October 1, 2026

Hogle Zoo’s Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah Habitat Receives Association of Zoos and Aquariums Significant Achievement Exhibit Award

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is celebrating a Significant Achievement Exhibit Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for its Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat. The Association announced this year’s winners at the AZA Honors and Awards Lunch, held on September 30, 2026, at AZA’s Annual Conference in Portland, Ore., which recognized the achievements of AZA-accredited facilities, from conservation efforts and facility design to volunteer engagement and more.

The three-acre habitat opened in May 2024 and showcases an innovative approach to interpretive design and storytelling about Utah’s native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Designed to echo Utah’s great outdoors, Wild Utah is home to 25 native plant species and 30 native animal species, including cougars, desert bighorn sheep, burros, gray foxes, skunks, western toads, burrowing owls, and desert tortoises.

Created to foster empathy and understanding of Utah wildlife, Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah serves as a conservation stewardship hub and an immersive living laboratory. Through behind-the-scenes access and collaborative programs such as the Western Toad Conservation Program, the habitat connects animal wellbeing, community science, and conservation, while spotlighting the important stories unfolding in Utah’s backyard.

“The Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat showcases innovative wildlife conservation made possible by our talented team and strong community support. We’re deeply appreciative of the AZA’s recognition of an exhibit that protects native species, engages our community, and celebrates the powerful stories found right here at home,” shares Liz Larsen, Interim President and CEO.

AZA also recognized the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat for its modern zoological practices and innovative interpretive approach during Hogle Zoo’s 2025 accreditation, when the zoo received a perfect inspection.

Explore the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat:

The Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center features an interactive animal care kitchen and ambassador animals that are part of Hogle Zoo’s informal science education enhancement (iSEE) second-grade outreach program.
A bee mural by renowned artist and bee advocate Matt Willey spans the Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center. Willey founded The Good of the Hive and has committed to painting 50,000 honeybees—the number necessary for a healthy, thriving hive—in murals worldwide. Hogle Zoo is Willey’s first mural in Utah.
In the bio-secure Utah Amphibian Conservation Room, guests will see our Western Toad Conservation Project up close and learn how they can participate in community science with Hogle Zoo.
The Joseph M. Simmons Foundation Nature Play Area & Interpretive Campsite provides a unique opportunity to expand awareness of the natural world, sharing ways to be Wild Aware and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
In the Maker Space, guests can join hands-on conservation activities, including building pollinator seed packets to take home.
Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Hogle Zoo upgraded the Eccles Express train to a zero-emissions electric locomotive. With support from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program, the zoo installed solar panels on the train shed in Wild Utah to charge the Eccles Express at night and generate renewable energy.

“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of the AZA community. From advocacy to research to education, our members are advancing the field through innovative programs and meaningful collaboration with local communities, researchers, policymakers, conservation partners and one another. Their achievements not only strengthen our profession but also advance our shared mission of saving species and inspiring people to care for the natural world," said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA. "Congratulations to the team at Utah's Hogle Zoo for their hard work and dedication in achieving this remarkable recognition. The work being done at Hogle Zoo further strengthens the impact of our entire community and is something Salt Lake City can be proud of.”

What is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)?

Founded in 1924, AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 255 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries.

Look for the AZA accreditation 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 guests, and a better future for all living things. To learn more, visit aza.org.