Absolutely the best zoo! Incredible habitats for the animals. The penguin exhibit is so cool! Never realized how vocal penguins are :) Very easy to spend all day.
The St. Louis zoo is definitely worth a visit if you're in town. It's free to enter - parking in the adjacent lot is $15 or you can try your luck with street parking if you get there early or are fine searching. We didn't do any of the paid attractions and still thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything from polar bears to big cats to apes to butterflies that you'd expect to see, organized in sections that are sensible.
We walked around for a few hours and had seen most of it then meandered out through the gift shop which has a great selection for all ages.
The zoo is free and amazing what can be done with tax payer dollars. I really enjoyed the zoo this time. It was the second time for me in 5 years. This time the zoo was decorated for zoo boo. It was so well done. Every area was decorated with such enthusiasm! Job well done staff.
The Saint Louis Zoo is considered to be one of the best in the country. With such a high prestige it is amazing that the admission is free and is highly praised for so.
Where most people pay for parking there is free parking on the north side on the streets of Forest Park. The spots near the zoo fill up fast. If you arrive more than an hour after opening it will be a long walk to the entrance.
During the first hour of operation all of the premium attractions except for the train are free of charge. This is the perfect time to do the stingray encounter as well as the carousel and children's zoo section.
The zoo does have many historic buildings including the reptile, monkey, and animal houses that are truely unique. I do think though that the big cat area could be upgraded.
Newer exhibits are designed very well and promotes unique viewing angles and experiences. These experiences include the penguin exhibit and the sea lion exhibit. I was not able to see the sea lion show since it was only shown on the weekends when I went.
Overall this is a beautiful zoo that is heavily invested and relies on the community in a positive way. This is a must do experience for every person visiting the area.
although ther is no charge to visit the zoo and there are plents of animals its just not my thing to see them in captivity. i understand that it is required as so many spieces are becoming extinct to it is educational. The day we visted it was very hot and this meant the animals were in shaded or cool areas so not very visible
