It's always a wild time at Utah's Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, but even more so with the opening of the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah exhibit. Spanning three acres on the east side of the zoo, the brand-new, $22 million exhibit debuted in May 2024, and I've heard it's already proving to be a huge hit among locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters, interactive conservation opportunities, and behind-the-scenes access to animal care, fostering a deeper connection between the public and native Utah wildlife. This new attraction in Utah is a great activity for families and definitely belongs on your Beehive State bucket list.

Some of the animals you'll see in the exhibit include bighorn sheep, burrowing owls, desert tortoises, North American porcupines, and more. There's also a new building, the Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center, where you can learn about the diets of all the different animals (and even help prepare their meals!). Also in this building is the Utah Amphibian Conservation Room, which you'll see while hearing about a special project to help conserve western toads. Make sure you stop and admire the beautiful mural showcasing Utah's pollinators!

Head into the Maker Space and take part in hands-on conservation activities like creating seed pods and planting pollinators. There is also a monarch butterfly photo-op that's perfect for snapping a few photos to remember your visit by.

The Overlook Terrace is among the most loved areas in the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah exhibit. Not only does it offer spectacular views of all the animals, but it also affords guests the unique opportunity to see the cougars and bighorn sheep up close. Guests also enjoy the educational fun provided by the Joseph M. Simmons Foundation Nature Play Area & Campsite, which teaches the importance of minimizing conflicts between humans and wildlife.

One of the coolest things (pun intended) about the exhibit is that it's fueled by Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Renewable Energy Project, so you can feel confident knowing your visit supports a good cause.

For more information about the Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah exhibit, visit the Hogle Zoo website or the Hogle Zoo Facebook page.

Have you experienced this new attraction in Utah yet? If so, we'd love to hear all about your visit in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best perks of living in Salt Lake City.

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