Care

Meet the Trim Team:

Hoof Care in Action

Swifty the warthog

Mikhail, the Mongolian wild horse

Supporting Every Stride

Animal Wellbeing

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Diego’s Care

Deep Dive on Diego's Care

How Utah’s Hogle Zoo and its health partners came together in a milestone for zoo medicine.

Rut season

Collaboration of care

Diagnosing Diego

Road to recovery

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Southern white rhino George

Southern white rhino George

Utah's Hogle Zoo mourns the passing of longtime zoo resident.

Image Gallery

About southern white rhinos

Rhino conservation

Animal Wellbeing

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Polar bear mating and denning

Polar bear seasons: breeding and denning at Hogle Zoo

Polar bear breeding season

Bulking season

Delayed implantation

Polar bear denning season

What comes next?

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Geriatric Giants

Geriatric Giants

Caring for sibling southern white rhinos.

Remembering George

Where is Princess?

Geriatric giant

Providing whole-life care

Health checks

About southern white rhinos

Rhino conservation

Animal wellbeing

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Welcome William

Welcome William

Meet the newest resident in Asian Highlands, Chinese red panda William.

About William

About Chinese red pandas

Transition in care

MowMow's Move

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Pallas’ Cat Petenka

Pallas' Cat Petenka

Utah’s Hogle Zoo grieves the passing of male Pallas’ cat Petenka.

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Gray Fox Juniper

Training with Juniper

Hogle Zoo’s care and training program for gray fox born with congenital hydrocephalus

Meet Willow and Juniper

Junie’s Journey

Ongoing Training and Care

About Gray Foxes

Animal Wellbeing

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

Hogle Zoo’s animal care team earns certification
to provide expert hoof care.

Meet the newest resident in Asian Highlands,
Chinese red panda William.