Utah's Hogle Zoo

Meet Juniper, a gray fox who found a home at Hogle Zoo in 2023 after being abandoned as a young kit in New Mexico. Nicknamed “Junie” by her care teams, Juniper was born with congenital hydrocephalus – a condition that causes a buildup of fluid around her brain – and has lost most of her eyesight as a result.   Due to this condition, Juniper requires high levels of care from her animal care team, veterinarians, and Hogle Zoo’s health partners. 🩺 Juniper receives regular anti-inflammatory medicines and her care team closely monitors her appetite, weight, and watches for any neurological signs. Juniper stays active and curious despite the challenges, enjoying enrichment activities and a specially adapted training program designed to help her thrive.   🧡 Training Juniper requires patience and dedication, and we are lucky to have a team of keepers deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for this sweet, smart, and determined fox.   To learn more about Juniper, visit https://lnkd.in/gegrfUDN and see her alongside habitat mates Willow and Peppercorn at Wild Utah! . . . MedVet | University of Utah Health | University of Utah Radiology and Imaging Sciences

Babs’ snowballs had their first checkup last week! ❄️🐾 🩺 Hogle Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams were joined by an ophthalmologist from MedVet to conduct an 8-week checkup that allowed us to evaluate the two cubs’ overall health. The zoo’s veterinary team assessed their body condition and administered necessary vaccinations. Dr. Jaycie Riesberg, an ophthalmologist from MedVet performed detailed eye exams on both cubs. Our animal care team also weighed the cubs, with one cub weighing 4.6 lbs and the other 4.2 lbs.   After the checkup, the cubs were given a “straw bath,” covered in substrate with scents familiar to their mom to help them reunite calmly and comfortably. Both cubs did very well and are in great health! The cubs will continue to stay behind-the-scenes with mom, and guests can expect to visit them this fall. Thanks to our amazing teams and partners for their commitment to care, and congratulations to the amazing first-time mom Babs on a clean bill of health for both her cubs! To read more about the cubs’ 8-week checkup, visit https://lnkd.in/g_pg4xDZ

Southern white rhinos George (48) and Princess (45) have been a part of Hogle Zoo and our visitors’ memories for decades, since 1977 and 1980, respectively. 🦏 As geriatric members of their species, they receive specialized care to support their advanced age. 🩺 Caring for our Geriatric Giants: George has rapidly advancing cancer in his rear left leg. While no long-term treatments are available, he voluntarily takes daily pain medicines in fruit for comfort and mobility. On July 1, 2024, our team observed Princess displaying abnormal behaviors that appeared to be neurologic in nature. We believe she had a seizure. As she's been recovering from this event, we consulted with rhino experts, adjusted her daily medicine plan, and modified the management of both rhinos in case this happens again.  Like human seniors, rhinos experience weight changes, muscle atrophy, and a general slowing down. To support their comfort, George and Princess receive special bedding and flooring, receive supplements, medication, and treatment, and enjoy pre-cut hay and high-fiber greens due to their worn-down teeth. Thanks to a trusting relationship with their care team, George and Princess voluntarily participate in their care. From blood draws (did you know we draw blood from small veins on their ears?👂) to laser therapy for arthritis, their wellbeing is our top priority. You might not see George and Princess during your visit as they may be indoors resting, receiving treatments, or being pampered by their keepers. 🧡While we don’t know how much time we have with them, we are proud to have them under our care and will ensure they are happy and comfortable for as long as possible.️ To read more about George and Princess’ care, visit https://lnkd.in/gDHfda3q

It’s with incredible sadness that we share the loss of Ryder, beloved male black-footed cat, who passed away on July 22, 2024. After Ryder (4) was placed under close veterinary care for advanced kidney disease, his health rapidly declined despite treatment and Hogle Zoo made the difficult but responsible decision to humanely euthanize him. Ryder came to us in 2021 from San Diego Zoo Safari Park as part of a breeding recommendation from the Black-footed Cat Consortium. Best known for his playful yet mellow personality, Ryder loved the challenge of puzzle feeders and had a special fondness for scratching posts sprinkled with cinnamon. Our teams had begun the introduction process between Ryder and Gaia, a female black-footed cat who recently joined us on a breeding recommendation. We will continue to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Black-footed Cat Consortium for future breeding recommendations for Gaia. Guests can visit Gaia in the Small Animal Building as she continues her daily routines. Ryder was also an outstanding ambassador for his vulnerable species, making significant contributions to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) CryoBioBank. His contributions help ensure genetic diversity among black-footed cats and create opportunities for future generations.    💙To Ryder’s community—including his dedicated animal care and health teams, staff, volunteers, and guests—thank you for being part of Ryder’s life, whether through his diligent care or by advocating for his species. He was a cherished member of our zoo family and will be greatly missed.    To read more about Ryder’s passing, visit https://lnkd.in/gCMnSDTA

Even badgers go to the doctor! 🦡🩺 Meet Wild Utah resident Tony, the American badger. He was found digging around a Utah construction site, creating safety concerns for humans and himself. Unable to release him back to his natural habitat, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources relocated him to Hogle Zoo. Upon his arrival, Hogle Zoo’s veterinary teams conducted an exam that revealed sharp, metallic objects in Tony’s chest and lungs. Affectionately named after “Iron Man” Tony Stark, Tony required surgery to remove these objects. After consulting with our friends at MedVet, Board-certified Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Sylvia Lee performed a successful surgery to extract a piece of rusty metal and wood from his chest. Post-surgery, Tony was monitored around the clock and showed great recovery signs, returning to Hogle Zoo the next morning. Thanks to the partnership between Hogle Zoo and MedVet and their commitment to care, Tony had a very successful recovery. You can visit Tony at the all-new Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah exhibit. If you don’t spot him right away, he could be doing what badgers do best – digging a burrow! The best time to see Tony is right as we open at 9 am. 🔗 Read Tony’s whole story at: https://lnkd.in/gPc3zQpU