Utah Zoos and Aquariums

Discover Utah's exceptional AZA-accredited wildlife attractions featuring Utah's Hogle Zoo (one of only 10 zoos nationwide to receive a perfect AZA score), the nation's ninth-largest aquarium, and Tracy Aviary. From Salt Lake City's premier zoo at the mouth of Emigration Canyon to Draper's world-class Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah offers extraordinary opportunities to connect with wildlife while supporting conservation and rescue efforts.

3

AZA-Accredited

Hogle Zoo, Living Planet Aquarium, Tracy Aviary

1M+

Annual Visitors

Hogle Zoo attracts over 1 million guests yearly

5K+

Animals

Combined collection across facilities

1,600+

Rescued Animals

At Best Friends Sanctuary, Kanab

Utah's Premier Zoo

Utah's Hogle Zoo AZA Accredited Perfect AZA Score

2600 Sunnyside Avenue (840 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84108

About: Utah's Hogle Zoo recently became the 10th zoo nationwide to receive a rare perfect score from the AZA, indicating zero lesser or major concerns throughout the facility. Spanning 42 acres at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, the zoo houses over 800 animals representing 139 species. Founded in 1931, it is one of the largest zoos in the Intermountain West and the top paid-for tourist attraction in Salt Lake City. The zoo has maintained consecutive AZA accreditation since 1979 and is also accredited by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Hours:
March-October: 9am-6pm daily
November-February: 10am-5pm daily

Admission:
Adults (13+): $17.95-$21.95
Children (3-12): $13.95-$17.95
Under 2: Free

Free Parking! Ample parking available at no charge.

Exhibits: African Savanna, Great Apes, Primate Forest, Small Animal Building, Rocky Shores (polar bear, 3 grizzly bears, seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles with underwater viewing), Wild Utah, Asian Highlands (Amur tigers, leopards, lynxes, Pallas cats), Elephant Encounter

Family Features: Zoofari Express miniature locomotive, Conservation Carousel (42 hand-carved wooden animals), Lighthouse Point (shooting water, lighthouse slide, tide pool for kids)

Unique: Only facility to exhibit the rare Utah prairie dogs. The new Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat recognized for modern zoological practices and forward-thinking interpretive focus on local wildlife.

Annual Visitors: Over 1 million (record set in 2009)
Phone: (801) 584-1700
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Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium AZA Accredited 9th Largest in U.S.

12033 South Lone Peak Parkway, Draper, UT (less than 30 minutes from Salt Lake City)

About: The ninth-largest aquarium in the nation, housing 4,500 animals representing 550 species. Founded in 1997 by Brent Andersen, a Utah native and marine biology enthusiast. Opened at current location in March 2014. AZA-accredited through March 2030.

Hours:
Monday: 10am-8pm
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-6pm
Last entry 5pm
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

Admission:
Adults: $21.95-$23.95
Teen/Student/Military/Senior: $18.95-$20.95
Children (3-12): $16.95-$18.95
Under 2: Free

Monday Night Special: $5 off tickets purchased after 4pm on Mondays

Five Unique Ecosystems:

  • Ocean Explorer: 40-foot shark tunnel where sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays swim inches away through 3.5 inches of acrylic
  • Discover Utah: Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Desert tortoises, North American River Otters - focus on local wildlife
  • Expedition: Asia (opened 2016): Clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, Asian arowana, baby Komodo dragon, Asian birds, fish, and reptiles
  • Penguin Research Station: Watch Gentoo penguins swim and dive
  • Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza (added 2020): VR claw, two playgrounds, outdoor habitats

Parking: Free parking in adjacent lots and plaza. Disability and EV charging spots available.
Phone: (801) 355-FISH (3474)
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Tracy Aviary

Tracy Aviary AZA Accredited

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Dedicated aviary featuring diverse bird species from around the world. AZA-accredited through September 2030, representing exceptional standards in avian care, conservation, and education.

One of Utah's three AZA-accredited facilities, providing specialized focus on bird conservation and rehabilitation.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Largest in U.S.

Kanab, UT (Scenic Southern Utah Canyons)

About: The largest sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., home to 1,600+ rescued animals. Heart of a collaborative no-kill movement nationwide. Visitors can book tours, volunteer shifts, or meet adoptable pets in stunning canyon settings.

Animal Areas:

  • Dog Town: Featured on National Geographic Channel
  • Cat World: Feline rescue and adoption
  • Piggy Paradise: Sanctuary for rescued pigs
  • Horse Haven: Equine rehabilitation
  • Bunny House: Rabbit rescue
  • Parrot Garden: Exotic bird sanctuary
  • Wild Friends: Wildlife refuge licensed by Utah and federal government for rehabilitation and education of injured or orphaned wild animals

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Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

Utah has several authorized wildlife rehabilitators providing critical care for injured and orphaned wild animals:

  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (Ogden) - (801) 814-7888 - Migratory birds (including eagles) and small mammals
  • Enoch Wildlife Rescue (Enoch) - (435) 590-1618 - All birds and small mammals
  • Great Basin Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education (Mapleton) - (801) 310-0186 - Only raptors and some small mammals
  • Uintah Raptor Rehab Inc. (Vernal) - (435) 781-2404 - Birds and small mammals (no raccoons, red foxes, or striped skunks)
  • Utah Foundation for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education (Sandy) - (385) 446-6201 - Migratory birds
  • Wasatch Wildlife Conservation Center (Park City) - (801) 228-0831 - All migratory birds
  • Avian Sanctuary and Protection (West Valley City) - (801) 688-2911

If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal, contact your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator to determine whether the animal needs help.

Tips for Visiting Utah Zoos and Aquariums

Best Times to Visit

  • Winter Visits (Recommended!): Animals tend to be more active in winter, especially big cats. Most animals are out moving and playing in cold weather. In summer, many hide in shade making them hard to see.
  • Early in the Day: Animals more visible and active, less crowded, cooler in summer, better parking available.
  • Fall Season: Crisp air, colorful leaves, baby primates, BooLights, BrewLights events at Hogle Zoo, seasonal discount days.
  • Spring: Pleasant weather, active animals, blooming landscapes.

Practical Tips

  • Plan 3-5 Hours: Hogle Zoo's compact layout allows seeing all exhibits in this timeframe.
  • Bundle Up (Winter): Wear hat, gloves, boots, coat. Easier to remove layers than add them.
  • Use Stroller/Wagon: Large zoo requires walking - easier on little feet with somewhere to ride.
  • Warm Up Indoors: Step into Reptile House to thaw fingers and toes in warm building.
  • Catch Animal Shows: Check schedule for elephant and seal shows - fun to watch tricks.
  • Bring Food: Most Utah zoos allow outside food and snacks. Food available on-site as well.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Hogle Zoo Wednesday Discounts: Every Wednesday in November and December - $6 online tickets ($8 in person)
  • Living Planet Monday Nights: $5 off tickets purchased after 4pm on Mondays
  • Memberships Pay Off: Hogle Zoo memberships pay for themselves after just 3 visits. Include free admission year-round plus discounts on events, food, and gift shop.
  • Military/Student Discounts: Living Planet Aquarium offers $3 off for teens, students, seniors, and military
  • Buy Online: Save by purchasing tickets in advance online at discounted rates

Important Notes

  • Free Parking: Both Hogle Zoo and Living Planet Aquarium offer free parking
  • Hours Vary Seasonally: Hogle Zoo has different hours March-October vs. November-February
  • Plan Time Wisely: Living Planet Aquarium's last entry is 5pm (closes 6pm, 8pm Mondays)
  • Closed Days: Living Planet closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hogle Zoo open year-round.
  • Children Under 2: Free admission at all major facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Utah has three AZA-accredited facilities: Utah's Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City) accredited through September 2030, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (Draper) accredited through March 2030, and Tracy Aviary (Salt Lake City) accredited through September 2030. AZA accreditation is awarded to only 10% of animal institutions in the United States and represents the highest standards in animal care, conservation, education, and visitor experience. Utah's Hogle Zoo recently became one of only 10 zoos nationwide to receive a perfect AZA score with zero lesser or major concerns.

Utah's Hogle Zoo is one of only 10 zoos nationwide to receive a perfect AZA accreditation score, indicating zero concerns throughout the facility. Founded in 1931, it spans 42 acres at the mouth of Emigration Canyon and houses over 800 animals representing 139 species. It is the largest zoo in the Intermountain West and the top paid-for tourist attraction in Salt Lake City, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. The zoo has maintained consecutive AZA accreditation since 1979 and is also accredited by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). It is the only facility to exhibit the rare Utah prairie dogs. The new Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat was recognized for modern zoological practices and forward-thinking interpretive focus on local wildlife.

Admission to Utah's Hogle Zoo starts at $17.95 for adults and $13.95 for children when purchased online. Prices may vary seasonally between $17.95-$21.95 for adults (13+) and $13.95-$17.95 for children (3-12). Children 2 and under receive free admission. Parking is free. The zoo offers special Wednesday discounts in November and December with $6 online tickets ($8 in person). Zoo memberships pay for themselves after just three visits and include free general admission year-round plus discounts on events, food, and gift shop purchases.

Yes! The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is the ninth-largest aquarium in the United States, housing 4,500 animals representing 550 species. Located in Draper (less than 30 minutes from Salt Lake City), it features five unique ecosystems from South America to the Antarctic. Highlights include a spectacular 40-foot shark tunnel where sharks, sea turtles and stingrays swim inches away through 3.5 inches of acrylic, Gentoo penguins at the Penguin Research Station, clouded leopards and Asian small-clawed otters in Expedition: Asia, and the Discover Utah exhibit focusing on local wildlife. The facility is AZA-accredited and offers free parking. Save $5 on Monday nights with tickets purchased after 4pm.

Winter is actually one of the best times to visit Utah's Hogle Zoo. Animals tend to be more active in winter, especially the big cats. Most animals are out moving and playing when visiting in cold weather, whereas in summer many hide in the shade making them hard to see. Early morning visits any time of year are ideal as animals are more visible and active, crowds are smaller, and parking is easier. Fall brings crisp air, colorful leaves, baby primates, and special events like BooLights and BrewLights plus seasonal discount days. Spring offers pleasant weather and active animals. If visiting in winter, bundle up in layers (hat, gloves, boots, coat) and warm up in the Reptile House when needed.

Utah's Hogle Zoo features over 800 animals in seven major exhibit areas: African Savanna (giraffes, zebras, nyalas, ostriches, four African lions viewable from Zoofari Express miniature train), Great Apes, Primate Forest, Small Animal Building, Rocky Shores (polar bear, three grizzly bears, seals, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles with impressive underwater viewing), Wild Utah (the new Aline W. Skaggs exhibit focusing on local wildlife), and Asian Highlands (male Amur tigers, leopards, lynxes, Pallas cats). Family attractions include Elephant Encounter, Conservation Carousel with 42 hand-carved wooden animals, and Lighthouse Point featuring shooting water, large lighthouse slide, and small tide pool for kids. The zoo is the only facility exhibiting rare Utah prairie dogs.

Utah's Hogle Zoo hours vary by season: March through October daily 9am-6pm, and November through February daily 10am-5pm. The zoo is open year-round. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is open Monday 10am-8pm and Tuesday through Sunday 10am-6pm with last entry at 5pm. The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Both facilities offer free parking. It is recommended to arrive early in the day for the best experience as animals are more active and facilities are less crowded. Plan 3-5 hours to see all exhibits at Hogle Zoo. Always check official websites for current hours as they may change for special events or seasons.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, home to 1,600+ rescued animals. It features Dog Town (featured on National Geographic Channel), Cat World, Piggy Paradise, Horse Haven, Bunny House, Parrot Garden, and Wild Friends wildlife refuge. Visitors can book tours, volunteer shifts, or meet adoptable pets in scenic southern Utah canyons. For injured or orphaned wild animals, Utah has seven licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers including Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (Ogden), Enoch Wildlife Rescue, Great Basin Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education (Mapleton), Uintah Raptor Rehab (Vernal), Utah Foundation for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education (Sandy), Wasatch Wildlife Conservation Center (Park City), and Avian Sanctuary and Protection (West Valley City).

Last updated on November 27, 2025