According to Dr. Nancy Carpenter, Hogle Zoo Associate Director--Animal Health, "Completion of the new L.S. Skaggs Animal Health Center is the next step into the future of animal health care at Utah's Hogle Zoo. This 7,200 square foot facility will enable the veterinary staff to treat critically ill patients, house larger and more dangerous animals than in the previous hospital and to provide advanced diagnostics during routine physical exams." She continues, "Along with the Behavioral Management Program (enrichment and training) which is part of the veterinary department, the animal health care staff is equipped to provide a more holistic approach to the life care of our animals; mentally and physically." Dr. Carpenter and the rest of the Hogle Zoo veterinary staff are excited by this opportunity, and look forward to the possibilities this hospital brings.

 

In addition to providing outstanding animal care, the Animal Health Center continues Hogle Zoo's commitment to conservation. As such, the L.S. Skaggs Animal Health Center is on track for LEED Gold certification. The ways this new building reaches LEED standards include energy recovery mechanical units, low voltage lights with occupancy sensors and water efficient plumbing fixtures. Photovoltaic (solar) panels cover the roof to provide on-site renewable energy. Daylighting in the animal areas, provided through skylights and windows with low-e coatings, will reduce the need for artificial lighting and, according to veterinary staff, natural light can speed healing and reduce stress in animals. Planting outside the building will consist entirely of drought tolerant, native species which will eliminate the need for irrigation.  

 

Hogle Zoo's previous animal hospital was constructed in 1980 with an addition built in 1984, but the facility remained cramped both for both zoo staff and animals. Not only was the hospital small, but the concrete block building proved to be poorly insulated, and the two small windows in the office areas left most of the building without natural light. The Zoo made a commitment to improve the quality of the hospital, not only for zoo animals and staff, but also for the public by creating a much more visually-appealing building visible from Sunnyside Avenue. Additionally, construction of the L.S. Skaggs Animal Health Center was designed to use part of the old animal hospital for cost reduction while also recycling building materials, thus allowing 83% of construction waste to be diverted from landfills.  

 

Visit Hogle Zoo online at www.hoglezoo.org or for more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Holly Braithwaite by email at hbraithwaite@hoglezoo.org or call (801) 584-1729.  

 

About the Association of Zoos & Aquariums: Utah's Hogle Zoo is one of only 221 institutions 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.  

 

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