history of the saint louis zoo
A Zoo is Born
There's more to the Zoo's beginning than the 1904 World's Fair Flight Cage. The Zoo's beginning was made official with the formation of the Zoological Society of St. Louis in 1910.
Putting on a Show
George Vierheller, the Zoo's first director, set out to attract international attention to the Saint Louis Zoo through the animal shows, newsreels and more. That tradition has continued throughout the Zoo's history, with animal stars and Zoo staff alike garnering worldwide acclaim.
Going Wild
The 1970s to the present represents a great time of change for the Zoo, maybe the greatest in our history. This era gave us a campaign to gain tax support from the city and county residents, award-winning exhibit renovations and unprecedented growth in the Zoo's education and conservation efforts.
Historical Photographs
Step back in time with these historical photographs.
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Famous Faces Slideshow
Explore Now
Past Leadership
| George P. Vierheller 1922-1962 | Richard D. Schultz 1975-1982 |
| R. Marlin Perkins 1962-1970 | Charles H. Hoessle Zoo Director – 1982-2002 Director Emeritus – 2002-present |
| William J. Hoff 1970-1973 | Dr. William J. Boever Director & COO 2002-2007 |
| Robert T. Briggs 1973-1975 | Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D. Dana Brown President & CEO – 2002-2021 President Emeritus – 2021-present |