Utah's Hogle Zoo

Utah's Hogle Zoo We are Utah's only AZA accredited Zoo. Our mission is to create champions for wildlife.

06/02/2026

Spotted: Caspian and Emilio in Asian Highlands 🐆🧡

Following three veterinary exams and time behind the scenes to bond with mom Zeya and their care team, the Amur leopard brothers have begun exploring their outdoor habitat in Asian Highlands. Keep an eye out for Caspian's white front paw spot; it’s the easiest way to tell the brothers apart!
As they settle in, the cubs can explore both their outdoor habitat and indoor spaces. You may notice the family moving between these areas throughout the day. As an experienced, attentive mom, Zeya is letting them explore while still reigning them in when needed!
Zeya and dad Dmitri are part of the The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Amur leopard Species Survival Plan, a collaborative program focused on maintaining a healthy, sustainable population of this critically endangered species. With as few as 130 mature Amur leopards remaining in their natural habitat, every cub plays an important role in protecting the future of these rare big cats.

🐾 Stay tuned for cubdates!

05/30/2026

Happy 2nd birthday, Addo! 🦍

From playful wrestling matches with best buddy Georgia to keeping a close eye on dad, Husani (mostly to see if there’s food involved), Addo continues to grow into a curious, smart, and silly gorilla.

He’s becoming more independent every day, picking up new behaviors quickly, and building quite the list of favorite snacks, especially carrots and fruit. Yams, however? Still not impressed.

Whether he’s checking in on keepers, sneaking snacks, or spending the day playing, Addo keeps everyone on their toes, and we can’t believe how big he’s getting already. 💚

05/29/2026

Staring contest! 👀

Fair warning: Hal takes this very seriously.

Big update from Asian Highlands! 🐆During the cubs’ most recent veterinary exam, our team confirmed that both Amur leopar...
05/28/2026

Big update from Asian Highlands! 🐆

During the cubs’ most recent veterinary exam, our team confirmed that both Amur leopard cubs are males. The growing brothers have also officially been named: Caspian and Emilio!

Their names were selected by generous zoo donors, and we’re grateful for their support in helping make these little personalities even more special.

Emilio’s name, chosen by the Needham family, was inspired by their daughter Willa’s favorite actor, Emilio Estevez from The Breakfast Club. It also serves as a fun nod to their daughter, Emily.

Named by Erin Pinson, Caspian is named after the Caspian Sea. The name also means “white,” making it especially fitting for this little guy, who has an adorable white spot on his front paw, just like his mom, Zeya.

🐾 The family remains behind the scenes, where they’ve been safely and comfortably adapting to their new environment. Guests may see the cubs this summer – stay tuned for CUBdates!

05/27/2026

Happy World Otter Day 🦦

May your snacks be crunchy and your joy a little otter-the-top.

We are heartbroken to share the loss of California sea lion Kenney (4), who passed away on May 15, 2026.On May 10, Kenne...
05/26/2026

We are heartbroken to share the loss of California sea lion Kenney (4), who passed away on May 15, 2026.

On May 10, Kenney’s care team noticed he was suddenly lethargic, had lost his appetite, and was experiencing GI issues. Within a few days, his condition became severe very quickly, and we placed him under advanced veterinary care.

Committed to improving Kenney’s condition and ensuring his continued comfort, our expert care team consulted specialists, collected diagnostic samples, and performed blood work and imaging to learn more about the cause of his acute illness and guide his treatment plan. Despite quick and rigorous medical intervention over multiple days, Kenney developed acute liver failure and passed away a few days later.

Hogle Zoo conducted a full-body CT scan and necropsy to understand more and continue to work closely with health partners to advance pinniped diagnostic knowledge. At this time, the other Rocky Shores residents Maverick, Banana, Mira, and Nika are not experiencing similar symptoms but are still being monitored.

Earlier this spring, Kenney joined Hogle Zoo from Shedd Aquarium on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Loved for his curious and playful personality, Kenney enjoyed interacting and playing with enrichment.

Kenney’s passing is deeply felt by the Hogle Zoo and Shedd Aquarium teams, and we understand it’s difficult news for our community to process alongside us.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we mourn.

Read more: https://www.hoglezoo.org/sea-lion-kenney/

🦒 Big steps for a growing giraffe! Based on a recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival...
05/14/2026

🦒 Big steps for a growing giraffe! Based on a recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP), one-year-old male giraffe Nguvu recently moved to the Detroit Zoo in Michigan.

Nguvu (pronounced n-GOO-voo) was born at Hogle Zoo on Feb. 7, 2025, where he quickly stole hearts with his fluffy ossicones and perfectly fitting name, which means “strength” in Swahili. Nguvu’s team describes him as confident and calm, a demeanor that has given him a knack for training and exploring new enrichment.

Nguvu’s care team spent dedicated time behind the scenes preparing him for his move. From training sessions (hey voluntary participation in hoof care!) to routine health checkups, these preparations helped ensure a smooth, calm journey to his new zoo.

This marks an exciting next step for Nguvu. While we will miss his presence on the savanna, we know his move supports a genetically diverse and biologically healthy population of giraffes under human care. We’re head over hooves to see what’s next for Nguvu!

🧡 Leave your well-wishes for Nguvu in the comments, and be sure to visit the rest of the tower–Ja, Minka, Hal, Stephanie, Reyna, and Bakari–in African Savanna.

05/13/2026

One round belly and unlimited hair volume 🧡

05/11/2026

Ready for a roaring good time? 🦁🍻 Consider this your official sign to make some Thursday plans!

ZooBrew returns Thursday, May 21, kicking off a new season of adults-only evenings at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Local brews, bites, live music, and wildlife all come together for the *mane* event of the week!

Explore the zoo after hours and enjoy experiences like giraffe feeds, train and carousel rides, wildlife trivia, and shopping one-of-a-kind art made by our resident animals.

Whether you sip, stroll, or snack, every ZooBrew supports wildlife and wild places. 🐾

🎟️ ZooBrew is a 21+ event
🌅 Thursday, May 21
🔗 https://www.hoglezoo.org/upcoming-events/may-zoobrew/

A Mountain America Credit Union : Hogle Zoo members save $3 on ZooBrew tickets!

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05/09/2026

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Address

2600 E Sunnyside Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT
84108

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+18015841700

Website

https://linktr.ee/hoglezoo

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