TOP 10 Best Large animal exhibits in St. Louis, Missouri

The South Parking Lot at the Saint Louis Zoo is a convenient parking facility located on Wells Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. This spacious parking lot offers easy access to the zoo, allowing visitors to park their vehicles safely and securely before enjoying a day of exploring the exhibits and attractions. With ample parking spaces available, visitors can rest assured that they will find a spot for their vehicle without any hassle. Whether you are visiting the zoo for a few hours or the entire day, the South Parking Lot provides a convenient and reliable parking option for your visit.

Turtle Playground, located at 6128 Tamm Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, is a unique tourist attraction featuring seven large turtles named Richard, Sally, Tom, Antonio, David, Adam, and Emily. The playground was donated to Forest Park by Sonya (Sunny) Glassberg in 1996 and is open daily from dawn until 10 p.m. The playground is owned by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Forest Park Forever, and was designed by the renowned sculptor and entrepreneur Bob Cassilly. Visitors can explore the various concrete turtles, including a snapping turtle, a soft-shelled turtle, and a red-eared slider, as well as a snake and serpent sculptures. The playful design and whimsical elements make Turtle Playground a must-see destination for families and tourists alike.

Big Cat Country at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri is a unique institution that features three large open yards for big cats, each with lush vegetation, boulders, and a pool. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 27-foot-high waterfall, providing a stunning backdrop for visitors. In addition to the large yards, there are four smaller viewing areas where visitors can observe and photograph the climbing cats up close. The educational graphics area in the center of Big Cat Country provides valuable information about the cats, their hunting abilities, and their role as predators in their ecosystems. Visitors can learn about the challenges facing these majestic animals in the wild and how they can help support conservation efforts.

Zoo North Parking is a convenient parking facility located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Situated near the popular St. Louis Zoo, this parking lot offers easy access for visitors looking to explore the zoo and surrounding attractions. With ample parking spaces and a convenient location, Zoo North Parking provides a hassle-free experience for those looking to enjoy a day out in the city. Whether you're visiting the zoo or simply exploring the area, Zoo North Parking is the perfect place to park your vehicle.

The Robert & Kathy Williams Sun Bear Forest, located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, is a unique institution dedicated to the conservation of the Malayan Sun Bear. These bears have large paws, long tongues, and sleek fur that help them thrive in their tropical environment. Unlike other bears, they do not hibernate and instead rely on a year-round diet of vegetation, fruits, insects, and small mammals. Unfortunately, the Malayan Sun Bear is at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss from deforestation and palm oil plantations. The Saint Louis Zoo is actively involved in the Species Survival Plan for the sun bears, working to ensure a healthy population of these animals. Visitors can learn more about the conservation efforts and support the sun bears at the Zoo.

Located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, the institution known as Black Rhino is dedicated to the conservation and protection of these majestic animals. Black rhinoceroses are imposing creatures, with large horns and keen senses of smell and hearing. They are semi-social and territorial animals, with females having overlapping ranges and males being solitary. Unfortunately, black rhinos face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild due to illegal poaching and habitat loss. The Saint Louis Zoo is actively working to protect rhinos through the WildCare Institute Center for Conservation in the Horn of Africa. They also participate in the Black Rhino Species Survival Plan to ensure a healthy population of these animals.

Zebra is an institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The institution is dedicated to the conservation and care of Grevy's zebras, the largest of the three zebra species. These majestic animals have distinctive features such as long heads, erect manes, and large, rounded ears. Grevy's zebras do not form permanent herds, but instead have strong social bonds between mares and their foals. The Saint Louis Zoo, where Zebra is located, has a history of breeding and caring for Grevy's zebras as part of the Species Survival Plan to help strengthen their population. The institution also works to save the species in the wild, particularly in the Horn of Africa, through conservation, research, and education programs. Visitors to Zebra can experience these beautiful animals up close, as well as observe other wildlife such as lions, tigers, and giraffes at the Red Rocks exhibit. Spend a day at Zebra and learn more about the important conservation efforts being made to protect Grevy's zebras.

Located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, the institution known as Flamingo is a haven for these unique and fascinating birds. Flamingos have evolved a variety of adaptations to help them thrive in their environment, from their elongated bodies and webbed feet to their specialized feeding habits. These social birds live in large colonies, where they breed, build nests, and raise their young together. The American flamingos at Flamingo can be found at the lake in The Wild, but they move to their off-display indoor home in the winter months. In addition to flamingos, visitors can also see a variety of other animals such as penguins, puffins, grizzly bears, gorillas, and chimpanzees. There are also fun activities to enjoy, like riding the Conservation Carousel or the Zooline Railroad, as well as gift shops and eateries to explore.

Welcome to Red Rocks Train Station, your gateway to adventure at the Emerson Zooline Railroad! Located at 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, our charming train station invites you to embark on a delightful 20-minute narrated tour that winds through tunnels and showcases some of the Zoo's most beloved animal exhibits. Since 1963, the Zooline Railroad has been a favorite attraction, enchanting over 39 million visitors with its scenic 1½-mile round trip. Designed with inclusivity in mind, our railroad is ADA accessible, offering ample space for passengers in wheelchairs and fold-down seats for their companions. We've also enhanced accessibility with ramps featuring lower slopes to ensure everyone can join the fun.

Addax is an institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The institution is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the addax antelope, a species well-suited for desert life. These large antelopes have white haircoats that reflect the desert sun and splayed hooves that make travel on sand easy. Addax rest during the hottest parts of the day and take shelter near bushes and rocks, often digging shallow holes in the cooler earth. Unfortunately, the addax faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to overhunting, political insecurity, and habitat disturbance from oil exploration. The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute’s Saharan Wildlife Recovery Center, in partnership with organizations like the Sahara Conservation, is working to save the addax from extinction. The institution also participates in the Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for the addax, a cooperative breeding program involving multiple zoos.

Welcome to Rivers Edge Station, your gateway to adventure at the heart of the St. Louis Zoo! Located at 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, our station is the starting point for the beloved Emerson Zooline Railroad. Hop aboard for a delightful 20-minute narrated journey that winds through tunnels and past some of the zoo's most iconic animal exhibits on a 1½-mile round trip. Since 1963, this cherished attraction has delighted more than 39 million visitors, making it a must-see experience for families and animal enthusiasts alike. The Zooline Railroad is proud to be fully ADA accessible, ensuring that all passengers, including those in wheelchairs, can enjoy the ride comfortably. Our train cars offer spacious areas for wheelchairs and fold-down seats for companions, along with newly installed ramps featuring lower slopes for easier access.