Saint Louis Zoo Park

Address: 1 Government Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA

Website: https://www.stlzoo.org/

Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (hours vary seasonally)

Admission: Free general admission; charges apply for some attractions (e.g., insectarium, special exhibits)

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)

Located in Forest Park, the zoo is easily reached by car (ample parking) and by MetroBus routes. From downtown St. Louis, drive west along I-64/US-40 and follow signs for Forest Park; taxi and rideshare options are convenient.

• Arrive early (park opens at 9am) to see active predators and primates before midday heat; early hour also helps avoid school groups.
• Use the north entrance near Forest Park for easier parking and a calmer start to the visit.
• Check the website for seasonal events and animal-feedings which are popular and can draw crowds.