St. Louis Zoo (St. Louis, Missouri)

 zoo, draw only border

1 Government Drive
St Louis, MO 63110
(314) 781-0900
www.stlzoo.org/

The Saint Louis Zoo was created in 1904 in preparation for the world's fair held that same year. Since then it has emerged as one of the leading zoo's in the nation, and many consider it to now have surpassed the San Diego Zoo, typically thought of as the premier zoo in the US. Part of what sets the Saint Louis Zoo apart from other leading zoo's is that it offers free admission to all, allowing everyone, regardless of socioeconomic standing, to enjoy the entertainment and education that the zoo has to offer. In fact, it was mandated by State Legislation that "the zoo shall be forever free." The zoo is funded by government subsidization, charitable donations, and revenue accrued from souvenirs, food, and admission fees to special exhibits and attractions. While there are special attractions that one must pay to enjoy, the vast majority of the zoo is free and one should have no trouble spending many hours there without paying a dollar.
The Zoo is divided into 6 major zones: River's Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks, and Lakeside Crossing. Within each of these zone are many mini-zones, such as the Reptile House, Big Cat Country, or Chimpanzee Refuge, to name a few of the most popular. Additionally, in 2003, the zoo completed a massive renovation that introduced the totally new Penguin and Puffin Coast, Conservation Carousel, Cypress Swamp, Fragile Forest, and WildCare Institute. Attractions that one must pay for are the Children's Zoo ($4/person), The Conservation Carousel ($2/person), the Zooline Railroad ($5/roundtrip), the Motion Simulator ($3/person), the 3-D Movie ($4/person), and the ZOOmagination Station ($2/person). Alternately, one can purchase a Safari Pass and enjoy all of the aforementioned attractions, plus a Sea Lion show, for $12. There are a number of large eateries located conveniently throughout the zoo, each with unique, full menus. Additionally, there are a number of food stands which serve a more limited, uniform menu. The architecture of the zoo is also beautiful- a graceful combination of original architecture from the early 1900's with more modern buildings that have been added as the zoo has grown.
The Saint Louis Zoo also expends a large amount of their resources on conservation. The foundation of the WildCare Institute in 2003 has led to the Saint Louis Zoo emerging as one of the leading organizations in the US working for the preservation of endangered species. The zoo is responsible for overseeing the species survival plan (SSP) for 55 different species, engaging other zoo's and preservation associations on both national and international levels. The WildCare institute is comprised of 12 different centers, each focusing on the preservation of a different type of animal. All 12 are dedicated to managing conservation on a global level as well as species breeding on location at the zoo.
The Saint Louis Zoo is open year round, with the exception of Christmas day and New Year's day. Normal hours are 9am-5pm every day of the week. The zoo is located in Forest Park.