WHAT: The Saint Louis Zoo has been named #1 zoo by Zagat Survey's U.S. Family Travel Guide in association with Parenting magazine. The Zoo is home to more than 22,805 exotic animals, many of them rare and endangered. These 800 species represent the major continents and biomes of the world. Set in the rolling hills, lakes and glades of Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is always a great place to be. ATTENDANCE: One of the top attended zoos in the nation, 3,000,000 people visit each year. ADMISSION: Admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is free to all. There are fees for Zooline Railroad, Sea Lion Show, Children's Zoo, Conservation Carousel, Wild Adventure simulator, 3-D movie and Zoo parking lots. The Conservation Carousel and Children's Zoo are free the first hour the Zoo is open. Limited street parking is available for free. ZOO HOURS: The Zoo is open year round, except December 25 and January 1. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Non-summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 2007 closings and holiday hours:
June 15, 2007 -- Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (early closing for ZOOFARI)
July 25, 2007 -- Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early closing for Jammin' at the Zoo)
August 22, 2007 -- Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early closing for Jammin' at the Zoo)
November 22, 2007 (Thanksgiving Day) -- Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 24, 2007 (Christmas Eve) -- Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 25, 2007 (Christmas Day) -- Closed
December 31, 2007 (New Year's Eve) -- Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
January 1, 2008 (New Year's Day) -- Closed HIGHLIGHTS: - "Animals Always" the largest sculpture at any public zoo in the U.S.
- Fragile Forest, an outdoor habitat for chimpanzees, orangutans and lowland gorillas
- Unique Penguin & Puffin Coast has Humboldt, rockhopper, gentoo and king penguins from the Southern Hemisphere, along with horned and tufted puffins from the Northern Hemisphere
- Cypress Swamp showcases native birds and habitats in the 1904 Flight Cage
- Conservation Carousel, 64 beautiful hand-carved wooden animal figures
- River's Edge, a lush spacious home for Asian elephants, hippos (with underwater viewing), cheetahs, black rhinos, warthogs, spotted hyenas, bush dogs, colorful carmine bee-eater birds and more
- The Insectarium includes 100 species of live insects, interactive exhibits, a geodesic dome for butterflies
- The Children's Zoo with an acrylic slide through the otter pool, water geysers, a play area and close-up animal encounters
- The Living World, a state-of-the art education center, where 150 species of live animals are combined with dozens of computers, videos and interactive exhibits
- Big Cat Country, home of powerful predators including Amur tigers, African lions, Amur leopards, snow leopards, jaguars and cougars
SIZE: 90 acres LOCATION: In Forest Park, in the heart of metropolitan St. Louis. Close to US 40/I-64, I-44. Accessible from MetroBus and MetroLink RARE AND ENDANGERED ANIMALS: Sichuan takin, okapi, babirusa, tuatara, Speke's gazelle, Verreaux's sifaka, golden-headed lion tamarin, Marianas fruit dove, Amur leopard, white-headed duck, hooded crane, Chinese alligator, and Chinese giant salamander are just some of the rare animals on exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo. CONSERVATION: In 2004, the Saint Louis Zoo launched its WildCare Institute to further numerous wildlife conservation projects around the world. The Zoo partners with other zoos, universities, field biologists and government agencies to develop a holistic approach: wildlife recovery and management, studies of nutrition, reproduction, health and behavior, community development and conservation education. EDUCATION: More than 200,000 people - children, adults, families, school groups, seniors and the disabled - take part in Zoo programs and presentations each year. Classes, overnights, lectures, senior nights, outreach and other programs reach a wide variety of interests and ages. ORIGIN: Impetus to formation of the Zoo was the popularity of the 1904 World's Fair Bird Cage in Forest Park, the largest free-flight aviary in the world and still an attraction at the Zoo. In 1916 the citizens of St. Louis voted a tax for construction of the Saint Louis Zoo. Through the years the community continues to support the Zoo, with a third of the Zoo's budget coming from property taxes in St. Louis City and County, a third from food service, gift shops and parking lots, and a third from private donations, corporations, foundations and membership. Over 1,000 active volunteers provide more than 70,000 hours of service each year. GUEST SERVICES: Zoo grounds, exhibits and most restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers may be rented at either entrance. Restaurants, snack carts and gift shops are available. GROUP SALES: Groups of 15 or more may enjoy guided tours and discounted rates for special attractions, food and beverages. The Living World, Lakeside Cafe, River Camp and the Event Tent are available as rental facilities for corporate meetings, wedding receptions, birthday parties and more. INFORMATION: (314) 781-0900; 1-800-966-8877 (toll-free) WEB SITE: www.stlzoo.org MEDIA ASSISTANCE:
Janet Powell, Director of Public Relations
E-mail: pr@stlzoo.org
Direct: (314) 646-4633
Zoo: (314) 781-0900, ext 4633
Fax: (314) 646-5532 Christy Childs, Public Relations Coordinator
E-mail: pr@stlzoo.org
Direct: (314) 646-4639
Phone: (314) 781-0900, ext. 4639
Fax: (314) 646-5532 Joanna Bender, Public Relations Assistant
E-mail: pr@stlzoo.org
Direct: (314) 646-4703
Zoo: (314) 781-0900, ext. 4703
Fax: (314) 646-5532
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