Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to help you and provide the best experience at the Zoo!
Guests can contact Guest Relations by calling (314) 781-0900, option 2, or emailing GuestRelations@stlzoo.org.
Enhance your Visit
Get access to family fun activities at a reduced price and make the most out of your Zoo experience with Adventure Pass.
Members support wildlife, conservation and the Saint Louis Zoo. Join or renew today!
Make your visit unforgettable with a behind-the-scenes tour. Each tour provides the dramatic experience of seeing the Earth's wildlife up close.
Group Registration
Visiting with an organization such as a school, day care center or scout troop? Help the Zoo staff prepare for your visit!
Discounts for Groups of 15+
Groups of 15 guests or more can purchase Group Tickets to receive special discounts on Attraction Tickets, Meal Vouchers and Adventure Passes.
For more information, visit our Group Registration and Discounts page.
Before Your Visit
The Zoo is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all guests, staff and animals. The Zoo has its own security team made up of highly skilled and trained women and men who keep guests, staff and animals safe and keep the grounds secure 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Many of them have law enforcement backgrounds and the team must maintain certification requirements by both the State of Missouri and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Additionally, the Zoo has an explosives and weapons detection dog (“Speedy”).
New in fall 2024, there is a security screening system, called the Evolv system, at both the North and South Entrances. This new 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.
For a list of items allowed and prohibited during your Zoo visit, please click here.
Safety of Zoo guests, staff and animals is our highest priority. The Zoo is and should always be a safe place for everyone. On busy days, guests may experience some delay upon entry with the enhanced entry protocol. We understand this may be an inconvenience for some and we provide this information so that you may plan accordingly for your Zoo visit. This is the pilot phase of this new security screening system and as Zoo Security learns more, adjustments will be made. Guest cooperation is appreciated.
Yes, according to the manufacturer, the Evolv system is generally safe for individuals with medical devices like heart monitors, pacemakers, or other conditions. It uses non-invasive sensors, such as radio waves and advanced AI, instead of the stronger magnetic fields found in traditional metal detectors. However, if you have any concerns about passing through the system, our security team can provide alternative screening options to ensure your safety and comfort.
No. Guests do not need tickets or reservations to visit the Zoo. Learn more: Hours and Prices.
Check our parking prices and see directions to the Zoo on the Parking and Maps page.
Guests can check Hours and Prices to see what attractions and experiences will be open during their planned visit.
The address of the Zoo is 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. Learn more: Maps and Directions.
In addition to animals, rides and fun, dining at the Zoo is part of the experience! The Zoo has something for every taste and diet. Enjoy mouthwatering Midwest favorite eats as you wander the grounds. Learn more: Dining Options.
Entrance to the Zoo is free. Learn more about paid attractions: Hours and Prices.
The Zoo is open daily, year-round, but hours may vary. Closed on Jan. 1 and Dec. 25. See Hours and Prices for more information.
Yes! The Zoo is open daily, year-round. Our experiences and attractions are open throughout the year. Learn more: Hours and Prices.
Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. One adult chaperone is required for every 10 children (on field trips, etc.).
Guests may bring many items to the Zoo, including strollers, small wagons, picnic baskets, coolers, foods and drinks. Glass bottles and alcohol are prohibited. Check Rules and Regulations for a list of items that are prohibited for the safety and welfare of our animals and guests.
Yes. As a family-friendly cultural institution and for animal and guest safety and welfare, the Zoo has a number of rules, polices and prohibited items. Please check the Rules and Policies page for information.
The Zoo does not have mask requirements for guests. Please continue to be kind and considerate of others’ decision to wear or not wear masks.
During Your Visit
A current map of the Zoo can be found here.
Any Zoo employee would be happy to help you; however, there is a Guest Relations desk located in the center of the Zoo across from Lakeside Cafe.
The Adventure Pass is a one-day pass with admission to several attractions within the Zoo. Visit the Adventure Pass page for more information.
The Zoo is tobacco- and smoke-free. The use of these products, including e-cigarettes, within Zoo grounds is prohibited.
Our keepers work very hard to have animals in outdoor displays by 9 a.m. Due to husbandry concerns beyond our control, there may be times certain animals are not on display or certain animal buildings are closed to the public. In general, some of the animals are more active in the cooler hours of early morning and early evening.
In addition to animals, rides and fun, dining at the Zoo is part of the experience! The Zoo has something for every taste and diet. Enjoy mouthwatering Midwest favorite eats as you wander the grounds. Learn more: Dining Options.
You may bring your Zoovenir sipper cups!
Zoovenir sipper cups are refillable from year to year.
Refill pricing subject to change
Single, double and infant strollers are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wheelchairs and electronic convenience vehicles are also available for rent. Due to the popularity of these rentals, we are unable to guarantee availability. Learn more: Accessibility and Rentals.
Lockers are available to rent. Learn more: Accessibility and Rentals.
There is always something to do at the Zoo! Learn more about our events!
The Zoo's Lost and Found is located in Security at the South Entrance. Guests can contact the Zoo's Lost and Found by calling (314) 646-4527 during Zoo hours.
There are two lactation rooms at the Zoo. One is located in the lower rotunda of The Living World, and the other is located at The First Aid Station near the Conservation Carousel.
Guests can connect to the Zoo's free Wi-Fi. No password is required.
You can rent portable phone charging bricks from several locations inside the Zoo. Charging brick rental kiosks are available at the North Entrance, South Entrance, Lakeside Cafe and the Guest Relations Booth (while supplies last).
- Rental fee: $6 per 24 hours
($55 if not returned after seven days) - Issues with your charging brick? Contact Chargerent directly at (844) 624-2743.
Charitable Donation Requests
We are pleased to give back to the community by considering all charitable donation requests from organizations in the St. Louis area.
Please complete the Charitable Donation Request Form:
While each request receives careful consideration, we regret that we are unable to accommodate all of the organizations that merit our assistance. Due to the large number of requests we receive, allow at least 45 days for us to review and process your request. Phone solicitations will not be accepted.
Sincerely,
The Guest Experience Team
requestdonation@stlzoo.org
Membership
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Zoo membership will be valid for one year from the month of purchase. For example, if you joined November 13, 2020, your membership expires November 30, 2021.
Call the Membership Office, (314) 646-4771; option 2, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If we don't answer, leave a message, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. You may also email any questions to membership@stlzoo.org or visit the Welcome Desk located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo.
Your membership card should arrive 14 to 21 business days after you join. Membership purchases that are mailed will take a bit longer but we make every effort to expedite your membership.
Yes! If you have plans to visit the Zoo and wish to use your member benefits, simply join online. After your transaction is complete, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Please print the e-mail confirmation and bring it with you to the Zoo. Show your e-mail confirmation to the parking attendant to receive free parking (parking capacity is limited), and present your confirmation sheet to the staff at the Welcome Desk, located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo, to receive any attraction tickets needed for your visit that day.
Member Tickets are available to those at the Supporter, Zoo Young Professionals and Patron levels. Member Tickets can be used in any combination for the following attractions; Zooline Railroad, or Sea Lion Show.
Premium Member Tickets are only available to members at the Family/Grandparent, Loyalist, Ambassador, Sustainer, Conversationist and Marlin Perkins Society levels. Premium Member Tickets can be used in any combination for the following attractions; Zooline Railroad, Sea Lion Show, Conservation Carousel, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove or Winging It.
There are a number of different ways you can check your member benefits. The fastest and most convenient way is to set up an online account. When you set up an account, you can log in anytime to view your benefit balance, check your renewal date or renew your membership.
You only need to follow a few short steps:
- Log into the member portal at https://estore.stlzoo.org/SignIn.aspx
- Enter your email address and select "No, I'd like to register" and click the "Sign In" button
- When prompted to do so, enter your name, email address and membership number. Create your password and click "Create Account"
- Now you can check your benefits anytime. You can also find out your benefit balance by calling the Membership Office at (314)646-4771; option 2. Membership Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also email questions to membership@stlzoo.org or visit the Welcome Desk located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo.
No. Once you redeem your Member Tickets for printed tickets you may not exchange them. Member Tickets and Premium Member Tickets expire when your Membership expires.
Yes! You may renew here.
We encourage members to replace lost or stolen cards as soon as possible. There is a $5 fee for a replacement card. To order a new card, call the Membership Office at (314) 646-4771; option 2 or visit the Welcome Desk located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo.
Yes! First responders (police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians) and active and retired military personnel are eligible to receive $5 off the price of a membership up to the Conservationist level. This offer must be redeemed on-site at the North or South Welcome Desk. Valid ID must be shown to receive the discount. See a Welcome Desk representative for details and exclusions.
Check with your Human Resources Department to determine if your company offers a matching gift program.
No. Memberships are nontransferable and are intended for use by individual households only.
Occasionally, we request a photo ID to help protect members whose cards might have been lost or stolen.
Yes! The Saint Louis Zoo has a reciprocal agreement with many other AZA accredited zoos in the U.S. Your card entitles you to discounted or free admission to those participating reciprocal zoos. Please call ahead to participating AZA zoos to verify the discounts being offered.
Yes. Although the Saint Louis Zoo has free admission, if you're a member of a Reciprocal Zoo, you will be able to purchase up to (4) Adventure Passes for up to half price. These discounted Passes can only be purchased on-site at a Welcome Desk, located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo. You must present your active membership card from your reciprocal Zoo to receive this benefit.
Yes! Your membership may be considered a charitable contribution, except:
- Patron, Zoo Young Professionals, Family/Grandparent, Supporter: The entire gift may be considered a charitable contribution, except the retail value of the Zoo calendar ($5).
- Loyalist, Ambassador, Sustainer or Conservationist: Same consideration as a Patron, except the the value of Sunset Safari ($35/couple), if you attend.
- Marlin Perkins Society: Same consideration as a Supporter, except the value of the annual society dinner ($100/couple), if you attend.
Please consult your tax professional.
Yes! You may upgrade your Membership anytime that your Membership is active. Options vary depending on the length of time remaining on your membership. If you’re interested in upgrading your membership level, please call the Membership Office at (314) 646-4771; option 2 or visit a Welcome Desk, located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo.
Members at the Supporter, Zoo Young Professionals, Patron and Family/Grandparent levels receive one Membership card. Members at the Loyalist, Ambassador, Sustainer, Conservationist and Marlin Perkins Society receive 2 cards. The Zoo Membership cards are a plastic swipe card that automatically keeps track of your parking and Membership Tickets. Additional cards may be purchased for $5 by calling the Membership office at (314) 646-4771; option 2 or visit the Welcome Desk, located at both the North and South entrances at the Zoo.
No. Although free parking is one of your many Zoo benefits, unfortunately the parking lots may be full at times. In order to secure a parking space, we recommend arriving at the Zoo early. Parking is on a first come, first served basis.
You may stop by a Welcome Desk, located at both North and South entrances at the Zoo, or call the Membership Office at (314) 646-4771; option 2 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you are purchasing a membership gift certificate at the Welcome Desk, you may take the gift certificate with you that day or have it mailed to you. If you are purchasing any other level membership at the Welcome Desk or by phone, your gift certificate will be mailed to you. The gift recipient(s) will need to complete the form and mail it back to the Zoo to activate their membership.
Zoo Guest Studies
1. Send a brief description (one page or less) describing the research project rationale and what is requested of the Zoo to the director of our Conservation and Audience Research and Evaluation (CARE) department, Amy Niedbalski, niedbalski@stlzoo.org
2. If the CARE department agrees to facilitate the project, the PI will be notified and should continue to complete the Human Subjects Research Form found here.
3. The application package should be returned to Amy Niedbalski (niedbalski@stlzoo.org).
Proposal Review and Acceptance
All proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and usually require 2-4 weeks for approval. Once all relevant approvals are provided, the project may begin in coordination with either the relevant animal curator or the director of CARE.
Additional Notes
The Zoo does not review animal research proposals in November or December due to limited staff availability during the holiday season. External scientists are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any permits necessary to conduct their research and/or transport and receive biomaterials.