Hours
The Zoo is open every day except December 25 and January 1.
Winter Hours:
- Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please check the calendar below for the hours on the day of your visit.
*During Boo at the Zoo and Wild Lights, the Zoo will close to the public at 4 p.m. each night (all pathways, exhibits, and attractions will no longer be open.) Doors will re-open at 5:30 p.m. for the event. Zoo visitors who are planning to attend the same day may receive a sticker (with purchase of event ticket) from a Welcome Desk before 4 p.m. which will allow them to stay on grounds until the event begins. At 4 p.m., security personnel will be asking all guests to move toward the center of the Zoo where Lakeside Cafe will remain open for refreshments.
What's Happening at the Zoo?
Prices
Admission to the Zoo is free; however, there are fees for some attractions.
| Attraction |
Price | Included with the Adventure Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Lion Show | $3.95 per person | Yes* | Children under 2 are free. (Seasonal) |
| Children's Zoo | $3.95 per person | Yes | Free admission the first hour the Zoo is open. Children under 2 are free. |
| Conservation Carousel | $2.95 per person | Yes | Free admission during first hour ride is operating. Children under 2 are free. All other persons require admission. All proceeds support the Saint Louis Zoo's conservation programs. |
| Stingrays at Caribbean Cove | $3.95 per person | Yes* | Free admission the first hour the Zoo is open. Children under 2 are free. (Seasonal) |
| Zooline Railroad | $7.95 per person | Yes | Includes all day on-off privileges. Children under 2 are free. |
| 4-D Theater | $3.95/members $4.95/non-members | Yes | Children under 2 are free. All other persons require admission. |
| Safari Tours | $5 per person | No | (Seasonal) |
| Wild Wonder Outpost | $2/members; $3/non-members |
No | Discovery room. |
Attractions are weather dependent and subject to change.
Please note that during winter operating hours, attractions may not operate based on schedules. Forecast temperatures must reach the mid 50’s with no precipitation to allow for safe operation of the carousel, railroad and 4D Theater.
*Stingrays at Caribbean Cove and the First Bank Sea Lion Show are seasonal.
Adventure Passes
Enjoy a full day at the Zoo with all the amenities with the Adventure Pass!
Visitor Tips
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Animal buildings typically open beginning the first hour of operation (9-10 a.m. in off-season; 8-9 a.m. in summer). Our keepers work very hard to have animals in outdoor displays by 9 a.m. Due to husbandry concerns beyond our control, there may be times certain animals are not on display or certain animal buildings are closed to the public. You may occasionally see keepers working in an animal habitat. This is a great opportunity to ask our keepers about their work and the animals in their care!
Some of the animals are more active in the cooler hours of early morning and early evening. Occasionally, some animals may need to turn in early.
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The current schedule for divers cleaning the Sea Lion Sound pools is 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. one day per week. That scheduled day changes weekly. The exhibit is still open when divers are in the pools, and visitors are welcome to go through the tunnel. Visitors may or may not see sea lions at these times.
Winter at the Zoo
C'mon Inside!
What's there to see at the Zoo in winter? Plenty! Step inside warm climate-controlled buildings where you'll find hundreds of amazing animals and spectacular plant life. Tour tropical jungles, sandy beaches, a butterfly wonderland and much more at the Jungle of the Apes, Antelope House, Bird House, Children's Zoo, Herpetarium, Insectarium, and Primate House. Don’t forget to say hi to our frozen friends at Penguin & Puffin Coast!
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
See the winter-loving takins, grizzlies, river otters and sea lions. The Amur tigers, snow leopards, and camels have gorgeous new winter coats to show you. Ducks, geese and other waterfowl enjoy the cold months hanging out on the lakes. Visit the outdoor Antelope yards, Grizzly Ridge, Big Cat Country and Sea Lion Sound.
Winter Hours for Certain Amenities
The Living World and North Entrance will be available for visitors regardless of temperature as long as the Zoo is open. The Zoo is open daily year-round except Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
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The Emerson Zooline Railroad, Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel and 4D Theater operate weather permitting. They do not operate during inclement weather or low temperatures. Please check with a Welcome Desk on the day of your visit to see what attractions are open.
- Oct. 28 through Feb. 21, 2020 Cafe Kudu, the restaurant at The Living World, will be open only on weekends (weather permitting). Lakeside Cafe will be available every day the Zoo is open. The Chef's Daily Special will continue to be offered at the Lakeside Cafe.
- January 2 through February 28, 2020
- Monday-Thursday: The Wells Fargo Arrival Experience South Entrance Welcome Desk, Rentals, Safari Gift Shop will not be staffed if the temperature expected at 12 noon is below 50 degrees*.
- Friday-Sunday and holidays: The amenities listed above will not be staffed if the temperature expected at 12 noon is below 35 degrees*.
*These are general guidelines and are subject to change, especially for special and private events and other weather conditions.