St. Louis ZOO - Saint Louis Forest Park

Saint Louis ZOO
in Forest Park
314-781-0900
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free admission

St. Louis News

'Animals Always' sculpture at Schankman Family Plaza, located at the intersection of Hampton Avenue and Wells Drive in Forest Park.

AZA Grants Accreditation to Saint Louis Zoo
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), September 27, 2009 - The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has announced that the Saint Louis Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA's independent Accreditation Commission.

"The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best in the world because it has met the highest standards in the world," said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. "It takes hard work and a sustained commitment to excellence to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Standards."

To be accredited, the Saint Louis Zoo underwent a thorough investigation to insure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process in order to be members of the Association, and are required to resubmit to this process every five years.

"The Saint Louis Zoo is also a great place for people to connect with nature," Maddy added. "Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums support their schools and communities with science-based wildlife education programs that not only inform, but also inspire conservation action."

Ottertoberfest at Saint Louis Zoo
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), September 27, 2009 - Enjoy an otterly fun fall celebration at the Saint Louis Zoo! During the three weekends of Ottertoberfest, the Zoo will be transformed into an Oktoberfest for the whole family with otter-related games and activities for kids, keeper chats and enrichment, live traditional music and biergartens. Event runs Saturdays and Sundays, through October 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each weekend, little "otters" can engage in an otterific obstacle course, otter tracks and activities, designed for ages 2-10. For the grownups, beer and root beer, bratwursts, German potato salad and other specialty concessions will be available at various biergartens. Hear live "oompah" music from noon to 3 p.m. in Schnuck Family Plaza.

Admission to the Saint Louis Zoo and Ottertoberfest is free. Admission to the Children's Zoo is free from 9-10 a.m. and $4 per person (ages two and up) after 10 a.m. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (314) 781-0900.

St. Louis Zoo, a state-of-the-art biopark, is home to more than 3,000 animals and features Jungle of the Apes and Big Cat Country. Additional attractions include the Emerson Electric Children's Zoo, The Living World educational center, River's Edge, "Penguin & Puffin Coast," Monsanto Insectarium, Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, sea lion shows and bird house.

Accent your office, restaurant, hotel or home with exciting images of St. Louis. For a fine art poster of the 1904 World's Fair Bird Cage, see stlouisphotos.com

The World's Fair Flight Cage at the Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum, located north east of the Zoo, are the two structures remaining in Forest Park that were built for the 1904 World's Fair. Photos highlighting the 1904 World's Fair can be seen at the Missouri Historical Society, located in the Jefferson Memorial Building in Forest Park.

The Zoo is open year round, except December 25 and January 1. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. (Zoo closes at 5 p.m. June 16, July 26, August 23).

Non-summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. General admission to the Zoo is FREE. Parking on the Zoo's two lots is $9 per day. Some events and special programs may have an admission cost.

Note: Coolers and picnic baskets are permitted on the Zoo grounds. There are picnic tables located in central areas at the Zoo. All major facilities are wheelchair accessible, as are most restrooms. Wheelchairs and strollers are available to rent at The Living World and South Gate. Wheelchairs: $7 per day; motorized vehicles (limited number) available to those 18 years or older with a major credit card: $25 per day; single strollers are $7 per day; double strollers are $9 per day. For more information, please call 314-781-0900, 1-800-966-8877 or TDD: 314-768-5421.

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