by Marcie Tucker
Contributing Writer
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a staple for fun outings for people around the state and the Uintah Basin is no different. Though, ties to the Uintah Basin are a little deeper than just a family visit.
Union High School has a program through the Future Farmers of America Program that assists in providing food for the animals at the zoo.
FFA leader, Jim Freston, has been teaching youth at Union High School for 22 years and is now assisted by Ashley Adair and Mailey Harrison. Freston describes the program as a great addition to student services at the school.
“Kids can have a project where they can grow crickets in a closet and worms on their porch,” Freston said. The world of growth in agriculture can be experienced by everyone. Just as we all can experience the joys available to all at the zoo, so can students enjoy growing food for the beloved animals.
Mr. Freston said, “There are good things happening.”
He described the project as, “It has the potential to be really cool. It is innovative and the group has fun. It’s an innovative Program.”
The Hogle Zoo is benefiting from the efforts of the three teachers and the students who work hard to produce the greens they send to the animals.
If you haven’t been to the zoo recently you might enjoy the visit and see the new additions that they offer. General admission prices are $21.95 and that price gets you into the park, the lunch area, the bird park and more. Since the opening of the zoo in 1979 this 501(c)(3) organization has been providing the utmost care of animals and enjoyment for viewers across the state. Liam Mara and Rafeal are new additions. You can go see these cougars on your visit to the zoo. There is also the availability of a sunset or sunrise wildlife safari options.
They boast that they provide a world where wildlife and a world where wildlife and people thrive together, and they do not disappoint.
The mission statement of the zoo expresses the very actions they have taken with Union High School students. Creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action. And they have inspired action of the Future Farmers of America program at Union High School.
The program inspires students and feeds some of Utah’s most beloved animals. It is innovative, fun and cool. The program is a successful collaboration that teaches students and feeds the animals.
