Passing of Big Guy - Hogle Zoo Utah

July 8th 2013 is a sad day for Hogle Zoo Staff and patrons alike. Big Guy passed away after a loving year at Hogle zoo. He will be sorely missed. He was a particular favorite of mine from the beginning. I'm sorry to see him go, but happy to know he was lovingly cared for my Hogle Zoo's staff in his last year.

~From The Facebook Page of Hogle Zoo~

With very heavy hearts we share the sad news of the passing of Big Guy - our blind California sea lion.

We found he had urogenital cancer - common in sea lions.

Keepers noticed odd behavior on July 4, and on July 8 he passed.

Big Guy was a favorite among keepers and visitors. His slow circular swim and gentle spirit will be missed.

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Hogle Zoo - Youtube 

Sea Lion & Harbor Seals

Sea Lion & Harbor Seals on display at Hogle Zoo in Utah

After two years at a care center, a blind sea lion named Big Guy has found a home at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

Big Guy lives up to his name, weighing in at 750 pounds. Zoo spokeswoman Erica Hansen said the sea lion is so large, his arrival at the zoo has been delayed two weeks, until May 4, because the truck that was supposed to deliver him Friday was too small for his crate.
Hansen said Big Guy has been living at the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles after he was found injured on a Southern California beach two years ago. She said it appears the sea lion had a traumatic incident which left him blind in both eyes.

He weighed just over 300 pounds when he was found, she said, and has more than doubled his weight since being cared for at the center.

Hansen said Big Guy is unique for a zoo animal because he is not a life-long aquarium sea lion, and has been living in the wild. However, due to his injuries, it would be impossible to return him back to the ocean.
 "A sea lion like Big Guy would have to be put down. But we can bring them in, and give them a great home."

Big Guy will also be coming with a companion from the same care center, a partially blind sea lion the center has called Little Guy. Hansen said they likely will hold a naming contest for the smaller sea lion

'Big Guys' Misfortune Turned into Utah Hogle Zoo's gain. Hogle Zoo's gain turn into 'Big Guys' Fortune. And now an entire State, which wouldn't normally get to see beautiful animals like this, have many long happy years ahead of them.

'Big Guy' as he has been named. Out Sunning Himself

Grand Opening Of Rocky Shore - Hogle Zoo - Utah

Grand Opening Of Rocky Shores - Hogle Zoo - Utah

The new exhibit is open and inviting. Lots of viewing space that the children can see the new animals.
The animals were treated to goodies to ensure lots of viewing pleasure for the Grand Opening.

The Opening speeches, which they said were going to be quick, kept Parents and children alike waiting 30-45 minutes. Not explainable to the small children anxiously waiting for to see the animals. I understand the need to thank people, but the delay agitated the children, with the adults following suit.

Big Budda, a popular News celebrity (Big Budda at Hogle Zoo UTah) of Fox 13, was there for the opening as well as the Governor, and one of the Hogle Zoo Descendants....

Around Noon, when many of the morning guest left the area, it became much easier to view the new additions.

I would Visit on a weekday, or wait for it to settle down on the weekend unless you like crowds. Personally, I'm waiting for a weekday or waiting a couple of weeks for it to settle down.But my son & I so enjoyed it, we will be going again.

A few Quick shots in between the crowds...

The New Bear Statue - This statue has a water cooling system to keep it cool for it's new riders.

Seals & their trainers giving us a show.

Hogle Zoo - Rocky Shore Exhibit Opens June 1st 2012

Hogle Zoo Utah

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

  This is for my little Hogle Zoo Fan base. My Hogle Zoo photo's take second to none on views!

Thanks for all the visit!

Rocky Shore Exhibit Opens June 1st 2012!

Polar Bear,s Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Grizzle Bears &  Sea Otters and so much more!

A look a some of the new building at Hogle Zoo. Since they have gated off the New Rocky Shores Exhibit till June 1st 2012's grand opening.  The only look you can get is from glimpses between the new greenery. 


The New Beastro is a delight with colorful characters announcing your food in slang loudly. Quick service in comparison to the old, and it seems good, but a real critic of the food must be reserved until I've had a chance to sample everything. The new foods include, pizza, salad (this is what excited me for when we go on hot days), hand made sandwiches, home made kettle chips, and the ever popular hamburgers & french fries as always, and a few more.


A small look into what should be an exciting new addition to Hogle Zoo. And a Large Invitation to VISIT our Utah Hogle Zoo!

A Telephoto lens look at Some of the Rocky Shores. !

A Telephoto lens look at Some of the Rocky Shores. !

Yet another structure Under Construction at Hogle Zoo!

The Animals of Rocky Shores!

The Animals of Rocky Shores!

The Animals of Rocky Shores!

The NEW Beastro!

Inside the new Beastro

Inside the new Beastro

Inside the new Beastro

Inside the new Beastro

Inside the new Beastro

The Ice Cream Parlor.

Original Artwork on the first Elephant House for Hogle Zoo - Utah

Hogle Zoo Train Ride!
 We're hoping with a little prodding from the visitors of the the Zoo they will increase the ride around the whole Zoo perhaps?

Fun gift ideas in the Hogle Zoo Gift Shop - Utah

And a look into the  World of Flight Show

 May 25-2012 Utah 
Bear with the crude video. 
It was actually taken on my Nikon photography camera on the low video setting.
This show is always more fun when you interact with it. The birds swooping your heads and wings actually touching them as well. My son laughed, ooo'd and aw'd the whole way through it. 

Thanks for Looking!