Rules and Policies

• 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.
• The Zoo is tobacco- and smoke-free. The use of these products, including e-cigarettes, within Zoo grounds is prohibited.
• The Zoo encourages guests 21 years of age or older who consume alcohol to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Alcohol is prohibited from being brought into the Zoo. Guests must be 21 years of age or older (valid state-issued driver’s license with photo or state-issued identification card with photo required) to purchase alcoholic beverages.
• Coolers and picnic baskets are permitted on the Zoo grounds. (Glass bottles are prohibited.) There are picnic areas located in central areas at the Zoo.
• Family-friendly attire is required (no profanity or graphic images). Shirt and shoes must be worn. Swimsuits are prohibited.
• Wearing a costume for guests 14 and older is prohibited, with the exception of Zoo-sponsored events such as Boo at the Zoo. Costume masks are not permitted for guests 14 and older.
• 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.).
• The Zoo may take photographs, video, and audio of you and your party during your visit to the Zoo and the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. By entering these areas, you consent to the recording activities and agree that the Zoo may, without compensation, reproduce, edit, distribute, perform, display, and use the photos, videos, and audio for both internal and public publications, marketing, advertising, and promotional purposes, including on the Zoo website, social media channels, broadcasts, and webcasts.
• Distribution of any advertisement, circular or handbill, products, or solicitation of funds or pledges of contributions within Zoo property is prohibited.
• Personal video and photography are permitted, provided they don't interrupt the visitor experience for others.
• Student/commercial filming must be approved by the Zoo's Public Relations Department in advance.
• Strollers and other personal belongings are left unattended at the owner's risk.
• Tickets and wristbands are nonrefundable. The Zoo is not responsible for refunding purchases in the event of inclement weather, attraction wait times, early closing times or special events.

Prohibited Items

The following are prohibited:

• The use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
• Dogs or other pets. Service animals are permitted, except in the Cypress Swamp (1904 Flight Cage) and Bird House. A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
• Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted inside the Zoo.
• Outside alcohol. Guests of legal drinking age can purchase alcoholic beverages inside the Zoo.
• Feeding the animals
• Entering non-public areas
• Running on the pathways
• Glass bottles
• Firearms and weapons (even if you have a concealed carry endorsement). See definition of “weapon.”
• Balloons
• Bicycles (racks are available at entrances)
• Segways and hoverboards
• Skates, skateboards, roller blades or scooters
• Loud radios
• Lasers
• Drones
• Wearing a costume if over the age of 13
• Props