Fall at Hogle Zoo
Your guide to seasonal events and can't-miss experiences
Autumn brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and plenty of reasons to visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo. From baby primates and glowing pumpkins to seasonal appreciation days, fall is the perfect time to plan your next zoo day.
Swing by Hogle Zoo to see the babies
Meet Weila
Weila, a female Bornean orangutan born on June 21, 2025, is thriving under the care of her foster mom, Acara. After being hand-reared by the zoo’s animal care team, Weila was successfully introduced to Acara, who previously fostered her younger brother in 2014.
The pair are bonding well, with Acara confidently responding to Weila’s needs while supporting her bottle feedings and daily growth. Guests may now spot them in the Great Apes lobby or outdoor habitat; look closely, as Weila’s hair blends into Acara’s. Their favorite resting spots include high shelves and hammocks. Their relationship marks a major milestone in Weila’s journey, helping her learn essential orangutan behaviors through natural social bonding.
See Basil
Basil, born on March 30, 2025, is growing up quickly and changing right before our eyes. Once snowy white, his infant fur has now darkened into the striking black-and-white pattern typical of adult black-and-white colobus monkeys. With his new look has come a boost in confidence and energy. Basil is now one of the most active members of the troop, often seen leaping across branches, swinging from ropes, and exploring every corner of the Primate Forest habitat. His playful antics make him a guest favorite and a valuable part of the social dynamic within his group.
Visit Addo
Born May 30, 2024, Addo is a western lowland gorilla who’s quickly becoming a guest favorite. Still small enough to be carried by mom, Pele, he’s starting to explore his surroundings more each day. Guests may catch glimpses of Addo climbing low branches, mimicking the older gorillas, or sticking close to mom while practicing his balance. His growing confidence is a joy to watch, and his development offers a unique opportunity to witness the early stages of gorilla life.
To see more of your favorite animals make sure to follow us @HogleZoo
Free admission for educators October 1–19
To say thank you to the incredible educators in our community, Hogle Zoo is offering free daytime admission and free BooLights entry to educators from October 1–19, 2025. Simply present a valid school or district ID at the ticket window. Plus, educators can receive 50% off general admission and BooLights tickets for up to two guests.
BooLights: A Halloween transformation
Select evenings in October | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
When the sun sets, Hogle Zoo lights up with glowing pumpkins, haunted pathways, and dazzling displays. BooLights is a beloved after-hours Halloween tradition that transforms Hogle Zoo into a not-so-spooky destination for all ages.
Experience Dr. Frankenstein Lab show, take a stroll past towering skeletons and twinkling lights, explore the interactive Witch’s House in Oasis Plaza, and enjoy festive photo ops along the way.
Most animal habitats are closed at night so animals can rest, but the fun is just getting started.
Members can save $3 on BooLights and BrewLights tickets. Explore memberships⭧
Fantastic Fall Events
Lions, Steins and Roaring Good Times – Fundraiser (21+)
Tuesday, October 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
As you enjoy a beautiful autumn evening at the zoo, you’ll be making a significant impact on the Niassa Carnivore Project in northern Mozambique, which has been facing challenges due to operating in a combat zone. Lions, Steins & Roaring Good Times kicks off with African-inspired delights, crisp fall drinks, and unforgettable up-close wildlife encounters.
ZooBrew: BrewLights (21+)
Friday, October 15 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Enjoy an adults-only evening of lights, laughter, and libations at BrewLights—a special edition of BooLights designed just for guests 21 and older. Sip seasonal brews and cocktails as you wander through glowing pumpkins, haunted pathways, and dazzling Halloween displays.
This festive night includes access to the full BooLights experience, plus themed bites available for purchase and exclusive after-hours vibes. Whether you come in costume or casual attire, BrewLights is the perfect way to celebrate spooky season with friends.
BrewLights VIP package: $94.95
Elevate your BrewLights experience with the VIP package that includes admission to BrewLights, two drinks, and access to the BrewLights VIP area with appetizers and a private bar.
Utah Wildlife Summit
Saturday, October 18 | 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Join us for the Utah Wildlife Summit, where we’ll celebrate Utah’s greatest wildlife recovery stories and show how you can be part of writing the next chapter.
Every visit to Hogle Zoo supports the zoo’s wildlife conservation initiatives, including a program to restore healthy western toad populations through population monitoring, conservation breeding, and reintroduction. By attending the Utah Wildlife Summit, you can show your support for conserving not only western toads, but also the 256 at-risk species featured in the 2025-2035 Utah Wildlife Action Plan.
This event is included with regular zoo admission or free with a membership.
Neurodiversity Night
Saturday, October 23 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Hogle Zoo invites guests of all ages and abilities to experience BooLights in a more sensory-friendly way during Neurodiversity Night.
This special evening is designed to create a welcoming, supportive environment for individuals with autism and other sensory processing differences, while still delivering the Halloween magic of BooLights.
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 25 | 9 AM – 3 PM
While supplies last
Bring your buckets and wear your costumes! Boo at the Zoo is a daytime Halloween celebration featuring treat stations throughout the zoo. Kids can trick-or-treat while visiting their favorite animals and learn about wildlife along the way.
Treat stations are open while supplies last. This event is included with regular zoo admission or free with a membership.
Monarch Migration
Saturday, November 1 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Take flight with us as we celebrate the incredible journey of monarch butterflies. Explore hands-on activities, craft your own butterfly to send on a symbolic migration to California, and discover how to support local pollinators right at home.
Feast with the beast
Thursday, November 27 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Waiting for the turkey? Pass the time at Hogle Zoo Thanksgiving morning and experience the annual Feast with the Beast event. Watch animals from lions to polar bears stomp, roll, and chomp pumpkins and themed items.
Hogle Zoo will be open from 10 AM-2 PM on Thanksgiving Day to allow staff members to spend time with their families.
Wild Wednesday
Wednesday, November 26
Gather your herd for Wild Wednesdays this coming winter season at Hogle Zoo! General admission tickets are $6 online or $8 in person on the last Wednesday of the month from November 2025 to February 2026. Guests 2 and under are always free at Hogle Zoo. Wild Wednesdays are made possible through your support of the Zoo, Arts, and Parks program!
Take in Salt Lake’s Fall Colors
Fall in Salt Lake is beautiful! Enjoy the crisp air and see the fall colors while visiting Hogle Zoo. Our favorite way to take in all the colors? Stop by the Beastro for a bite to eat (or pack a picnic!) and then settle into one of the tables in Wild Utah or Creekside to experience the fall beauty surrounding the zoo.
Hogle Zoo Pro Tip:
After the zoo, head to Emigration Canyon for a scenic drive to see vibrant colors in the maple, oak, and aspen trees.
Utah's Hogle Zoo
