Saint Louis Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo is a large municipal zoological park in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri, that opened in 1910 and occupies roughly 90 acres. It is a long-established institution known for conservation, education and public access.

The zoo houses large mixed-habitat exhibits and multiple specialty galleries, with public highlights including the penguin and puffin displays, tropical and aquatic indoor galleries, big cat enclosures and a children’s zoo area. Many visitors note the variety of species and the ability to visit major exhibits without an admission charge.

The facility originated as the St. Louis Zoological Park in 1910 and has expanded and modernized its exhibits over the 20th and 21st centuries, adding indoor galleries and habitat-focused complexes while participating in AZA cooperative breeding and conservation programs.

Sited inside Forest Park west of the St. Louis city center, the zoo sits adjacent to other cultural institutions in the park and is served by city roads and public transport.

• Admission: General admission to the main zoo is free year-round; special programs, parking and some attractions may carry fees.
• Size and accreditation: The zoo covers roughly 90 acres within Forest Park and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

What to See #

• Major exhibits: A major mixed-habitat complex focused on naturalistic exhibits, conservation breeding and public education; includes waterfront and indoor galleries, a children's zoo area and large outdoor habitats.
• River's Edge: River's Edge
• Penguin & Puffin Coast: Penguin and Puffin Coast
• Big Cat Country: Big Cat Country
• The Living World: The Living World (indoor tropical and aquatic displays)