Utah's Hogle Zoo

Come see the wild side of Salt Lake City! Utah's Hogle Zoo is one only 10% of zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With new exhibits like the Asian Highlands and the Elephant Encounter, preschoolers are sure to get excited about learning. The Hogle Zoo offers many wonderful educational programs and seasonal events for your preschooler to enjoy throughout the year. Special events include, Breakfast with the Bunny, Breakfast with the Beasts, Boo! at the Zoo, and Zoo lights during the holiday season. View the Events Calendar for current information.

Special Exhibits at Utah's Hogle Zoo

Asian Highlands gives preschoolers the chance to see some of the world's most endangered cats up close. Special windows into the cat exhibit allow preschoolers to have a great view of these magnificent animals in a way that they have never seen them before. All of the animals that live in Asian Highlands are from parts of Asia that have similar climates to Salt Lake City so the animals can be seen year round. These cats remain very active in the cold winter months, making it a wonderful time to visit the zoo. Walking into the Asian Highlands exhibit is like walking into a tiny Mongolian village. Stop by Grandma's House to see what a typical home would be like where the animals come from and learn about the customs and culture of Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, and rural China.

Elephant Encounter is the new home of the African Elephants that live at Utah's Hogle Zoo. Preschoolers will love the enormous 9-foot elephant statue that stands at the entrance to the exhibit and sneezes on unsuspecting guests. The exhibit allows the elephant handlers to safety feed the animals and demonstrate the training they do with the animals that helps them to perform basic veterinary care.

The White Alligator is a highly endangered animal with only 10 remaining in the world. May 5, 2007, Utah's Hogle Zoo is going to become home to one of these special animals. Don't miss your chance to see the white alligator in person. It will be at the Hogle Zoo until late October 2007.

Preschoolers at Utah's Hogle Zoo

Restrooms - Preschoolers will love the preschool-sized potties and sinks in the Asian Highlands restrooms. Bathrooms are located conveniently throughout the park and are easily accessible to preschoolers.

Walking Distance - Parking is close to the entrance to the zoo. The overall distance that you walk while visiting the zoo is not difficult for preschoolers but there are quite a few steep hills that may tire preschoolers out. Stroller rentals are available for $6 for a single stroller or $8 for a double stroller if your preschooler needs a break from walking. You cannot take the stroller into the inside exhibits but stroller or wagon parking is available outside of each exhibit. Wagons may also be a good choice to carry preschoolers and their stuff.

Food and Snacks - Food at the Hogle Zoo is reasonably priced. My son ate a hot dog for $2. If you want to bring a lunch or a snack there are plenty of tables or grassy areas to have a picnic. You may want to bring your own cup for your preschooler. In an effort to prevent trash from making it's way into the animal exhibits, vendors do not have lids or straws for drinks. They do sell souvenir cups with a pop up lid that are easy for preschoolers to drink from. Water fountains are available throughout the park.

Preschool Birthday Parties at Utah's Hogle Zoo

For a birthday party your preschooler will always remember, Utah's Hogle Zoo offers "A Hogle Zoo Birthday"! Birthday parties include zoo admission for 12 guests ages 3 and older (2 and under are free), Zoofari Express train ride, individually decorated cupcakes, individual ice cream cups, fruit punch, animal theme decorations and dinnerware, special craft activity for each child, birthday hat for the birthday child, and a special Adventure Pack as a take home gift for each child. Admission for the parents of the birthday child is free. Call Suze Anderson at 585-1792 or Holly Tollman at 584-1791 to make a reservation.

Other packages include a small animal presentation or zoo bucks. A "Zoo It Yourself" birthday package is available for purchase at guest services the day of your party for $13 per person and includes zoo admission, zoo bucks, Zoofari Express train ride, and a special Adventure Pack take home gift.

Preschool Education Programs

2 day preschool education programs are offered through the summer months.

Information and hands-on features at each exhibit help to teach preschoolers about conservation efforts and endangered animals.

Zoofari Express Train at Utah's Hogle Zoo

The Zoofari Express train circles the Zoo Playground, duck pond, and several animal exhibits. Tickets can be purchased for only $1 per person. Children one and younger ride free.

Discovery Land Playground

Preschoolers will love to run around and play at the Discovery Land Playground after a long day at the zoo. They can walk across an alligator's back, climb inside a turtle shell or a giant egg, and go inside the Knoll and Burrow Cave and become part of the exhibit by putting their heads into the plastic bubbles that are inside the animal exhibits.

General Information about Utah's Hogle Zoo

Website: http://www.hoglezoo.org

2600 East Sunnyside Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
(801) 582-1631

Hours
Open Year Round (closed Christmas and New Years Day)
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  March-October
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. November-February
Zoo grounds remain open approximately one and a half hours after gate closes.

Admission Fees
Adults - $8
Seniors (65+) - $6
Children (3-12) - $6
Children under 2 - FREE

Purchase a Zoo Membership and receive free admission to the Zoo for a year.