Hogle Zoo has raised its admission prices for the first time in four years.
As of Feb. 27, the zoo increased its regular gate prices by $1 and its annual membership prices by $10-$15 each.
"This has nothing to do with the bond election," said Holly Braithwaite, zoo spokeswoman. "We have not raised our ticket prices on top of public windfall. … We're not double-dipping."
While it is true that Salt Lake County voters approved $33 million from public funding to go toward the zoo through last November's Proposition 2, she said, the zoo doesn't have that money yet. Also, most of that money will go toward capital improvements — a new arctic exhibit and the first phase of a home for animals from the African savannah.
She said the admission increases are tied to the zoo's daily operating expenses, which have risen in recent years.
From employee health care to animal veterinary costs to animal food prices in hay and upkeep, zoo costs are up, she said. The zoo made the decision to raise gate prices, rather than reduce the quality of any of its programs.
"Our admission prices are still a good value," Braithwaite said.
Adult admission prices, age 13 and older, went from $8 to $9, while prices for both seniors (age 65 and older) and children, ages 3-12, went from $6 to $7. Children age 2 and under still get in free.
"Our parking is still free," Braithwaite said.
She also noted that the zoo will let about 70,000 school children in free this year, as well as offer more free admission days on the last Wednesday of the month during both November and December.
She also said some $1 off admission deals through KUED and the Foothill Cultural District are explained on the zoo's Web site.
Hogle Zoo's increased prices are in the same price range as some similar Utah attractions. For example, The Living Planet Aquarium charges $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students and $6 for children. Discovery Gateway costs $8.50 for all general admission and $7.50 for pre-registered groups. Denver's zoo charges $12 for adults and $7 for kids during its summer season and $9 and $5, respectively, in the winter.
Braithwaite said all of Hogle Zoo's special memberships also increased. Basic membership rose from $40 to $50, and the couple membership rose from $50 to $60. The family membership went up from $65 to $80.
The last time Hogle Zoo raised its admission prices was in 2005.
Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., also started its summer operating hours on March 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the gate and until 6:30 p.m. on the grounds.
For more information, go to www.hoglezoo.org.
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com