Our top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this fall
Explore fall events and things to do!
There is nothing like fall in Salt Lake City! The season’s changing calls for time outside, cozy sweaters, and toasty drinks. From your favorite fall events (BooLights, we’re looking at you!) and resident animals to crunchy leaves underfoot, Utah’s Hogle Zoo has everything you need to enjoy fall’s cooler temperatures and beauty. Here are our top reasons to visit Hogle Zoo this fall.
Animals & Cooler Weather
Like humans, animals react differently to weather and seasonal changes. In the fall, animals may be more active as temperatures cool. We recommend spending extra time visiting the Asian Highlands and Wild Utah animals since many, like the large cats, have special adaptations to thrive in colder weather. Some animals, like the western lowland gorillas and Bornean orangutans, will be in their indoor habitats, giving you the chance for an up-close view — including a peek at the troop’s newest addition, baby gorilla Addo.
Visit the snow leopard cubs
Snow in September! Guests can now visit the zoo’s two resident snow leopard cubs, Pavlova (female) and Bhutan (male), in their outdoor habitat in Asian Highlands. The now 4-month-old cubs have begun exploring their outdoor habitat for the first time. Animal care teams at the zoo spent time assessing their area and making necessary modifications so the cubs can safely explore and navigate the space. As they get acclimated to their new habitat, they will have access to indoor spaces and may choose to be inside. For the best times to see them, check our social media or ask a team member during your visit.
Hogle Zoo’s Fall Events
BooLights – Select nights in October
Hogle Zoo has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a not-so-scary Halloween event. At BooLights, you’ll step into a bewitching world of pumpkins and glowing displays. As the animals go to bed, the zoo will transform into a spooktacular destination of Halloween lights, entertainment, and attractions for ghouls of all ages. Add to the Halloween fun and wear your favorite costume! More details…
BrewLights – Wednesday, October 23
What do you get when you combine BooLights with Zoo Brew? BrewLights! Guests who are 21+ can celebrate the spooky season at this adults-only Halloween Zoo Brew event. This year, you can be the haunt of the town by purchasing the exclusive BrewLights VIP ticket package with access to the VIP area and private bar sponsored by Strong Auto Group. More details…
Dress to impress and wear your favorite Halloween costume! For the safety of resident animals and zoo guests, Hogle Zoo reserves the right to deny entry to anyone whose costume is deemed a risk or threat by zoo staff, including costumes deemed inappropriate, crude, revealing, graphic, or that contain a complete face covering or weapons (or weapon resemblance).
Veteran’s Day – Monday, November 11
Join us for Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 11, for our last military appreciation event of 2024. 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…
Feast with the Beast – Thursday, November 28
Waiting for the turkey? Pass the time at Hogle Zoo’s annual Feast with the Beast event. Watch resident animals stomp, roll, and chomp pumpkins and Thanksgiving-themed enrichment items. More details…
Hogle Zoo will be open from 10 AM-2 PM on Thanksgiving Day.
Enrichment is a way we support resident animals’ natural behaviors. Enrichment helps the animals under our care tap into curiosity and build confidence in themselves and their relationship with animal keepers. Enrichment can come in many forms, like smells, things to look at, tastes, ways to use their hands/mouth/body, and sounds.
Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah Expansion
Cross the Stillman bridge to experience the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah expansion. Wild Utah is a beautiful area where you will discover how to live and recreate safely with wildlife and wild places, discovering the natural wonder in our backyards.
Attractions & Programs
See the African Savanna and Wild Utah on the Eccles Express before the train closes for the winter!
Check out the daily schedule board in Entry Plaza to see times and locations for programs like the seal and sea lion training, activities in the Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center, and keeper chats.
Take in the Fall Colors
Fall in Salt Lake is beautiful! Enjoy the crisp air and see the fall colors while visiting the 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.
More to do. More to zoo this fall.
Tours & encounters: Elevate your zoo visit and spend time with your favorite animals. More details…
Jordan River clean-up events: Our Jordan River conservation and restoration events are the perfect way to spend time outside and give back to the community. Sign up…
Utah's Hogle Zoo
