The St Louis Zoo - a Simple Review

Over 3,000,000 people per year cross through one of the two main entrances to the St Louis Zoo, and those of us who are natives to the St Louis area know that not many, if any, of those three million people walk away disappointed. They might walk away with a great deal more exercise than they expected, but not disappointed. As one of the top ten largest free zoos in the world, and one of the top five free zoos in the world, the 90 acres holding 810 species of more than 11,400 exotic animals, many of them rare or endangered, represent all of the major continents and biomes of the world.

How does this translate into the fun and excitement that hobby biologist search for when they come to St Louis? A veritable plethora of things to do and animals to see for almost any animal interest you might hold. Fragile Forest, a newer addition to the zoo and a wonderfully large outdoor habitat for chimpanzees, orangutans and lowland gorillas in the country; provides our ape-loving visitors with hours of laughs and study as our large and fuzzy friends experience an intensely interactive natural setting. Penguin and Puffin Coast, another new addition to the zoo, has a wide variety of species of the ever-popular penguins representing everything from the tiny but humorous rock-hopper to the proud and boisterous king penguins. River's Edge provides a lush, spacious home for Asian elephants, hippos so close that you can feel them bump against the glass that allows viewing of their largely underwater lives, cheetahs, bush dogs and so many more. Big Cat Country provides an up-close and personal view of some of the world's most powerful predator felines like lions, tigers and leopards oh my!

Concerned that our zoo is mostly out-doored and the unfortunate rainfall might come along? Not to worry there is still something for those cloudy days at the St Louis Zoo! The Living World, a state-of-the-art education center, provides viewing of over 150 species of live animals combined with dozens of computers, videos, interactive and educational exhibits. Also indoors is our Children's Zoo that hosts and assortment of close-up animal encounters with guides to provide children with a hands-on and fun but educational experience specifically tailored to their needs, but just as entertaining and interesting for the adults who chaperon. As unforgettable, if a bit "icky" to some, is our indoor Insectarium which includes over 100 species of live insects, interactive exhibits, and a butterfly dome that can keep even the most hard-hearted softened from beauty for hours on end.

In addition to the many animals that can be found at the St Louis Zoo there are a host of other programs available for those of every age. Education programs have been developed for children, adults, families, schools, scouts, seniors and the disabled to include classes, overnights, lectures and other programs that reach a wide variety of interests and ages. More than 200,000 people last year took part in these varied education programs, and the Zoo foundation is constantly working to provide more programs for more people so that we, the human friends, may be properly educated in the world around us. When you include the massive conservation program that reaches around the world, the dedication to providing a safe and nurturing habitat for all 11,400 animals, and the fun and excitement that can be found, the St Louis Zoo is, without a doubt, one of the best stops to make if you're passing through St Louis.

So just take I-44 or I-40 into Forest Park and follow the signs. Whether you enter through the North or South entrance, the St Louis Zoo is an experience you'll not soon forget!