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

In recognition of the largest single charitable multi-year gift of $5 million in the history of the Zoo, the renowned miniature train will be named the Emerson Zooline Railroad.

St. Louis Zoo Kicks Off 'The Living Promise' Campaign
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), June 6, 2010 - The Saint Louis Zoo has announced its $120 million, seven-year campaign - "The Living Promise". The campaign addresses the Zoo's most pressing needs, which were identified in its recent strategic plan.

"As we plan for the Saint Louis Zoo's future, we have made a promise to always care deeply for animals and the natural world, to remain accessible to all our visitors, to be a leader in wildlife conservation and to steward our resources carefully," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Dana Brown president and CEO of the Zoo.

"We are celebrating the Zoo's 100-year anniversary this year, and now it is time to plan for the next 100 years. We promise to make them memorable for generations to come."

Among the Zoo's goals are to enhance some of its older exhibits, to improve the visitor experience and to strengthen its infrastructure. About $74 million of the Zoo's goal of $120 million has already been pledged by individuals, corporations and foundations.

David N. Farr, chairman, CEO and president of Emerson, announced a multi-year gift of $5 million to the Saint Louis Zoo. This is the largest single charitable gift in the history of the Zoo. In recognition, the Zoo's renowned miniature train will be named the Emerson Zooline Railroad. The Zoo's train is one of the most popular paid attractions at the Saint Louis Zoo. Now in its 47th season, it has transported more than 32 million visitors through the years.

"In my view, children are key to the Zoo. They give the Zoo deeper meaning and purpose," Farr said. "It is just plain fun to go to the Zoo, no matter if you're young, or just young at heart, and being able to ride a real, working miniature train from site to site.

A number of new exhibits, as well as the Saint Louis Zoo's Endowment Fund, will benefit from "The Living Promise" campaign.

Set to undergo construction this fall is Sea Lion Sound, a significantly expanded and improved 1.55-acre home for some of the Zoo's most popular animals, the California sea lions. This exhibit will combine two popular areas, the current Sea Lion Basin and the Sea Lion Arena into one major complex. The project includes a state-of-the-art sea lion habitat, Sea Lion Landing, with salt-water pools, underwater viewing, a unique underwater walk-through tunnel, and the new Lichtenstein Sea Lion Arena, where public shows will be held.

On the drawing board are Grizzly Ridge and Polar Bear Point, habitats for grizzlies and polar bears, including underwater viewing of the polar bears; Andean Bear Ridge in an area across from the capybaras and giant anteaters within River's Edge; and Sun Bear Forest, a new habitat for Malayan sun bears near the Asian elephants in River's Edge.

Currently under construction is Elephant Woods, a fourth Asian elephant habitat with a forest environment. Also under construction is the Wachovia Wells Fargo South Arrival Experience. Behind the scenes, the Myron Glassberg Family Maintenance Facility under construction will improve the Zoo's ability to care for all of its facilities and animals.

The Zoo 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.

'Animals Always', installed at the corner of Hampton Avenue and Wells Drive, servs as a welcoming landmark to Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo.

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.

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 $11 per day. Parking for buses, motor homes and R.V.s is $22 and is available on the South Lot only. 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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Stingray Exhibit Draws Huge Crowd at St. Louis Zoo

New St. Louis Zoo South Entrance Takes Shape
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