The idea of visiting a zoo, filled with animals in captivity, can be a heated debate. On one hand it’s an iconic childhood experience. But on the other, it’s largely misunderstood as a harmful or selfish experience. But many zoos actually serve an important purpose for animals and humans.

What we love most about the St Louis Zoo is that admission is always free! There are additional enhancement activities that cost a small, reasonable fee inside the zoo, but you won’t pay a ticket price just to walk around and see the animals (a welcome alternative to most other zoos).

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Before you write this experience off as dull or irresponsible, consider this: zoo’s provide a tremendous opportunity to learn in an fun an engaging way.

The Real Purpose of the St Louis Zoo

It’s not meant to be a place to see animals in captivity. It’s an opportunity to learn about the animals that share our planet, teaching generations of children how to respect natural habitats–ultimately saving species.

At the zoo, you’ll find much more than animal exhibits. You’ll find learning opportunities and season traditions.

The Zoo supports the study of conservational medicine, necessary to keep humans and animals healthy and happy. Have you heard of zoonotic diseases? These are illnesses that can spread between different kinds of mammals, meaning that a human can sometimes make their pet dog sick and vice versa.

In addition to the advanced study of interdisciplinary medicine, zoos provide a documented health benefit for the human species. Spending time in the exhibits provides a connection to nature which is linked to measurable psychological and physiological improvements like stress reduction and mood stability.

The St Louis Zoo is also a world leader in the preservation of endangered animals species. Yes, many zoos including the St Louis Zoo breed in captivity. However, it’s part of a larger sustainable biodiversification program designed to protect the establishment of animals that humans have otherwise hunted or harmed to the brink of extinction.

Some of the animals that the zoo is currently helping include:

• African Painted Dogs
• American Burying Beetle
• Asian Elephants
• Birds of the Pacific Islands
• Birds of the Galapagos Islands
• Chelonian (Tortoise)
• Congo Apes
• African Carnivores (Big Cats)
• And Much More!

Things to do at the Zoo

If you’ve been to any large zoo before, the experience at the St Louis Zoo won’t be dramatically different. But take note if you think that the whole point is walking around and looking for animals or watching the apes make obscene gestures–I promise there’s more to it for your open to experiencing everything the zoo has to offer.

At the St Louis Zoo, you’ll find:

• Animal Exhibits Featuring 14k+ Animals from All Walks of Life (Free Admission)
• 4D Theater Featuring Family-Friendly Titles (Tickets are $4.95 each)
• A Caoursel Featuring the Many Different Animals of the Zoo ($2.95 pp, 2&U Free)
• Animatronic Dinosaurs (Seasonal)
• Sea Lion Show (Seasonal) ($3.95 pp, 2&U Free)
• Stingray Petting (Seasonal) ($3.95 pp, 2&U Free + $1 per Cup for Food)
• 20-Minute Narrarated Train Ride ($7.95 all day access)
• A Handful of Themed Gift Shops Located Throughout the Zoo
• Multiple On-Site Dining Options
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours

What to Know Before You Go

Did you know that the zoo is open year round? With the exception of a few major holidays like Christmas and New Years, and inclement weather–the animals are open to receiving company in all four seasons.

That’s funny to me because I’ve only ever considered heading to the zoo in the heat of summer (I suppose it has something to do with associating most of the animals with deserts and rainforests where it is naturally warm.)

Here are a few tips for timing your visit:

• Arrive Early: Most animals seem to be most active in the mornings. By midday, you’ll find the snoozing and lounging, leading to disappointment if you’re there to see them play.
• Day After a Major Holiday: We’ve had plenty of luck visiting attractions like zoos on the after a major holiday like Labor Day or Thanksgiving. It seems that everyone else is doing something else, giving zoo patrons the freedom to roam without the crowds.
• Winter is A-OK: The winter in St Louis, Missouri can be unpredictable. It gets cold and snows heavily, but it also offers plenty of moderate temps and enjoyable, but cool days suitable for spending time outdoors (with layers). Some activities will be seasonal (closed until April), but if you really want to see the animals, a nice day in the winter will provide a better experience than the hot stretch of summer.

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