Zoo species survival plan in St. Louis, Missouri

Dana Brown Lords of the Forest is a renowned zoo located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The institution is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of Asian elephants, the largest living animals on land. Asian elephants, despite being smaller than their African counterparts, can still reach heights of 7 to 12 feet and weigh between 6,600 and 11,000 pounds. These majestic creatures are known for their unique adaptations such as their trunks, which are used for feeding, drinking, and various behaviors, and their tusks, which are actually enlarged upper teeth that grow throughout their lives. Unfortunately, Asian elephants are at a very high risk of extinction in the wild, with only around 50,000 left due to habitat loss and destruction.

Red Panda is an institution located at Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. This institution is dedicated to the conservation and protection of red pandas, who make their home in mountain forests and bamboo thickets. The red pandas are mainly active at night and spend their days sleeping in trees to avoid predators. Red pandas are solitary creatures, except during breeding season when they come together. The expectant mother creates a birthing den and usually gives birth to two babies per litter. The young pandas stay with their mother for at least 18 months before becoming independent.

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.

Takin is an institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The takin, a relative of the musk ox, is an antelope-like goat that resides in the dense bamboo forests of China. These animals live in herds and are primarily threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. The Sichuan Takin's population is declining in the wild, making them at risk of extinction. The Saint Louis Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan for Sichuan takin, a breeding program aimed at ensuring a healthy population of these animals. They also support them in Red Rocks at the Zoo, where visitors can observe powerful predators like lions and tigers coexisting with graceful prey such as zebra and giraffes. With natural rocky boulders and shading trees, Red Rocks offers a unique wildlife experience at the Saint Louis Zoo.

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.

Okapi is a fascinating institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. These mysterious and elusive creatures, often referred to as "African unicorns," were not discovered by western science until 1901 due to their secretive nature. Okapis live in the lush rainforest, blending in with their surroundings with their dark striped coats and keen hearing to detect predators. Unfortunately, the okapi faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat destruction and hunting for meat. The Saint Louis Zoo is actively involved in the Okapi Species Survival Plan and supports conservation efforts through the WildCare Institute in partnership with the Okapi Conservation Project. At Red Rocks, visitors can witness a unique habitat where powerful predators like lions and tigers coexist with graceful prey such as zebra and giraffes. With shady trees and a variety of wildlife, Red Rocks offers a memorable experience at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Hippo Harbor is an institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The institution focuses on educating visitors about the unique characteristics and importance of hippos in their ecosystems. Hippos, with their aquatic lifestyle, have adapted features such as eyes and ears on top of their head, nostrils that close when submerged, and a protective pink "slime" on their skin. Despite their buoyancy and ability to hold their breath for five minutes, hippos cannot swim and instead bounce off submerged surfaces. Hippos play a crucial role in their ecosystems, creating paths for other animals, maintaining grazing grounds, and providing nutrients for fish through their dung. Unfortunately, hippos face a high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and the ivory trade. The Saint Louis Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan for river hippos, working with other zoos to ensure the survival of the species.

Giraffe is an institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The institution focuses on giraffes, highlighting their unique characteristics such as their long necks, great eyesight, and protective nature towards their young. Giraffes are known for their tall stature, with adult males reaching heights of 16 to 18 feet and females slightly smaller at 14 to 16 feet. Due to their height, they have minimal competition for food and are able to spot predators from afar. Giraffes have a gestation period of about 14 months and typically give birth to one calf, although twins are rare. Mother giraffes are affectionate and protective towards their offspring, forming nursery groups with other mothers and calves. The Reticulated Giraffe population is declining, with the species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Bergess Family Elephant Springs is a conservation institution located at 1 Government Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. This institution focuses on the preservation and protection of Asian elephants, which are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss and destruction. Asian elephants are the largest living animals on land, with the biggest brains in the animal kingdom. They form close, long-lasting social bonds and are known for their unique adaptations such as their trunks and tusks. The trunk, which is essentially their upper lip and nose extended to the ground, is used for feeding, drinking, greeting, and swimming. The tusks, which are two enlarged upper teeth that grow throughout their lives, are well-known features of these magnificent creatures.

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.