Welcome to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, a 42-acre wonderland located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. From majestic lions to playful primates, this zoo is home to a variety of creatures from diverse ecosystems around the world. Hogle Zoo has been at its present location since 1931 and is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Here, you can learn about the zoo’s history, explore its exhibits, observe its animals, and understand its conservation efforts.
A Brief History
In 1916, Hogle Zoo purchased Princess Alice, an elephant, from a traveling circus. She was the first elephant to be born in Utah, and her offspring, Prince Utah, died at 11 months old. The zoo relocated to its present location at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in 1931, made possible by a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. James A. Hogle. Today, the zoo is supported through tax dollars and private donations raised by the Utah Zoological Society.
Unique Exhibits
Hogle Zoo is home to many unique and interactive exhibits. The A. LaMar Farnsworth Primate Forest was opened to the public in 1997 and offers lush, naturalistic landscapes for various species of primates. The Great Ape Building houses western lowland gorillas and orangutans and also offers interactive programs for visitors to learn about the animals and their habitats.
Top Things to Do
When you visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo, you won’t want to miss these top attractions:
- Take a walk through Primate Forest and observe the black howler monkeys, eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys, black-handed and brown-headed spider monkeys
- Visit the Great Ape Building to learn about the western lowland gorillas and Bornean orangutans
- Participate in interactive programs such as the behind-the-scenes tour, animal encounters, and zookeeper talks
- Experience the zoo’s world-renowned conservation efforts
Nearby Attractions
When you’re done exploring Utah’s Hogle Zoo, there are plenty of nearby attractions to take advantage of. You can explore the nearby Emigration Canyon, which is full of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and historical sites. You can also take a trip to Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s neighbor, Tracy Aviary, where you can observe more than 200 species of birds in their natural habitats.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss a visit to Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Here, you can explore the zoo’s unique exhibits, observe its animals, and get involved in its conservation efforts. You can also take advantage of nearby attractions such as Emigration Canyon and Tracy Aviary. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of Utah’s Hogle Zoo.
Natural History Museum of Utah