Henry A. Jubel Foundation
Destination Discovery
The Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery is a dynamic 2.8-acre area that is designed with the youngest guests in mind. It emphasizes close-up encounters with animals in an immersive, kinetic and hands-on learning environment for guests of all abilities.
This new experience for children and families is targeted to open at the Saint Louis Zoo in 2026.
Zoo members may use their member benefits for free admission to Destination Discovery. Additional details pertaining to admission costs will be available closer to opening in 2026.
Get Ready to Explore
The following are some of the major experiences within Destination Discovery.
-
New Conservation Education Building
This 15,000-square-foot facility will expand programs like the Second Nature Zoo Preschool and Camp KangaZoo, provide a dedicated space for year-round educational programming, and debut the Nature Nook — an engaging environment for hands-on learning and exploration.
-
Underground Cities Neighborhood
Guests will encounter black-tailed prairie dogs in an immersive habitat that mirrors their underground communities. Guests can crawl through human-sized tunnels for views of these social animals. Nearby, the Children’s Dig Zone offers a sand-based playground where kids can build their own prairie dog habitats.
-
Freshwater Wilderness Neighborhood
North American river otters can be seen enjoying a large aquatic habitat that features deep and shallow pools, natural land areas, and acrylic flumes that let them swim right above guests. Nearby, a Chilean flamingo habitat offers both above- and below-water viewing, revealing the birds’ feeding behaviors.
-
Splash Pad and Family Plaza
Sure to be a favorite, the expanded nature-themed splash pad offers a lively space for families to play, laugh and cool off. Overlooking the Chilean flamingo lagoon, this area connects fun and discovery, with an adjacent cafe and retail plaza, providing a spot to relax and recharge.
-
Forest Families Neighborhood
Guests can discover how animal families live, work and play together. The journey begins with views of coati, tree-climbing relatives of the raccoon. Nearby, babydoll sheep make their debut in a whimsical habitat featuring pastures and a keeper-play area for children. This space emphasizes the bond between domestic and wild animals and their importance in healthy ecosystems.
-
Treetop Heights
This area invites guests to experience Destination Discovery from above. This elevated boardwalk and invertebrate-inspired climbing structure combine adventure and education, offering interactive play at every turn. As kids climb, jump and explore, they’ll also engage with Zoo educators and animal care experts at hands-on learning stations.
A Meaningful Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for Destination Discovery kicked off on Aug. 29, 2024, and some special guests were in attendance: children who helped the Zoo team in the exhibit-planning process. Through a series of engagement sessions with the Zoo, children and families from diverse backgrounds and abilities helped determine what themes, activities and features would create the best experience for guests.
“Input from the community was invaluable in developing plans for this new, dynamic experience for all ages and abilities. Through play, interactive exhibits and adventures that are engaging, educational and empowering, we hope to engender empathy for animals and nature and inspire the next generation of conservationists,” said Saint Louis Zoo Executive Director Michael Macek.
Generous Donation
The Zoo announced in May 2023 the generous $15 million lead gift from the Henry A. Jubel Foundation. Development of Destination Discovery now is estimated to cost approximately $51 million, with funding coming from a variety of sources, including philanthropy.
“The Saint Louis Zoo has always been a special place for my family, and we are honored to be able to help the Zoo create a new experience for kids and families at Destination Discovery. We know this fun and engaging facility will create many new memories for guests to our cherished Zoo,” said Melissa Jubel Markwort, Executive Director, Henry A. Jubel Foundation.
Help Bring Destination Discovery to Life
Active fundraising is underway to support this project. To learn how you can support the Zoo, contact donations@stlzoo.org or (314) 646-4691.
News and Announcements
November 2025: Chilean flamingos move into private habitat at the Bird House
Look at these chicks grow. Our resident Chilean flamingos aren’t so little anymore!
This flamboyance continues to grow behind the scenes and recently moved into a private habitat at the Bird House where they will stay until their new home at Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery is ready. We’re still waiting for their signature pink feathers to grow out, but excited to see the chicks burst into color very soon!
November 2025: Bobcat Lyla joins Destination Discovery Ambassador Animal Team
Meet our newest furry friend Lyla! This female bobcat kitten was surrendered to the Zoo from an illegal pet situation. Because of human action, Lyla can no longer live on her own in the wild. Now she’s making her home at the Zoo!
Lyla is settling in behind the scenes, receiving expert care from our professional keepers. She will make her debut in 2026 as part of our Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery ambassador animal team.
Bobcats like Lyla are native to Missouri and can be easily confused with housecats. Remember: Wild animals are not pets. This species has complex needs that cannot be met in a home.
October 2025: Chilean flamingos hatch at Saint Louis Zoo
Earlier this summer, the Zoo welcomed a group of Chilean flamingo eggs from Zoo Atlanta. Now, the chicks have finally hatched and we’re obsessed! Chilean flamingos will be part of the Ambassador Animal Team at Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery. The chicks are being cared for in a private bird area behind the scenes until their new home is ready in 2026.
September 2025: Chilean flamingos join the Destination Discovery flock
Earlier this summer, Saint Louis Zoo staff traveled to Zoo Atlanta to collect a group of Chilean flamingo eggs. These birds are the newest members of our Ambassador Animal Team for Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery!
The chicks have already started to hatch and will be cared for in a private, behind-the-scenes bird area until their new home is ready. A huge “thank you” to Zoo Atlanta for partnering with us to bring this new flamingo species to Saint Louis. Watch this short video to learn more about chicks' journey from Atlanta to Saint Louis.
July 2025: The Destination Discovery Ambassador Animal Team is hard at work
Preparations are well underway for a growing team of ambassador animals for Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery. These animals will help ignite guests’ empathy and passion for wildlife through up-close encounters.
Destination Discovery keepers said, “These animals need to be comfortable not only participating in their husbandry and welfare but also training alongside keepers in front of guests in a variety of locations, which can take a lot of time. One of the best aspects of our job is finding out how to curate what best suits our animals’ skills, while giving them a prominent voice in their care and training.”
Keepers train these ambassador animals by building strong and trusting relationships, communicating through cues and body language and giving the animals a choice in training activities.
July 2025: Spotted! Blondie and Piper making appearances in River’s Edge
Blondie, a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, and Piper, a prehensile-tailed porcupine, can sometimes be spotted hanging out in River's Edge. The “treehouse” habitat was built just for them as a temporary home while their permanent residence is under construction at Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery.
Blondie will be in River's Edge often, weather permitting. Piper will make occasional appearances with her care team until she is more comfortable being on her own.
Swing by this summer for a chance to spot these tree-loving animals before they make the move!
October 2024: Destination Discovery sneak peek takes guests into the new experience for children and families
We're excited to share this sneak peek of Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, the new experience for children and families targeted to open in 2026 at Saint Louis Zoo!
This animated, fly-through rendering showcases the planned experiences, attractions and animal habitats in store for guests.
Construction is already underway on the site of the former Emerson Dinoroarus and Emerson Children’s Zoo!