You get to visit more than 800 animals when you visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo, but you usually have to view them from a distance. Here’s a chance to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most beloved animals. Take a look!

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is located in the mouth of Emigration Canyon at 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84108. It’s open seven days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo/Google

One of the best spots in the entire zoo is the African Savannah, which is located right at the front of the zoo. You’ll find zebras, ostrich and giraffes here.

Dustin Auman/Google

Hogle Zoo is currently home to three giraffes: Riley, Kipenzi, and Pogo.

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If you love giraffes, you’ll want to participate in a giraffe feeding. They’re offered every day from May through September.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo/Facebook

Meet at Twiga Terrace for the giraffe feeding. This viewing area allows you to get eye-to-eye with the giraffes.

Susie and Jeremy Wiedemann/Google

During the feeding, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the keepers questions about these sweet, intelligent animals.

Hogle Zoo

Hand feed a giraffe, and watch out for that huge tongue! The cost is just $5.

Hogle Zoo If you’re interested in a longer giraffe encounter, consider the Giraffe VIP Experience. You’ll accompany a keeper to the Giraffe VIP Observation Tower, where you can observe the giraffes close-up. The keeper will answer your questions about giraffes, and you’ll learn all about the training and conservation efforts with giraffes at the zoo. You’ll also get a chance to feed the giraffes a snack. This animal encounter is offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., and is available to groups of up to five guests.

Learn more about the giraffe feedings and Giraffe VIP Experience at Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s website, and follow the latest happenings on the zoo’s Facebook page.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo/Google

Dustin Auman/Google

montanafan/Tripadvisor

Utah’s Hogle Zoo/Facebook

Susie and Jeremy Wiedemann/Google

Hogle Zoo

If you’re interested in a longer giraffe encounter, consider the Giraffe VIP Experience. You’ll accompany a keeper to the Giraffe VIP Observation Tower, where you can observe the giraffes close-up. The keeper will answer your questions about giraffes, and you’ll learn all about the training and conservation efforts with giraffes at the zoo. You’ll also get a chance to feed the giraffes a snack. This animal encounter is offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., and is available to groups of up to five guests.

If you love animals, you might want to visit Wheeler Farm – it’s perfect for a family day trip!

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Address: 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84108