Our top reasons to visit
Utah's Hogle Zoo this spring
More to do. More to zoo.
Spring has sprung in Salt Lake City! Breathe the fresh air and experience Hogle Zoo during the spring season. As the flowers bloom and trees sprout leaves, the season calls for time outside with your loved ones, especially during Spring Break. This year, Hogle Zoo has brand new experiences (step out of the ordinary and into ZooLuminate) and returning experiences (did someone say the train is open?). The zoo has everything you need for a good time outside, so here are the top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this spring.
Conservation in action: Gorillas on the Line
Are you spring cleaning and have a drawer with old phones and small electronics? Bring your old devices to the zoo’s front ticket window for free recycling and help protect critically endangered gorillas. We will recycle these items through our partner Eco-Cell.
What do gorillas and cell phones have in common? Coltan, a mineral, is a critical part of cell phones and small electronics mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where gorillas live. Recycling old devices reduces the demand for coltan, leading to less gorilla habitat destruction and displacement.
Proceeds from donated devices at Hogle Zoo support our conservation partner, Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE). Recycle your old phones and electronics at Guest Services during regular zoo hours, 9 AM to 6 PM. More details about our green practices→
Visit the baby animals
Addo, the baby gorilla
Baby gorilla, Addo, and the gorilla troop can now be seen in their outdoor habitat when the weather is nice. Addo is making great progress and is becoming more comfortable with his environment. Under the watchful eye of mom Pele, Addo has been seen climbing and swinging. See Addo playing →
Pavlova and Bhutan, the snow leopard cubs
Snow leopard cubs Pavlova and Bhutan, along with their mom Babs, moved to the south habitat in Asian Highlands late last year. Since then, they’ve become acclimated to their new space and enjoy playing with various enrichment. Be sure to visit them on your next zoo visit! See the cubs playing→
Hogle Zoo's Spring Events
Select nights March 28 - May 26
Embark on a breathtaking outdoor adventure at ZooLuminate: Where the wild things glow, Hogle Zoo’s new after-hours event. ZooLuminate features 80 larger-than-life light sculptures, connecting you to the beauty of the natural world. This glowing outdoor adventure runs select nights from March 28 to May 26, from 6:30 – 10 PM.
Party for the Planet - Saturday, April 19
Party for the Planet is North America’s largest combined Earth Day celebration. More than 100 Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited organizations nationwide celebrate with special events.
Become a champion for wildlife by participating in family friendly games, recycling projects, and crafts alongside local organizations committed to making a difference. Ensure a future where people and wildlife thrive together by learning how to protect animals and wild habitats across the globe and right in your backyard. More details→
During Party for the Planet, we’re partnering with Utah Recycling Alliance for a CHaRM pop-up event in the zoo’s north parking lot. Drop off your hard-to-recycle items like batteries, electronics, plastic bags, and scrap metal. See accepted items→
Mother's Day - Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Hogle Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11. Mothers and mother figures will receive one free daytime admission with purchase of one full-priced adult or child ticket. Available only at the ticket window. More details→
Armed Forces Day - Saturday, May 17
Join Hogle Zoo for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 17. Active duty, veterans, retired military personnel, military-benefitted family members, families of fallen soldiers, and immediate family will receive free general admission. Tickets are only available at the zoo ticket window with a valid military ID. More details→
Wild Aware Utah Day - Saturday, May 17
Calling fans of Utah’s great outdoors! Learn how to recognize and protect Utah’s habitats, native species, and natural predators. Enjoy crafts, activities, and keeper chats celebrating Utah’s native species at the new Wild Utah exhibit! More details→
Attractions & Programs
The Eccles Express Train
The Eccles Express will return to normal operations this April, depending on the weather. The Eccles Express is an all-electric locomotive that transports guests around the African Savanna and the Wild Utah exhibits. April showers may cause the train to shut down temporarily when the tracks become wet, so call or visit the Guest Services office for up-to-date ride operations.
Canine Champions for Conservation dog show
Summer programming resumes this May, starting with the return of the Canine Champions for Conservation dog show on May 1. These stellar canines are ready to educate guests about how dogs help conservation efforts in the wild with natural behaviors like smelling, tracking, and identifying. The dog show will perform Thursdays-Saturdays until Memorial Day, then will perform every day until Labor Day (except Tuesdays). Showtimes are at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM in the Wildlife Theater.
Paint Nights (18+)
Are you a budding artist? Join Hogle Zoo’s education team for an artistic night where you will learn to paint your favorite animals. No experience is necessary to join the class. Our experienced team will guide you step-by-step through each painting. You will also meet one of the zoo’s ambassador animals to serve as artistic inspiration for your piece. All materials will be provided. Register today→
Tours & encounters
Looking for VIP treatment at your next zoo visit? Book an exclusive zoo tour or experience with your family and friends and get the most out of your zoo visit. You can even book multiple tours per visit, and our team will create an entire itinerary for you. See available tours→
Take in the Spring Colors
Emigration Canyon will start to blossom soon. And inside the zoo, our amazing grounds team has been hard at work planting flowers for the upcoming season, especially in Wild Utah, our newest exhibit that opened last spring! Our favorite way to take in all the colors? Grab a bite from The Beastro or pack a picnic and then settle into one of the outdoor seating tables to experience the spring beauty surrounding the zoo.
Follow Hogle Zoo on Instagram, @Hogle Zoo, to see the daily schedule in the stories. Plus, you’ll learn about your favorite animals and be the first to know about upcoming news and events.
Utah's Hogle Zoo
