Zootah

About Zootah

Zootah is a seven-acre zoo in Logan, Utah, next to the Cache County Fairgrounds. Its website describes it as home to over 60 species of native and exotic animals, with tree-lined walkways throughout the seven-acre grounds. The zoo states its aim as to "affect positive change in peoples' lives, one animal at a time." It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo is a private nonprofit organization. According to its About page, it was funded and operated by Logan City until 2013.

History

Zootah was established in 1970 as Willow Park Zoo. According to the zoo's About page, Doug Eames, who had a passion for pheasants and waterfowl, convinced city leaders to start the bird aviary that became the zoo. Troy Cooper became director in 2012, succeeding Rod Wilhelm, who retired. The zoo became a private nonprofit in 2013. In 2017 it changed its name from Willow Park Zoo to Zootah at Willow Park, and the zoo says it is investing in new exhibits, animals and events to stay open year-round.

Exhibits and habitats

The zoo's animals page profiles individual species. Birds include bald eagle, blue-throated macaw, wood duck, ringed teal, nene geese, sandhill crane, African grey crowned crane, great horned owl, western screech owl, red-tailed hawk, conures and Senegal parrots.

Mammals include elk, red fox, Canada lynx, North American porcupine, coyote, tufted capuchin, Reeves's muntjac, ring-tailed lemur, Hotot rabbits and sugar gliders. Reptiles include royal ball python, uromastyx, sulcata tortoise, Russian tortoise, musk turtle, box turtles, common snapping turtle and gopher snake. A tarantula is also listed. The home page invites visitors to book animal feedings and encounters for a closer look at some of these animals.

The zoo runs an animal sponsorship program in which donations go toward specific needs such as enrichment toys, fresh produce, enclosures and specialized care.

Conservation and programs

Programs listed on the zoo's website include animal experiences, birthday parties, field trips, a homeschool program, camps, classroom outreach and memberships. The home page says the grounds can be rented for private events. The website also lists a gift shop and a zoo map. In December the zoo runs Zoo Lights, with details on its events page.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, hours change by season. From January through March and in November the zoo is open Friday through Sunday; in April and October, Thursday through Sunday; and in May, September and from Memorial Day through Labor Day, every day, with later Sunday openings throughout the year. Summer hours run later than spring and fall hours. December is Zoo Lights, and the website says the zoo is closed the week of Thanksgiving. Exact times, tickets and membership details are on the zoo's website.

Phone: (435) 750-9894 and email questions@zootah.org, as listed on the website.