Utah's Hogle Zoo

Well, this is a first ?????? Through years of careful planning, dedication, and collaboration, our teams began introducing resident Amur tigers Sasha (5) and Nikolai (14) for the first time for breeding season earlier this year. The pair came to Utah’s Hogle Zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population of endangered Amur tigers. Introductions began with ‘howdys’–meeting through mesh barriers–before sharing space in their outdoor habitat. Introducing any pair of animals requires thoughtful planning and preparation, but this is especially true for apex predators like Amur tigers. Tigers often have spats during introductions as they learn to share space, using behaviors like swatting or roaring to set boundaries–all of which our animal care team closely monitors. While aggression can lead to injuries or even fatalities, our teams are fully prepared with tools like CO2 canisters, air horns, and other deterrents to ensure safety. So far, Sasha and Nik show encouraging signs–vocalizing to one another, resting near each other, and demonstrating positive behaviors that indicates comfort in shared space. Taking this first step is a significant milestone for both the tigers and our team—one that required months of planning, hard work, and dedication. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gXRpna3x

We are so excited to welcome 7-year-old Chinese red panda Kiaria to Utah’s Hogle Zoo! Kiaria comes to Utah from the Toledo Zoo in Ohio on a Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation with male red panda, William. Kiaria is described by her care team as curious, relaxed, and go-with-the-flow. As a known biscuit burglar, she enjoys snacking on fruit, bamboo, and biscuits when she’s not exploring her new habitat or curled up for a nap. She will soon share habitat space with 1-year-old William, who came to Hogle Zoo in fall of 2024. The two have already participated in “howdy” introductions—meeting through mesh barriers—and have swapped habitats behind the scenes to get familiar with each other’s scent. Read more about Kiaria at: https://lnkd.in/gtr8Xwsv #utahshoglezoo #hoglezoo #redpanda #redpandas #pandas #animals #utah #slc #thingstodoinslc #thingstodoinutah #zoo

Providing top-notch care means looking after animals from head to hoof—literally! Hoof health plays a large role in the wellbeing of many animals at Hogle Zoo, from towering giraffes to hearty warthogs. Five team members recently completed The Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program (ZHTP), an intensive course on hoof maintenance and preventative care. With this certification, they can provide routine trims and treatments tailored to each animal. From zebras to markhor, our trim team maintains 120 hooves across 30 animals at the zoo–helping them stay comfortable and healthy. Thanks to our amazing team members who work hard to ensure healthy hooves ?? Read more about Hogle Zoo's hoof care at: https://lnkd.in/gWw8kuc7

????We’re head over hooves for this announcement! 6-year-old giraffe Stephanie gave birth to a male calf on February 7, 2025, at 8:45pm. Weighing in at 169 pounds and already standing 6’2”, the calf is doing well, showing positive signs like walking, nursing, and following mom. In preparation for the birth, our team created a soft-landing area to support the calf’s natural six-foot drop into the world. The birth took place in the African Savanna barn, where Animal Care staff monitored through security cameras and the natural process occurred as hoped without intervention. The calf is described by his care team as strong, brave, curious and gregarious—often exploring new spaces before his mother and eagerly approaching keepers for his first health checkup, where he was weighed and had a blood draw. Stephanie and her calf will not be visible to guests until spring, as they’re being given time to bond and adjust in a quiet, comfortable environment. The giraffe herd stays indoors during cooler months when temperatures are below 50 degrees, enjoying the African Savanna barn. This is Stephanie’s second calf, following Reyna, born in 2022. Now a more experienced mother, she is confidently caring for her newborn—grooming, nursing, and keeping a watchful eye as he explores his surroundings. This is Ja’s first calf after transferring from Memphis Zoo in 2022! Read more about the calf at: https://lnkd.in/gaFNBd75 #utahshoglezoo #hoglezoo #giraffecalf #baby #babygiraffe #newarrival #zoo #utah

Thank you to our fantastic team for spending time at the Utah State Capitol to celebrate how Utah's Hogle Zoo enriches our community!?????