TAKE A SPIN WITH A CLASSIC TWIST, THE NEW CONSERVATION CAROUSEL AT HOGLE ZOO!

There was a time in our history when more than 10,000 carousels graced communities across the United States. In their heyday, these beautiful rides were constructed for children of all ages to enjoy, generation after generation.
 

(Salt Lake City, UT) – After years in the making, the new Conservation Carousel and Oasis Plaza at Hogle Zoo are finally opening! Be a part of Hogle Zoo history for the Conservation Carousel opening ceremonies Saturday June 7, 2008 at 9:00 am (gates open at 8:30 that morning only). As a special bonus on that morning, the very talented birds from Hogle Zoo's Meadow Gold World of Flight bird show pull the ceremonial opening day ribbon! Activities that day include stilt walkers and jugglers, up-close animal presentations, and free cotton candy to the first 100 kids through the gate.
 

With its timeless appeal and classic design Hogle Zoo’s new Conservation Carousel is destined to be one of the Zoo’s most beloved attractions, and promises to become an instant icon for Utah families for many years to come. This unique attraction features 42 exotic and endangered animals, each beautifully hand carved in the style of an authentic carousel created in the early 1900s. Created for Hogle Zoo by Carousel Works Inc. of Mansfield Ohio, each hand painted carousel animal took artisans 30- to 40- hours from start to completion. Truly a majestic sight, the Conservation Carousel is a generation-linking spot for families, as well as a way to enrich guests’ understanding of Hogle Zoo’s role in addressing global threats to the natural world.
 

Each year, the Hogle Zoo supports conservation projects to carry out the mission of education, conservation and recreation. As a help to these conservation efforts both locally and around the world, a portion of the proceeds from the Conservation Carousel will be used. Additionally, the new Elephant Encounter solar panel installation made possible in part by a partnership with Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program will continue Hogle Zoo green efforts by potentially producing the equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power the Conservation Carousel. This solar energy system is grid-tied and net-metered, benefiting not only the environment, but also local communities.
 

Adjacent to the current Wildlife Theatre and Elephant Encounter, the new Oasis Plaza area is the premier spot for guests to be together with their families. Not only is this a large and relaxing open space, Hogle Zoo Executive Director Craig Dinsmore adds, “The Oasis Plaza will be a ‘Fun Zone’ with lots of activity to enhance guests’ visits, as well as great places to just sit and enjoy the day.”
 

For more information about Hogle Zoo’s new Conservation Carousel and Oasis Plaza, contact Community Relations Coordinator Holly Braithwaite at (801) 584-1729 or email.
 

About the Association of Zoos & Aquariums:

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is one of only 216 accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).  Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.