Animal Happy Hours
The Saint Louis Zoo’s Animal Happy Hours are back for 2026! Sip specially crafted cocktails and immerse yourself in the up-close sights and sounds of the animal's habitat. As hors d'oeuvres are served, our animal experts will answer your questions during an in-depth chat. We’ve added even more surprises for the new year to make these after-hours evenings even more unforgettable!
Happy Hours are for adults 21+ only. Each Happy Hour will have 30* spots available.
SOLD OUT!
Cocktails for Conservation: WildCare Park Happy Hours
SOLD OUT!
WHEN: Thursday, June 4 🍸 6-7:30 p.m. | Friday, July 24 🥂 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park (12385 Larimore Road, St. Louis, MO 63138)
Time to get a little wild!
Join us for an exclusive evening at Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park where guests are invited to enjoy "Cocktails for Conservation."
WildCare Park is a world-class safari park and conservation center set to open in 2027 on 425 acres near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
Get a sneak peek behind the scenes with unique access to this park in progress. Join our Tours Team as we gather at dusk on a deck overlooking the conservation pastures. Here, herds of hoofstock are contributing to their populations and saving their species through conservation breeding programs. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about plans for the park, as well as the animals that already call this beautiful landscape home, while sipping classic cocktails among friends.
More Happy Hours
coming up at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Trunks and Tequila
**SOLD OUT**
WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2026 🥃 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: River’s Edge Trail elephant habitat
Enjoy cocktails with the Saint Louis Zoo’s elephant family at this evening event in River’s Edge! Guests are invited to learn about the unique pachyderm personalities that call the Zoo home during a talk from a Zoo elephant expert. Elephants may rely on their “ear-conditioning” to cool down, but guests can beat the heat with a signature tequila cocktail served alongside hors d’oeuvres as they mix and mingle in the gathering dusk. Themed attire and “elfies” are encouraged!
All guests must be 21+ to attend. We cannot specify in advance which individual elephants will be part of this Happy Hour.
Kocktails with a Komodo
**SOLD OUT**
WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2026 🍸 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium Komodo dragon habitat
Meet Charlie, the star of the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium! Charlie is the Zoo’s new Komodo dragon and the latest resident of the Herpetarium’s newly refurbished solarium habitat. If you haven’t yet been charmed by our dragon, the Kocktails with a Komodo Happy Hour is the perfect chance to make his acquaintance. Enjoy a signature drink and hors d’oeuvres as a reptile expert shares the fascinating lore and life science of this remarkable species. Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world, and Charlie is the first to live in St. Louis in more than 12 years. Cheers to Charlie!
All guests must be 21+ to attend.
Floats with a Bloat
**SOLD OUT**
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 🦛 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: River’s Edge Trail hippo habitat
We all know what goes into a boozy float. But what exactly is a bloat? A bloat is the word used to describe a group of hippos! Guests are invited to cool off with an ice-cold concoction alongside the Zoo’s own hippo bloat. Meet the ladies — Mashavu, Kiboko and Tombi — of our hippo family. This terrific trio will show off their tremendous size and toothy smiles as they tiptoe through their watery home. A Zoo hippo expert will share a talk about these massive mammals, followed by an enrichment demonstration that’s sure to make a splash!
All guests must be 21+ to attend.
Palomas with Penguins
**SOLD OUT**
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 🐧 5:30 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Penguin & Puffin Coast Humboldt Habitat
Penguins aren’t always all about ice and snow. In fact, Humboldt penguins hail from South America, where the weather is often warm. Join us as we gather outside with the Zoo’s Humboldt colony! While our penguins dive and dip in our outdoor habitat, guests will toast to the end of summer with palomas, served alongside hors d'oeuvres. Waddle you waiting for? Come and join us!
All guests must be 21+ to attend.
See all our events!
View our events calendar for a full list of all upcoming Saint Louis Zoo events. You can also sign up for our events newsletter here!