St. Louis Zoo

St. Louis Zoo

St. Louis Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city, attracting millions of visitors every year. Located in Forest Park, the zoo features over 17,000 animals from 600 species, making it one of the largest zoos in the United States. From exotic animals to interactive exhibits and activities, there are plenty of things to do at the St. Louis Zoo.

Animal Exhibits

The St. Louis Zoo is home to a variety of animals from around the world. Visitors can observe animals in naturalistic habitats that replicate their native environments. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Penguin & Puffin Coast, where visitors can see over 80 penguins and puffins, and the Primate House, where visitors can observe different species of primates, including orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The zoo also has exhibits featuring big cats, such as lions and tigers, and elephants.

Interactive Exhibits and Activities

In addition to observing animals, visitors can also participate in interactive exhibits and activities. The Children’s Zoo, for instance, is a kid-friendly area where children can get up close and personal with animals such as goats, sheep, and llamas. The zoo also has a stingray pool where visitors can touch and feed the stingrays, as well as a bird garden where visitors can feed nectar to lorikeets.

Conservation Efforts

The St. Louis Zoo is dedicated to animal conservation and works closely with conservation organizations to help protect endangered species. Visitors can learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and how they can get involved by visiting the Conservation Carousel, where each animal on the carousel represents a conservation project that the zoo supports. Visitors can also participate in the Adopt an Animal program, which supports the care and feeding of a specific animal.

Special Events

Throughout the year, the St. Louis Zoo hosts a variety of special events, such as Boo at the Zoo during Halloween and Wild Lights during the holiday season. During these events, the zoo is decorated with festive lights and visitors can participate in special activities such as a Halloween scavenger hunt or a winter wonderland train ride.

Dining and Shopping

The St. Louis Zoo offers several dining options for visitors, including restaurants, cafes, and snack stands. Visitors can enjoy a meal while overlooking some of the animal exhibits, such as the sea lions at Lakeside Cafe. The zoo also has several gift shops where visitors can purchase souvenirs such as plush animals, t-shirts, and books.

Admission and Hours

The St. Louis Zoo is free to the public, but donations are accepted to support the zoo’s conservation efforts. The zoo is open year-round, with hours varying depending on the season. During the summer months, the zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., while during the winter months, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting There

The St. Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park, a public park that spans over 1,300 acres. Visitors can access the zoo by car or public transportation. The zoo is also accessible by bike, with bike racks located throughout the park.

In conclusion, the St. Louis Zoo is an excellent destination for families and animal lovers. With a variety of animal exhibits, interactive activities, conservation efforts, special events, and dining and shopping options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And, with free admission, it’s a great way to spend a day without breaking the bank.