The St. Louis Zoo sits on the edge of the Forest Park neighborhood, in St. Louis, Missouri. The zoo began with the purchase of the World's Fair Flight Cage in 1904, after the fair was over with. In 1910 the St. Louis Zoological Society was formed, and in 1913, the city of St. Louis set aside seventy-seven acres in Forest Park for the zoo.
The River's Edge is the first immersion exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo. The lush walkways take guests across four continents and showcases animals from around the world. Guests become totally engrossed in the ten acre exhibit. The hippos are showcased in a natural setting behind a full length glass window and visitors can see the hippos floating and gliding under the water. The elephant habitat has a waterfall and many trees and is designed to simulate a natural environment. Along the path guests will see many different animals such as rhinos, giant anteaters, and cheetahs.
The Penguin and Puffin Coast is the first walk-through sub-Antarctic penguin exhibit in North America. The exhibit contains Gentoo Penguins, Rockhopper Penguins, King Penguins, Horned Puffins and Tufted Puffins. The exhibit is kept at a chilly 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. The zoo has designed the exhibits to be half-open so guests can get close to the birds. Visitors are invited to walk through the middle of the habitat as the puffins and penguins swim from one side of the exhibit to the other under the floor. The unique design of the habitat has a ceiling that changes from dawn to dusk or can simulate lightning. The sounds of the exhibit envelope visitors as the sound of waves, sea gulls, and sea lions play in the background.
The First Bank Zooline Railroad takes visitors on a twenty minute narrated train ride around the St. Louis Zoo. The train weaves through tunnels and past many of the favorite animal exhibits. The railroad has been in operation in the zoo for over forty years. The train has transported more than 27 million passengers throughout the zoo's history.
The Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel features sixty-four hand-carved wooden animals. The animals on the carousel, represent protected and endangers species at the St. Louis Zoo. Riders will enjoy picking out which exotic animal to ride. The Conservation Carousel is located at the north end of the zoo and is handicapped accessible.
The St. Louis Zoo is the pride of St. Louis, Missouri. The zoo is open year round and does not charge an admission fee. Guests to the St. Louis Zoo agree that the rich history and amazing exhibits make this one of the top places to visit while in St .Louis, Missouri.
