Have you ever wondered how the Zoo maintains such a diverse collection of animals and keeps them so healthy? How do we treat a giraffe vs. a tiny frog? And how do we care for animals threatened with extinction or with other specific needs? Meet with our vet staff to learn some of the innovative and unique ways they treat the Zoo’s animals.

Number of guests:
Minimum of eight; maximum of 20

Duration:
45-60 minutes

Age Requirements:
High School age and up

Offered Monday through Friday only

Please note that while all of The Zoo's public spaces and guest amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas visited through our tour program may not be.

The Vet Hospital Tour is a fully accessible tour. If there are any physical, cognitive or behavioral considerations within your group, please call the Tour Agents at (314) 646-4840 so our staff can be prepared to make appropriate accommodations.

Semiprivate Polar or Grizzly Bear Training Panel Keeper Chat

Meet the Zoo’s “big bears” like you’ve never seen them before! This specialty option gives groups the opportunity to experience a bear training session at one of our two interactive training panel walls. Guests will work with Zoo staff to choose between a chat at Grizzly Ridge or Polar Bear Point to “meet” either Huckleberry and Finley, our sibling grizzlies, or Kali, our 1,200-pound polar bear. You'll learn what makes these bears uniquely intelligent and powerful, and find out how keepers train the animals to participate in their own care.

Note that — although your group will have access to a VIP area — this is not a private chat. Other Zoo guests may approach and listen or ask questions.

As our bears are given autonomy, we cannot guarantee the length of time each animal will spend visiting at the training panels. However, your group will always be given access to a Zoo expert for the full 30 minutes.

These tours are conducted outdoors. Please be prepared for weather.

Number of guests:
Minimum of 10; maximum of 30

Duration:
30 minutes

Age Requirements:
Ages 12 and up

Please note that while all of The Zoo's public spaces and guest amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas visited through our tour program may not be.

The Interactive Wall is a fully accessible tour. If there are any physical, cognitive or behavioral considerations within your group, please call the Tour Agents at (314) 646-4840 so our staff can be prepared to make appropriate accommodations.

"Healthy Animals, Healthy People" is the motto of our Animal Nutrition Center and Institute for Conservation Medicine. Learn how our staff nutritionist researches and determines the nutritional needs of each animal at the Zoo.

Number of Guests:
Minimum of eight; maximum of 20

Duration:
45 minutes

Age Requirements:
High School age and up

Offered Monday through Friday only

Please note that while all of The Zoo's public spaces and guest amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas visited through our tour program may not be.

The Animal Nutrition Center Tour is a fully accessible tour. If there are any physical, cognitive or behavioral considerations within your group, please call the Tour Agents at (314) 646-4840 so our staff can be prepared to make appropriate accommodations.

Ever wonder how admission to the Saint Louis Zoo has remained free for over 100 years? Our business operations play a big part! See how Zoo professionals manage a non-profit organization and keep the Zoo thriving year-round. You'll learn how all operations — from attractions like the Emerson Zooline Railroad to programs like Zoo memberships — play an important role in supporting our timeless institution.

Number of Guests:
Minimum of eight; maximum of 20

Duration:
90 minutes

Age Requirements:
High School age and up

From hippos to hellbenders, the Saint Louis Zoo needs a lot of water for animal habitats and other needs on Zoo grounds. This tour will show you how we wisely manage our water supply, and how the Zoo conserves water whenever possible. You'll go behind the scenes to popular habitats like McDonnell Polar Bear Point and Sea Lion Sound to see the Zoo's water system in action. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of water conservation for people and animals.

This tour does involve several flights of stairs in an underground area and is not recommended for anyone with accessibility needs.

Number of Guests:
Minimum of eight; maximum of 20

Duration:
60 minutes

Age Requirements:
High School age and up

Sustainability is the core of our organization, and the Saint Louis Zoo works hard to preserve our planet's natural resources. Take a peek at how the Zoo continues to "go green." Learn about our recycling and composting efforts. You'll also see solar panels and electric vehicle chargers installed at the Zoo to help save electricity.

Number of Guests:
Minimum of eight; maximum of 20

Duration:
60 minutes

Age Requirements:
High School age and up

Have you ever seen an elephant ear? How about a Bengal tiger canna? Let our expert horticulture staff guide you on a fascinating and educational walking tour. Experience the flora in the River's Edge immersion exhibit and take in the beauty of colorful annuals and trees at the Zoo.

Number of Guests:
Minimum of five; maximum of 20

Age Requirements:
High School age and up

Meeting Times:
Offered Monday through Friday, June through October at 8:30 a.m.