Experiences Archives - Utah's Hogle Zoo Create Champions for Wildlife Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:12:51 +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 Experiences Archives - Utah's Hogle Zoo 32 32 Spring at Hogle Zoo https://www.hoglezoo.org/spring-at-hogle-zoo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spring-at-hogle-zoo Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:34:46 +0000 https://hoglezoodev.wpengine.com/?p=8379 Our top reasons to visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo this spring More to do. More to zoo. Spring has sprung in Salt Lake City! Breathe the fresh air and experience Hogle […]

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Our top reasons to visit
Utah's Hogle Zoo this spring

More to do. More to zoo.

Spring has sprung in Salt Lake City! Breathe the fresh air and experience Hogle Zoo during the spring season. As the flowers bloom and trees sprout leaves, the season calls for time outside with your loved ones, especially during Spring Break. This year, Hogle Zoo has brand new experiences (step out of the ordinary and into ZooLuminate) and returning experiences (did someone say the train is open?). The zoo has everything you need for a good time outside, so here are the top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this spring.

Conservation in action: Gorillas on the Line

Are you spring cleaning and have a drawer with old phones and small electronics? Bring your old devices to the zoo’s front ticket window for free recycling and help protect critically endangered gorillas. We will recycle these items through our partner Eco-Cell. 

What do gorillas and cell phones have in common? Coltan, a mineral, is a critical part of cell phones and small electronics mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where gorillas live. Recycling old devices reduces the demand for coltan, leading to less gorilla habitat destruction and displacement.  

Proceeds from donated devices at Hogle Zoo support our conservation partner, Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE). Recycle your old phones and electronics at Guest Services during regular zoo hours, 9 AM to 6 PM. More details about our green practices→ 

Visit the baby animals

Colobus monkey baby with mom Violet at Utah's Hogle Zoo
Baby colobus monkey

Visit the new male colobus monkey in Primate Forest! Born on March 30, 2025 to mom Violet (11) and dad Sefu (17), mom and baby are doing well. He’s staying tucked in Violet’s arms as he nurses and begins to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of his new environment. Colobus monkeys are born with all-white fur and develop their iconic black-and-white coloring as they grow—a transformation guests may spot over the coming months. See the baby → 

Nguvu, the giraffe calf

Visit Nguvu (pronounced n-GOO-voo), meaning “strength” in Swahili—at the African Savanna. Born to mom Stephanie (6) and dad Ja (4) on February 7, the newest addition to the giraffe herd is ready to make his public debut.  

After facing complications with nursing in late February, requiring our team’s intervention, Nguvu showed his strength and rebounded, reaching the necessary milestones needed to be visible on the savanna. Look for him on your next zoo visit! See Nguvu on the savanna →  

Giraffe calf at Hogle Zoo
Baby gorilla Addo at Utah's Hogle Zoo
Addo, the baby gorilla

Baby gorilla, Addo, and the gorilla troop can now be seen in their outdoor habitat when the weather is nice. Addo is making great progress and is becoming more comfortable with his environment. Under the watchful eye of mom Pele, Addo has been seen climbing and swinging. See Addo playing → 

Pavlova and Bhutan, the snow leopard cubs

Snow leopard cubs Pavlova and Bhutan, along with their mom Babs, moved to the south habitat in Asian Highlands late last year. Since then, they’ve become acclimated to their new space and enjoy playing with various enrichment. Be sure to visit them on your next zoo visit! See the cubs playing→

Snow Leopard Bhutan

Hogle Zoo's Spring Events

Select nights March 28 - May 26

Embark on a breathtaking outdoor adventure at ZooLuminate: Where the wild things glow, Hogle Zoo’s new after-hours event. ZooLuminate features 80 larger-than-life light sculptures, connecting you to the beauty of the natural world. This glowing outdoor adventure runs select nights from March 28 to May 26, from 6:30 – 10 PM.  

More details
Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
Zooluminate displays glow brighter as the night goes on. Watch as the sun goes down with dinner at The Beastro, then visit some resident animals before they go to bed. Once it’s dark, explore ZooLuminate’s glowing light sculptures under the stars.
Party for the Planet - Saturday, April 19

Party for the Planet is North America’s largest combined Earth Day celebration. More than 100 Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited organizations nationwide celebrate with special events. 

Become a champion for wildlife by participating in family friendly games, recycling projects, and crafts alongside local organizations committed to making a difference. Ensure a future where people and wildlife thrive together by learning how to protect animals and wild habitats across the globe and right in your backyard. More details→

Monarch photo opportunity

During Party for the Planet, we’re partnering with Utah Recycling Alliance for a CHaRM pop-up event in the zoo’s north parking lot. Drop off your hard-to-recycle items like electronics, plastic bags, and scrap metal. See accepted items→ 

Guests riding the train
Mother's Day - Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Hogle Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11. Mothers and mother figures will receive one free daytime admission with purchase of one full-priced adult or child ticket. Available only at the ticket window. More details→

Armed Forces Day - Saturday, May 17

Join Hogle Zoo for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 17. Active duty, veterans, retired military personnel, military-benefitted family members, families of fallen soldiers, and immediate family will receive free general admission. Tickets are only available at the zoo ticket window with a valid military ID. More details→ 

Bald eagle at Utah's Hogle Zoo
wild aware utah logo
Wild Aware Utah Day - Saturday, May 17

Calling fans of Utah’s great outdoors! Learn how to recognize and protect Utah’s habitats, native species, and natural predators. Enjoy crafts, activities, and keeper chats celebrating Utah’s native species at the new Wild Utah exhibit! More details→ 

Attractions & Programs

Eccles Express 4
The Eccles Express Train

The Eccles Express will return to normal operations this April, depending on the weather. The Eccles Express is an all-electric locomotive that transports guests around the African Savanna and the Wild Utah exhibits. April showers may cause the train to shut down temporarily when the tracks become wet, so call or visit the Guest Services office for up-to-date ride operations.

Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
Are you a zoo member? Purchase the member-exclusive Wild Ride Punch Pass at any ticket window and get 10 rides on the train OR carousel for $25.
Canine Champions for Conservation dog show

Summer programming resumes this May, starting with the return of the Canine Champions for Conservation dog show on May 1. These stellar canines are ready to educate guests about how dogs help conservation efforts in the wild with natural behaviors like smelling, tracking, and identifying. The dog show will perform Thursdays-Saturdays until Memorial Day, then will perform every day until Labor Day (except Tuesdays). Showtimes are at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM in the Wildlife Theater. 

Dog Show
Paint Night
Paint Nights (18+)

Are you a budding artist? Join Hogle Zoo’s education team for an artistic night where you will learn to paint your favorite animals. No experience is necessary to join the class. Our experienced team will guide you step-by-step through each painting. You will also meet one of the zoo’s ambassador animals to serve as artistic inspiration for your piece. All materials will be provided. Register today→  

Tours & encounters

Looking for VIP treatment at your next zoo visit? Book an exclusive zoo tour or experience with your family and friends and get the most out of your zoo visit. You can even book multiple tours per visit, and our team will create an entire itinerary for you. See available tours→

Cart Tour

Take in the Spring Colors

Emigration Canyon will start to blossom soon. And inside the zoo, our amazing grounds team has been hard at work planting flowers for the upcoming season, especially in Wild Utah, our newest exhibit that opened last spring! Our favorite way to take in all the colors? Grab a bite from The Beastro or pack a picnic and then settle into one of the outdoor seating tables to experience the spring beauty surrounding the zoo.

Spring flowers
Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
You can bring outside food, drink, and coolers into the zoo. Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted. Outdoor seating and tables can be found throughout the zoo, but we recommend the ones in Wild Utah or Creekside for the best views. Please note outside food and drink are not allowed inside The Beastro.

Follow Hogle Zoo on Instagram, @Hogle Zoo, to see the daily schedule in the stories. Plus, you’ll learn about your favorite animals and be the first to know about upcoming news and events.

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]]> Holiday Gift Guide https://www.hoglezoo.org/holiday-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=holiday-gift-guide Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:10:12 +0000 https://hoglezoodev.wpengine.com/?p=7857 Hogle Zoo Holiday Gift Guide This holiday season, experience the joy of giving back with memorable gifts and experiences from Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Gift a year of adventure with a […]

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Hogle Zoo Holiday Gift Guide

This holiday season, experience the joy of giving back with memorable gifts and experiences from Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Gift a year of adventure with a zoo membership. Gift the perfect date night with zoo tickets. Or, elevate someone’s zoo visit with a tour or encounter tailored to them. For the people on your list who have everything, consider donating to Hogle Zoo on their behalf. Your tax-deductible donation helps us care for resident animals and protect wildlife worldwide through conservation initiatives. We’re here to help you find the purr-fect gifts this year.

Gifts for your loved ones

Lion with family
Gift Zoo Memberships

Give a year of adventure, exploration, and wonder with a zoo membership. Zoo members enjoy unlimited zoo admission and exclusive benefits while playing a crucial role in the care and wellbeing of over 150 animal species. Plus, zoo members support our local and global conservation initiatives. A zoo membership truly keeps on giving!

Buy now
Gift Zoo Tickets

Are you looking for a stocking stuffer, date night, or family outing? Purchase daytime admission tickets to the zoo and treat your loved ones a day filled with discovery.

Buy now
Tidewater cove
Cart Tour
Gift Tours & Encounters

Make someone’s zoo visit extra special by gifting them a tour or animal encounter. Meet the giraffes, learn how we care for the resident animals, and go behind the scenes while supporting animal care and wildlife conservation. Here’s some of our favorite experiences:

More experiences
The Wild Zootique Gift Shop

Located near the zoo’s main entrance, the Wild Zootique is the perfect place to buy gifts for the animal lovers on your list. Here you can find adorable plush animals, books for all ages, apparel, unique collectibles, and toys.

If you’re interested in visiting the Wild Zootique gift shop without purchasing a zoo ticket, simply check in at Guest Services to get a temporary gift shop pass.

More details
Gift Shop

Gifts for the zoo

By supporting Hogle Zoo’s resident animals and conservation projects this holiday season, you’re not just giving a gift-you’re making a difference.

Kawan, Bornean orangutan at Utah's Hogle Zoo
Amazon Wishlist

Hogle Zoo is recognized worldwide for excellence in enrichment and training. You can contribute to this program by gifting enrichment items to the resident animals! Enrichment items stimulate natural behaviors, resulting in healthier, happier animals. To receive a receipt for your donation, please include your name and address in the gift note.

General zoo wishlist
Donate to support the zoo

As a non-profit organization, your tax-deductible donation to Hogle Zoo helps care for over 150 species of animals, 65 of which are threatened or endangered, and preserve wildlife worldwide through our conservation initiatives.

Donate now
Wild horse with keeper

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]]> Fall at Hogle Zoo https://www.hoglezoo.org/fall-at-hogle-zoo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fall-at-hogle-zoo Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:41:58 +0000 https://hoglezoodev.wpengine.com/?p=7643 Our top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this fall Explore fall events and things to do! There is nothing like fall in Salt Lake City! The season’s changing calls for […]

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Our top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this fall

Explore fall events and things to do!

There is nothing like fall in Salt Lake City! The season’s changing calls for time outside, cozy sweaters, and toasty drinks. From your favorite fall events (BooLights, we’re looking at you!) and resident animals to crunchy leaves underfoot, Utah’s Hogle Zoo has everything you need to enjoy fall’s cooler temperatures and beauty. Here are our top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this fall. 

Animals & Cooler Weather

Like humans, animals react differently to weather and seasonal changes. In the fall, animals may be more active as temperatures cool. We recommend spending extra time visiting the Asian Highlands and Wild Utah animals since many, like the large cats, have special adaptations to thrive in colder weather. Some animals, like the western lowland gorillas and Bornean orangutans, will be in their indoor habitats, giving you the chance for an up-close view — including a peek at the troop’s newest addition, baby gorilla Addo.

Visit the snow leopard cubs

Snow in September! Guests can now visit the zoo’s two resident snow leopard cubs, Pavlova (female) and Bhutan (male), in their outdoor habitat in Asian Highlands.  The now 4-month-old cubs have begun exploring their outdoor habitat for the first time. Animal care teams at the zoo spent time assessing their area and making necessary modifications so the cubs can safely explore and navigate the space. As they get acclimated to their new habitat, they will have access to indoor spaces and may choose to be inside. For the best times to see them, check our social media or ask a team member during your visit. 

Hogle Zoo’s Fall Events 

BooLights – Select nights in October

Hogle Zoo has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a not-so-scary Halloween event. At BooLights, you’ll step into a bewitching world of pumpkins and glowing displays. As the animals go to bed, the zoo will transform into a spooktacular destination of Halloween lights, entertainment, and attractions for ghouls of all ages. Add to the Halloween fun and wear your favorite costume! More details… 

BrewLights – Wednesday, October 23

What do you get when you combine BooLights with Zoo Brew? BrewLights! Guests who are 21+ can celebrate the spooky season at this adults-only Halloween Zoo Brew event. This year, you can be the haunt of the town by purchasing the exclusive BrewLights VIP ticket package with access to the VIP area and private bar sponsored by Strong Auto Group. More details…

Dress to impress and wear your favorite Halloween costume! For the safety of resident animals and zoo guests, Hogle Zoo reserves the right to deny entry to anyone whose costume is deemed a risk or threat by zoo staff, including costumes deemed inappropriate, crude, revealing, graphic, or that contain a complete face covering or weapons (or weapon resemblance). 

Veteran’s Day – Monday, November 11 

Join us for Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 11, for our last military appreciation event of 2024. Active duty, veterans, retired military personnel, military-benefitted family members, families of fallen soldiers, and immediate family will receive free general admission. Tickets are only available at the zoo ticket window with a valid military ID. More details…

Feast with the Beast – Thursday, November 28

Waiting for the turkey? Pass the time at Hogle Zoo’s annual Feast with the Beast event. Watch resident animals stomp, roll, and chomp pumpkins and Thanksgiving-themed enrichment items. More details… 

Hogle Zoo will be open from 10 AM-2 PM on Thanksgiving Day.   

Enrichment is a way we support resident animals’ natural behaviors. Enrichment helps the animals under our care tap into curiosity and build confidence in themselves and their relationship with animal keepers. Enrichment can come in many forms, like smells, things to look at, tastes, ways to use their hands/mouth/body, and sounds.

Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah Expansion 

Cross the Stillman bridge to experience the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah expansion. Wild Utah is a beautiful area where you will discover how to live and recreate safely with wildlife and wild places, discovering the natural wonder in our backyards. 

Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
More than 80% of Utah's bird species depend on streamside habitats during their lifetimes. One of our favorite activities in Wild Utah is the bird seek-and-find game found on the boardwalk. Build your bird-spotting skills and find six bird cutouts hidden beyond the railing!

Attractions & Programs

See the African Savanna and Wild Utah on the Eccles Express before the train closes for the winter!

Check out the daily schedule board in Entry Plaza to see times and locations for programs like the seal and sea lion training, activities in the Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center, and keeper chats. 

Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
Follow Hogle Zoo on Instagram, @Hogle Zoo, to see the daily schedule in the stories. Plus, you'll learn about your favorite animals and be the first to know about zoo updates.

Take in the Fall Colors

Fall in Salt Lake is beautiful! Enjoy the crisp air and see the fall colors while visiting the zoo. Our favorite way to take in all the colors? Stop by the Beastro for a bite to eat (or pack a picnic!) and then settle into one of the tables in Wild Utah or Creekside to experience the fall beauty surrounding the zoo. 

Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
After the zoo, head to Emigration Canyon for a scenic drive to see vibrant colors in the maple, oak, and aspen trees.
More to do. More to zoo this fall.

Tours & encounters: Elevate your zoo visit and spend time with your favorite animals. More details…

Jordan River clean-up events: Our Jordan River conservation and restoration events are the perfect way to spend time outside and give back to the community. Sign up…

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