Union Pacific and Utah's Hogle Zoo Collaborate to Keep Patrons Safe with New Zoo-Centric Crossing Signage

Utah's Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City recently debuted a new safety-centered look thanks to collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad and its Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program.

The zoo recently added a "Wild Utah" exhibit featuring the area's native animals and plants, which extended the tracks of the Zoofari Eccles Express, the zoo's 55-year-old hobby train. As a result, patrons cross the tracks to enter the exhibit.

Identifying an opportunity, Union Pacific and Hogle Zoo collaborated to create signage to keep the public safe. The railroad-zoo fusion signs share rail safety reminders with animal puns to engage visitors of all ages while at the zoo and whenever they see tracks in their everyday lives.

"The zoo uses its relationship with Union Pacific to promote safety on and off zoo property," said Erin Koelliker, Hogle Zoo's senior development manager. "The Eccles Express has one of the highest ridership of all zoo trains in the nation and is a prime audience for safety messaging."

The Hogle Zoo is just one of many Utah organizations benefiting from a Community Ties Giving Program local grant.

"Utah is an important part of Union Pacific's network, and we are proud to engage with the communities we serve," said Nathan Anderson, senior director-Public Affairs. "The Hogle Zoo is no exception, and I am proud of the long-standing partnership Union Pacific has maintained with the zoo and surrounding communities."