Endangered Species Day
Friday, May 15, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free for all guests
Learn about our efforts to conserve endangered species, both here at the Zoo and across the world. Find out what seemingly small actions can make a big difference. Speak to experts in animal care, research and more.
Featured Animals
Here are 13 animals that will be featured at Endangered Species Day:
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Red Panda
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Humboldt Penguin
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Andean Marsupial Frog
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Komodo Dragon
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Monarch Butterfly
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Western Lowland Gorilla
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Black and White Ruffed Lemur
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Partula Snail
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African Painted Dog
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Chacoan Peccary
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Somali Wild Ass
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Grevy’s Zebra
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Banteng
Meet our Animal Care team for keeper chats*
| Station | Time | Animal | Location |
| 1 | 10 – 10:15 a.m. | Humboldt Penguin | The Wild |
| 2 | 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | African Painted Dog | River’s Edge |
| 3 | 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Western Lowland Gorilla | Jungle of the Apes |
| 4 | 10:45 – 11 a.m. | Chacoan Peccary | River’s Edge |
| 5 | 11 – 11:15 a.m. | Grevy’s Zebra | Red Rocks |
| 6 | 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Monarch Butterfly | Insectarium |
| 7 | 11:30 – 11:45 a.m. | Andean Marsupial Frog | Herpetarium |
| 8 | 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Komodo Dragon | Herpetarium |
| 9 | 1 – 1:15 p.m. | Red Panda | River’s Edge |
| 10 | 1:15 – 1:30 p.m. | Black and White Ruffed Lemur | Primate House |
| 11 | 1:30 – 1:45 p.m. | Partula Snail | Insectarium |
* Times are subject to change or cancellation without notice
Activities Map

Learn about endangered species from Zoo experts and enjoy family-friendly activities. Stations are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.*
| Station* | Activity |
| 1-6, 8-10 | Participate in education activities |
| 12 | Meet experts: Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute |
| 13 | Meet experts: Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine |
| 14 | Meet experts: Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park |
| 15 | Learn about the Zoo Parents Program |
| 16 | Have fun at the Bubble Bus |
Food and Beverage Specials
Enjoy the following items, available for purchase:
- Spicy Chipotle Lime Red Quinoa Bowl with Fire-Roasted Vegetables (Lakeside Cafe)
- Cheetah Chicken Sandwich with Fries (Cafe Kudu)
- “Monarch’s Mango Dream” – a Strawberry Mango Drink with Coconut Milk and Mango Cold Foam (Starbucks)
- Smoked Portabella Mushroom Burger (River Camp Cafe)
- "Red Panda Sundae" – Chocolate, Vanilla Swirl Ice Cream Topped with Chocolate and Raspberry Sauce, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry on Top (Ice Cream Oasis)
Want to help endangered animals before the event?
- Bring a wish list item to Endangered Species Day! There are several enrichment items we’ve included that benefit our animals’ well-being. We’ll have gift drop-offs at both Zoo entrances.
- Check out some easy animal-friendly actions you can do as part of your daily routine. Our actions and purchases can make a difference for wildlife and their habitats around the world.