Jim Hogle, one of the leaders of Utah’s Hogle Zoo, has died at age 83

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Jim Hogle of Utah’s Hogle Zoo has died after a battle with liver cancer at age 83.

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the zoo says much of what people love about Utah’s Hogle Zoo is there because of Jim Hogle’s leadership. 

“We are so, so sad to share the news that one of our leaders, James E. “Jim” Hogle, passed away on Monday, at 83, after a year-long battle with liver cancer,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “Friends, pretty much ALL of what you enjoy at the Zoo happened because of Jim’s leadership and involvement and his presence will be sorely missed.”

The zoo says that Jim began working there picking up trash for $1 a day when he was 12 years old and, more recently, has spent 42 years serving on the zoo’s board. 

Hogle’s grandparents donated the land that eventually became Utah’s Hogle Zoo. The family remains involved, with Hogle’s son Patrick now serving on the board. 

In a statement, zoo officials said Jim Hogle, Chair Emeritus as well as a former board chairman, fought liver cancer for about a year before his death.

“Jim’s leadership on the board is principally responsible for the Zoo’s survival and success,” said current board chairman, Paul Dougan in the statement. “We were friends from the age of five, grew up together, and served together on the Zoo board for over 40 years. I will miss him very much.”

Hogle was also well known for philanthropy in the larger community. He was recognized with the Philanthropic Leadership Award from the Utah Nonprofits Association in 2016.

My father’s legacy and achievements will live forever through Utah’s Hogle Zoo,” said Patrick Hogle.