Saint Louis Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri is one of the most visited free zoos in the world, drawing more than three million visitors annually to its 90-acre grounds inside Forest Park. Founded in 1904 as a legacy of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the zoo houses approximately 14,000 animals representing 500 species across naturalistic habitats designed to reflect each animal's native environment. The River's Edge exhibit re-creates an African and Asian river ecosystem, housing hippos, cheetahs, Asian elephants, and black rhinos along a winding path. The Penguin and Puffin Coast exhibit offers underwater viewing windows where visitors watch African penguins and Atlantic puffins swimming at eye level. The Big Cat Country habitat provides elevated viewing platforms and close-range encounters with lions, tigers, and jaguars. The Children's Zoo section features a stingray touch pool, sea lions, and a farmstead area well-suited to younger visitors. Most animals are most active during morning hours before heat builds — a 9am or 8am (summer) arrival gives the best opportunity to see animals moving and feeding. The zoo maintains an active conservation research program and participates in more than 30 Species Survival Plan breeding programs. Paid experiences including the historic carousel, the miniature railroad, and seasonal exhibits such as ZooLights (November–January) supplement the free general admission. The on-site café and multiple concession stands provide food and drink, and the grounds include shaded seating areas throughout. Weekday visits in spring and fall are the most comfortable; summer weekend afternoons draw the largest crowds and the highest temperatures.