St. Louis, MO (Oct. 22, 2024) Construction is now underway at Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, the new experience for children and families targeted to open in 2026 at the Saint Louis Zoo. Today, the Zoo released a new, animated fly-through rendering video and updated images showcasing the planned experiences, attractions and animal habitats within Destination Discovery.
Groundbreaking
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 possible experience for guests. Some of these families helped with a groundbreaking at Destination Discovery in late August.
“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 Director Michael Macek.
Construction
Construction on the site of the former Emerson Dinoroarus and Emerson Children’s Zoo has included removal of some vegetation, grading, underground utility work and demolition of structures. The Zoo worked to preserve as many healthy native trees as possible, while recycling others for mulch and use in existing animal habitats.
Sustainability and green practices are central to the design and construction plans, with the goal of receiving certifications from Sustainable SITES Initiative (Green Business Certification Inc.) for landscaping and outdoor spaces, and LEED Gold certification (U.S. Green Building Council) for the education building. Other sustainable measures will include green infrastructure for stormwater management and replacing invasive plant species with nearly all native plants. Green roofs and dark-sky friendly exterior lighting will benefit local wildlife, and light-colored construction materials will reduce the urban heat island effect.
“Destination Discovery aims to spark curiosity and empathy in young children, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the incredible biodiversity sharing our planet. The buildings, habitats and landscapes are thoughtfully designed to make connections with nature and model solutions to environmental challenges,” said David McGuire, William Bernoudy Vice President of Architecture and Planning and Chief Architect, Saint Louis Zoo.
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.
Active fundraising is underway to support this project. To learn how you can support the Zoo, contact donations@stlzoo.org or (314) 646-4691.
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.
Guest Experiences and Animals
This dynamic 2.8-acre area is designed with the youngest guests in mind, emphasizing close-up encounters with animals in an immersive, kinetic and hands-on learning environment for guests of all abilities. The following are some of the major experiences (subject to change) within Destination Discovery.
Animals and Us Building
Guests will start their adventure with an immersive, walk-through projection experience, which transitions them from an urban environment through a Missouri forest and prairie, setting the stage for their day of exploration at Destination Discovery. The imagery will change throughout the year, reflecting how wildlife experience the seasons.
Underground Cities
The Underground Cities habitats allow up-close encounters with ground-dwelling species, showcasing how these animals, like humans, live in communities.
Prairie dogs — The prairie dog habitat will be fun and enriching for animals and guests. While the black-tailed prairie dogs create their own underground tunnels and pathways, guests can make their way through human-sized tunnels and "pop up" into the animal habitat for nose-to-nose views. In the dig zone, guests can also dig their own tunnels alongside the prairie dog town.
Patagonian mara (pronounced mah-rah) — This medium-sized, rabbit-like rodent native to Argentina is closely related to the guinea pig and capybara. Guests may see the care teams interacting with these animals in an area that doubles as an outdoor classroom space for educational programs.
Freshwater Wilderness
Through interactive animal habitats and play spaces, guests will explore the importance of clean water for humans and animals alike.
North American river otters — Guests can spot North American river otters zooming by windows or swimming overhead through two acrylic water flumes above the walking path.
Chilean flamingo lagoon — These beautiful South American birds will be viewable up close, both above and below the lagoon’s surface. Guests will be able to see their unique adaptations and feeding methods.
Waterplay Area — A large splash pad will be home to whimsical animal sculptures and interactive water elements. Guests enjoying the water will have amazing views of the flamingos. In the winter, this area will transform into a snow playground, complete with a snow machine.
Forest Families
This area offers guests a great opportunity to learn about wild animals living in communities with people.
Coati — A treehouse-style habitat will offer a great view of the active, tree-dwelling coati (pronounced koh-waa-tee) native to Central and South America, Mexico and southernmost portions of the U.S.
Tasmanian devils — The immersive Tasmanian devil exhibit, one of only four devil exhibits in the U.S., will feature a climb-through “hobbit” house with up-close views of the animals in their habitat. High points in the habitat will provide the devils with a place to sunbathe and look over their home from above.
Babydoll sheep — A walk-through barn and spacious barnyards will be home to a flock of adorable sheep. Guests can meet keepers as they provide care for the animals.
Wildlife Overlook Boardwalk
The elevated boardwalk will offer sweeping views of the entire site and into the river otter and flamingo habitats. The boardwalk will be its own adventure with live presentations, surprise animal encounters and delightful interactive experience.
Climbing Structure
At this multi-level playscape with an invertebrate theme, young guests can climb into a huge monarch chrysalis, bounce on a supersized spiderweb, slide down a caterpillar slide and swing on a lacewing egg.
Animal Ambassadors
All the animals in the Zoo’s care are ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild. The ambassador animals in Destination Discovery will meet guests during surprise, up-close encounters and keeper chats. Some of the animals could include a prehensile-tailed porcupine, hawks, owls, toco toucans, a two-toed sloth, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Education Building
Educating children about the importance of animals and their environment is essential to building future conservationists. The Living World building at the Zoo’s North Entrance will be expanded and feature a new ADA-accessible, two-story addition dedicated to educational programming.
The second floor of this new space will be home to the nature-based Saint Louis Zoo Preschool, educational classes and other programs throughout the year. The new building will allow the Zoo to offer two full-day preschool classes for the first time.
The Discovery Center on the ground level will be an indoor play space where guests can learn about caring for and sharing with wildlife neighbors. The areas will include a maker’s space that will allow guests to create things to help wildlife, an animal pretend play zone, a nature exchange, a habitat building activity, a dedicated indoor animal encounter area and more.
Amenities
A gift shop and cafe will be located next to the water play area offering small snacks, guest essentials, souvenirs and eco-friendly items. Guests will also have access to changing rooms for waterplay and a drying booth. Lactation rooms and accessible restrooms will be found throughout.
Animals
Scroll to see some of the animals coming to Destination Discovery.
About the Saint Louis Zoo
Home to over 16,000 animals, representing nearly 500 species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo is the most-visited attraction in the region. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences. The Saint Louis Zoo and the other AZA-accredited institutions collectively dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation and education programs. For more information, visit stlzoo.org.
Media
Media may contact pr@stlzoo.org more information, images and interviews. See pressroom for additional contact details.