Hogle Zoo Animal Highlight Days

There’s always more to do, more to zoo at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Our Animal Highlight Days are species-focused celebration days that give you extra chances to learn about your favorite animals, discover how Hogle Zoo is supporting a world where people and wildlife thrive, and how you can become a champion for wildlife.

World Desert Day | January 10

World Desert Day at Utah's Hogle Zoo

World Desert Day at Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Saturday, January 10, 2026

11:00 AM Camel training and desert adaptations – High Desert Oasis
12:30 PM Explore desert critters – Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center kitchen, Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah
1:00 PM Desert reptile chat – Small Animal Building
1:30 PM Desert tortoise chat – Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center, Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah
2:00 PM Sand cat chat – Small Animal Building

Established in 2024 by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, World Desert Day aims to raise awareness, inspire action, and foster appreciation for the world’s desert ecosystems and the communities, plants, and wildlife that depend on them.

Deserts in Utah

Although people generally think of deserts as hot places, some desert ecosystems have colder climates. The two desert types differ not only in temperature but also in precipitation, vegetation, and wildlife. In Utah, the Great Basin Desert, which covers roughly the western half of the state, is cold, while the Mojave Desert, in the state’s far southwestern corner, is hot. Despite their differences, both desert ecosystems are fragile and home to unique species that have adapted to survive in these extreme environments.

Did you know: Utah is home to diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and about 80% of the state is desert.

Desert wildlife in Utah

World Desert Day reminds us that deserts are not barren landscapes, but thriving ecosystems full of resilient animals. Because desert wildlife is vulnerable to extreme temperatures, many desert mammals and reptiles are crepuscular (active only during twilight – e.g., dusk and/or dawn) or nocturnal (active only during the night). This allows them to conserve the water and energy that they receive from the little food available in these harsh environments. Some desert animals, such as the Mojave Desert tortoise and the Gila monster, avoid the harsh conditions by burrowing underground, where temperatures are considerably cooler.

Did you know: The secretive Gila monster is Utah’s official state reptile and one of only two venomous lizards in North America. Gila monsters’ bold and colorful patterns are a warning sign to predators that they are venomous. See and learn about Gila monsters in our Small Animal Building.

Conservation Need

Both the Mojave Desert tortoise and the Gila monster are classified as Utah Species of Greatest Conservation Need. They occur in the state’s southwestern corner, where they face several threats, including drought, wildfires, habitat loss, and human activity. In this region, development is rapidly encroaching on their fragile desert habitats.

“Primary threats to the Mojave Desert tortoise include habitat degradation, loss of habitat, extreme drought, wildfires, predation, disease, and human-related mortality. Tortoises have declined roughly 50% since the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources began long-term monitoring in 1998. We are working with our agency partners to actively manage tortoise populations and help recover tortoise populations in southwest Utah.” – Ann McLuckie: wildlife biologist, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Did you know: Desert tortoises can store up to 40% of their body weight in water in their bladders, to be absorbed as needed. They get most of the water they need from the food they eat. See and learn about Mojave Desert tortoises in the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat.

Conservation Action: How to Help Deserts and Desert Wildlife

Visit Hogle Zoo: Every ticket and membership to Hogle Zoo supports our conservation initiatives in Utah and around the globe through our conservation partners.

Eat Like a Giraffe: Eating at least one plant-based meal a week reduces your overall environmental impact.

Manage Your Mess: When visiting Utah’s deserts and other natural places, leave no trace by packing out everything you bring in.

Respect Wildlife: When visiting Utah’s deserts and other natural places, never tread on or pick plants, move rocks, or feed or disturb wildlife. Use binoculars to observe wildlife from a distance. Learn more about recreating safely at WildAwareUtah.org⭧

Minimize Your Footprint: At home and in your community, use xeriscaping (low-water landscaping) and smart irrigation in your own yard. Plant and grow native desert-friendly plants to support local pollinators and wildlife.

Zebra Day | January 31