Animals Aglow
presented by Wells Fargo
Select nights, March 13 to May 17, 2026
Sensory-Friendly Nights: March 29 and April 8
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Closing Times: Wednesday and Thursday: 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10 p.m.;
Sunday: 9:30 p.m. (through April 30), 10 p.m. (in May); Closed Monday and Tuesday
Walk around the Saint Louis Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of all new towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. You’re sure to enjoy this celebration of culture and art!
This event was created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China.
TICKET PRICING:
(Pricing for ages 2+. Free for children ages 0-23 months.)
Note: Only tickets purchased directly from the Saint Louis Zoo (in person, over the phone or online) are valid. Tickets are not available for resale.
🏮Peak Night Pricing
- Member - $21.95
- Non-Member - $24.95
🏮Non-Peak Night Pricing
- Member - $17.95
- Non-Member - $20.95
🏮Sensory-Friendly Nights
- Member - $17.95
- Non-Member - $20.95
Tickets are valid only for the day and time noted. High demand is expected, and popular dates may sell out quickly. Tickets are nontransferable. Tickets are nonrefundable, except in the case of event cancellation. If you have questions, please contact Guest Relations at guestrelations@stlzoo.org or at (314) 646-4797, option #2.
Parking
Parking is available on the North* and South Lots; parking is included with admission after 6 p.m. (as available).
*The North Lot is under construction and will have limited parking spots available. While parking for the event is free, lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and may reach capacity. If lots are full, street parking within the boundaries of Forest Park is also available for free.
Arrival
When you’re ready to enter the event, have your ticket barcode ready to be scanned. Guests will have their barcode scanned from their print-at-home ticket or scanned digitally from their smartphone.
Please note that the Zoo has a security screening system, called the Evolv system, at both the North and South Entrances. This security screening system is designed to detect concealed weapons as guests enter the Zoo. For everyone’s safety, guests with large bags, strollers, wagons, soft-sided coolers, wheelchairs, backpacks and purses may be directed by a security attendant to a bag-search after passing through the automatic detection system.
We will begin scanning tickets and security screenings as close to 6 p.m. as possible.
Lanterns and Entertainment
See dozens of new, hand-constructed lantern displays illuminated by thousands of LED lights around the Zoo. Plus, enjoy nightly Chinese cultural performances.
Note: For your safety, please do not cross marked barriers, nor climb on or touch the lanterns.
Zoo Experiences
Conservation Carousel, open nightly
- $2: Zoo Member
- $3: Non-Member
Zooline Railroad, running Fridays through Sundays (weather permitting)
- $4: Zoo Member
- $5: Non-Member
Wild Explorer VR Experience, open nightly
Shows playing: "Dinosaur Evolution," "Gorilla Trek," "Shark Dive," "The Great Migration," "Flight of the Mantas," and "Dolphins of the Reef"
- $5 for all guests (ticket covers one show)
Note: Daytime tickets and Adventure Passes are not valid during Animals Aglow. Animals will not be viewable, and no animal buildings will be open during this event.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no timed entry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Last entry is 30 minutes prior to the posted event end time.
Parking is available on the North and South Lots.*
While parking for the event is free, lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and may reach capacity. If lots are full, limited street parking within the boundaries of Forest Park also is available for free.
Free event parking for the event begins at 6 p.m.
*A portion of the North lot is under construction; parking spaces will be limited.
Last regular entry to the Zoo on Animal Aglow days is 4:30 p.m. The Zoo closes to the public at 5 p.m. daily (all pathways, restaurants, exhibits and attractions will no longer be open.) Doors will re-open at 6:30 p.m. for the event.*
Daytime Zoo guests who are planning to attend Animals Aglow will need to exit the Zoo and have their event tickets scanned for re-entry to the event.
*Due to the use of the Evolv security screening system, the Zoo will do its best to pre-screen and pre-scan guests and their tickets beginning at 6 p.m. at both entrances.
Buying tickets online is the best option as the Zoo may experience high call volumes.
For those unable to access the Zoo’s website, please call (314) 646-4797, option #2, to speak with a representative. Lines are staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Zoo's wheelchair, stroller and ECV rental fees apply for this event.
Yes, groups of 15 or more may receive a discounted rate on tickets when purchased and paid for at least eight days prior to the visit date.
To purchase group tickets, please call (314) 646-4781.
Inclement weather with precipitation or high winds may hinder some displays from working correctly. We apologize for any inconvenience.
In case of a cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the Zoo will update its website and social media by 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Ticket holders also will receive an email. (If no guest alert has been posted by 4 p.m., the event will continue as planned.)
For any issues related to online ticket purchases, please call (314) 646-4797, option #2, or email guestrelations@stlzoo.org. A Zoo representative will follow up with you as soon as possible.
Yes, on the dates that Animals Aglow is held (Wednesdays through Sundays through May 17), the Zoo's daytime hours will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Zoo will be open for its regular daytime hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.
In partnership with
Thank you to our sponsors!
Wells Fargo
Coca-Cola
Mid America Chevy Dealers