Lagoon to close zoo featured in Wild Kingdom train ride

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Wild Kingdom train ride is not closing, as previously reported. Lagoon will only close the zoo.

SALT LAKE CITY — Lagoon Amusement Park is shutting down the zoo featured in its Wild Kingdom train ride. 

The zoo has been controversial for decades, with protestors and petitions claiming the animals are mistreated and kept in unfit conditions.

Spokesperson Adam Leishman said that’s not why they’re getting rid of the zoo. Leishman said it’s because Lagoon is expanding other parts of the park and preparing new attractions.

Saying goodbye to the Lagoon zoo animals

Lions, cougars, zebras, kangaroos, camels and even elk have called the park home since 1967.

Leishman said the big cats have already been rehomed to an accredited facility in the U.S.

“That happened towards the end of last year. The plan is to phase out the remainder of the exhibits through this year.” 

The park said the animals have always been well treated and safe. 

The Utah Animal Rights Coalition is celebrating the cats’ move.

“For the first time in years – perhaps ever- these big cats will be able to engage in their natural instinctual behaviors and live a life where their home is measured in square acres, not square feet,” said UARC’s Lagoon campaigner Alex Wilde in a press release. “… This win speaks to the power of grassroots activism and the unwavering commitment of Utahns who advocated for these animals.” 

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