High Desert Oasis Archives - Utah's Hogle Zoo Create Champions for Wildlife Fri, 21 Mar 2025 22:16:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.hoglezoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-UHZ-logo-green-icon-32x32.png High Desert Oasis Archives - Utah's Hogle Zoo 32 32 Hoof Care https://www.hoglezoo.org/hoof-care/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hoof-care Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:59:30 +0000 https://hoglezoodev.wpengine.com/?p=8342 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 […]

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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. 

Zebra hoof at Hogle Zoo
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. 

Keepers caring for warthog hoof at Hogle Zoo
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.

Health procedure on Mongolian wild horse at Hogle Zoo
Keeper caring for Mongolian wild horse at Hogle Zoo
Screenshot
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
Keepers trimming markhor hoof at Hogle Zoo
Keeper observing a giraffe hoof at Hogle Zoo
Keepers trimming zebra hoof at Hogle Zoo
Keepers observing warthog at Hogle Zoo
Keepers trimming giraffe hoot at Hogle Zoo

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.

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

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]]> Southern white rhino George https://www.hoglezoo.org/southern-white-rhino-george/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=southern-white-rhino-george Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:50:30 +0000 https://hoglezoodev.wpengine.com/?p=7953 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 […]

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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
George with volunteer and guests
George with valentine enrichment
George training with keeper
George at High Desert Oasis
Rhino
Rhino
Rhinos George & Princess
Rhino George
George and Princess
George eating hay
George eating
George with Joey Fatone and keepers
George with plush enrichment
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 –>

Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

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]]> Geriatric Giants https://www.hoglezoo.org/geriatric-rhino-care/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=geriatric-rhino-care Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:33:19 +0000 https://hoglezoodev.wpengine.com/?p=7323 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, […]

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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
George with valentine enrichment
Read more from George's care team

Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been home to half-sibling southern white rhinos George (male) since 1977 and Princess (female) in 1980. At 48 and 45 years old, George and Princess are some of the longest residents at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. They are considered geriatric members of their species and are nearly the oldest southern white rhinos at any Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) zoo. Our team works with AZA zoos across the rhinoceros species advisory group to learn the latest advances in geriatric veterinary care. 

Rhino Princess
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. 

Rhino Princess
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 

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, 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
Follow us @HogleZoo for more Zoo Stories

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