Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City (must see)

Hogle Zoo, nestled at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City stands as one of the state's top attractions. Spanning 42 acres, this nonprofit zoo provides a scenic, tree-lined environment for over 800 animals representing 250 species. With habitats like the African Savanna, Rocky Shores, Primate Forest, Great Apes, and Asian Highlands, visitors encounter a diverse array of animals, from African elephants and lions to polar bears and grizzly bears. The zoo also hosts the charming Lighthouse Point splash zone, the Zoofari Express train, and a delightful carousel.

Founded in 1931 on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. James A. Hogle, the zoo has a storied history, including its beginnings in Liberty Park and milestones like acquiring Utah’s first elephant, Princess Alice, in 1916. Today, Hogle Zoo is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), ensuring that its animal care, conservation efforts, and visitor experiences meet top standards. Through the Species Survival Plan, the zoo contributes to conserving genetic diversity among threatened species, while its Species Survival Plan focuses on breeding for endangered animals.

One of the zoo's most historical exhibits, the Small Animal Building, completed in 1971, showcases a range of small mammals, reptiles, and birds across biomes like the Tropics, Temperate, Desert, and Rainforest zones. Though the building has remained largely unchanged and functional, plans for its renovation are in the works, promising an updated experience aligned with Hogle Zoo’s mission of wildlife conservation and education.