Education

Education Department Mission: To nurture respect for animals and their habitats and to promote conservation action by providing educational opportunities and experiences.

The Saint Louis Zoo's educational services are an integral part of the institution's commitment to conservation. Since the 1960s, the Zoo has offered engaging programs, exhibits and materials that educate our community about wildlife, help visitors feel more connected to animals, and motivate them to take action to preserve the natural world.

Tens of thousands of school children and adults attend our classroom presentations, Zoo tours, overnights, and outreach programs each school year. Summer and weekend programs for all ages bring the excitement of learning about wildlife to St. Louis area residents. Loan materials like hands-on kits, videos and activity books -- available through our Library and Teacher Resource Center -- help area educators integrate conservation education into their classroom curriculum. Teacher workshops provide training in science and conservation education, and in a variety of zoological topics, as well as information on how to use the Zoo as an educational resource.

Zoo visitors will find opportunities to learn in every corner of the campus, from educational signs and interactives, to encounters with theatrical interpreters. And of course, just watching our animals is an educational experience unto itself.

Animal Information Hotline

There's one fun service of the Education Department that you can access from home: our Animal Information Hotline.

Do you have a question about an animal? Are you doing research on an animal species for school? Want to know what type of snake you saw in your yard? What to do about a baby bird you found on the ground? How to control animal pests?

Whatever your animal question, you can call the Saint Louis Zoo’s Animal Information Hotline for personalized answers: (314) 646-4549. We take calls Monday through Friday. If we don't answer, leave a message and we’ll get back to you soon!

On Becoming a Zookeeper

If you're seriously interested in knowing what it takes to be a zookeeper, it's never too early to start preparing. Visit So You Want to be a Zookeeper? to find out how to prepare for a career in zoos, aquaria, and other wildlife organizations.