St. Louis Zoo, Saint Louis (must see)

The Saint Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park, is a renowned zoo known for its excellence in animal management, research, conservation, and education. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which recognizes its high standards in animal care and welfare. One of the unique features of the zoo is the 2 ft narrow-gauge Emerson Zooline Railroad that encircles the zoo, taking visitors on a tour of the popular attractions.

Established in 1910, the Saint Louis Zoo has been continuously improving its exhibits, areas, and buildings to enhance the care of animals, showcase a diverse range of habitats and animals, and offer educational and interpretive programs. The head of the male lesser kudu, with its stunning spiraled horns, is the symbol of the Saint Louis Zoo.

In addition to its focus on animal welfare, the Saint Louis Zoo is also dedicated to conservation efforts. The Living Earth Collaborative, a conservation effort that the zoo joined in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden and Washington University in St. Louis, seeks to promote understanding of ways to preserve natural environments that enable plants, animals, and microbes to thrive. The zoo also runs several other conservation programs, including the #byetobags movement, which encourages the use of reusable bags, and a turtle-tracking program that tracks the location, population, and health of the box turtle population in Forest Park.

The Saint Louis Zoo is unique in that admission is free, thanks to a public subsidy from a cultural tax district, the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District (ZMD). However, fees are charged for some special attractions.

In recognition of its high standards, the Saint Louis Zoo was chosen as the best zoo in the United States by USA Today in 2017 and 2018. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare and conservation makes it a must-visit destination for animal lovers and anyone interested in learning more about conservation efforts.

Why You Should Visit:
Free zoo with world-class exhibits and special events on some evenings. It's walkable, clean and there are areas indoors and out (if you need a break from the weather).

Tip:
You're unlikely to be able to see all you want in a single day, so spend some time online and select your preferences.