Saint Louis Zoo
- Nature & parks
- In St. Louis, Missouri
- 3.0 mi from Route 66
In St. Louis, MO, the Saint Louis Zoo fills part of Forest Park and is free to visit thanks to a local cultural tax, with fees only for a few special attractions. Officially the Saint Louis Zoological Park, it is known for its work in animal care, research, conservation and teaching. It traces its roots to the 1904 World's Fair and makes an easy family half-day about 3 miles off the old road.
What is Saint Louis Zoo?
It carries Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation and is widely recognized for how it manages animals and backs research and conservation. Its emblem is the head of a male lesser kudu, an antelope with long spiral horns.
A favorite feature is the Emerson Zooline Railroad, a narrow-gauge line with tracks just 2 feet apart. Its passenger trains, pulled by C.P. Huntington engines built by Chance Rides, loop around the grounds and stop near the busiest exhibits.
History of Saint Louis Zoo
The city's first exhibit was the Flight Cage, bought from the Smithsonian Institution after the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis closed. The zoo was formally set up in 1910, and in the decades since, new buildings and habitats have been added to improve animal care and widen the range of species on show.
In September 2017 the zoo teamed with Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden on a conservation partnership called the Living Earth Collaborative.
Visiting Saint Louis Zoo: tips
Plan on at least half a day, more with children. Restrooms are on site, and the zoo reports wheelchair access. Riding the Zooline is a good way to rest your feet and get your bearings on a big site.
Forest Park holds several more stops. The Monsanto Insectarium sits within the zoo grounds, the Saint Louis Art Museum is about 0.3 miles away, and the Missouri History Museum about 0.7 miles off.
Practical info
- Address
- 1 Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110
- Phone
- +1 314-781-0900
- Website
- stlzoo.org
- Hours
- May 24-Aug 31 Mo-Th 08:00-17:00, Fr-Su 08:00-19:00; Sep 01-May 23 09:00-17:00, PH off
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Saint Louis Zoo
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On the map
Full mapSaint Louis Zoo with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Questions about Saint Louis Zoo
Is the Saint Louis Zoo free?
Yes, general admission is free thanks to a local cultural tax district. Some special attractions charge a fee.
What is the Zooline Railroad?
A narrow-gauge railroad with 2-foot track whose trains circle the zoo and stop near popular exhibits.
Own or run Saint Louis Zoo? Send us a photo or a correction.