In 1983, the citizens of St. Louis city and county agreed to raise the Zoo/Museum District tax, demonstrating their interest, enjoyment and support for the world-class Saint Louis Zoo.
Jungle of the Apes opened in late spring of 1986. This facility was built on the site of the previous Ape House and chimp arena. Here visitors walk through a simulated tropical forest to view orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas behind glass, amidst gunite trees and rockwork and a backdrop of scenic painted murals depicting the natural habitats of these rare apes. The large outdoor gorilla exhibit, opened the following spring, includes a 30-foot cascading waterfall.
That same year, the Marlin Perkins Plaza was dedicated. The plaza next to Big Cat Country contains a bust of the past director and a frieze depicting his lifelong relationship with animals.
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