Utah's Hogle Zoo

From a donated plot to today's zoo

The zoo is named for the couple who donated the land for an animal habitat in Salt Lake City in 1931, the year it opened. It is run as a nonprofit and has grown into a 42-acre site with tree-lined paths and natural hillside terrain.

The zoo sits at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, the place where the Mormon pioneers first reached Utah. Visitors who are interested in that history can visit This Is the Place Heritage Park, which is across the street.

An honorary bridge stands on the grounds. The Stillman Bridge is a basic truss bridge that memorializes the original bridge, which was destroyed. Its plank details and monument sign are a quiet stop on the walk.

Exhibits by region

The African Savanna has giraffes, zebras, ostriches and African lions. The Elephant Encounter recreates an African plain, with African elephants and white rhinos.

Asian Highlands is home to Amur tigers, leopards, Siberian lynx, snow leopards and red pandas. Rocky Shores has underwater viewing of polar bears, sea lions, seals and otters.

The Great Ape building holds orangutans and western lowland gorillas. The Primate Forest and the Small Animal Building add more species to the walk. Exhibits with animals native to the American West include wolves and bison.

The Wild Utah exhibit covers about three acres on the east side of the zoo. It opened in May 2024 and focuses on native Utah wildlife, with up-close encounters and behind-the-scenes access to animal care.

Rides, shows and feeding

The Zoofari Express train runs through the African Savanna. The Conservation Carousel is another ride for younger children.

The World of Flight Bird Show puts eagles, parrots and owls in front of you at close range. The Wildlife Theatre has live animal shows every day.

Feeding giraffes costs extra, as do the morning care and feeding routine for the Small Animal Building and some behind-the-scenes tours. A private giraffe barn tour has been offered, and the zoo also runs group events and field trips.

In summer, a playground and a splash pad at Lighthouse Point are open.

Seasons and evening events

Zoo Lights runs nightly from late November through the end of December. Some animals are more active after dark, and the heated underwater viewing area at Rocky Shores is open during the lights.

Zoo Brew and members-only nights also take place. Animals tend to be active around dawn and dusk, so these evenings can suit people who want to see them move.

Winter brings fewer crowds, and warm summer days bring misting stations along the paths. The outdoor enclosures are busiest when the weather warms up, and new zoo babies often appear then.

Planning your visit

The zoo has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot and seating. Changing tables, a nursing room and a gender-neutral restroom are on site.

Both a free parking lot and a paid parking lot are available. Free street parking and paid street parking are also nearby.

Guest services has held bags for visitors who had time to fill before leaving town. Membership discounts are listed, and one visitor saved on admission through the AZA reciprocal program.

Cash-only and card payment options are both listed, and mobile payments are accepted, so bring a card as well as cash to be safe.