Located in Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo is considered to be the leader in the field of animal management, conservation, education and research.  The birth of the zoo can be traced back to the St. Louis World Fair held in 1904, where a walk through bird exhibit was put on display by the Smithsonian Institute. Following the conclusion of the fair, the citizens of St. Louis decided to buy the exhibit rather than return it to the Smithsonian heralding the formation of the city’s zoo.
 
In subsequent years the zoo has grown in size and also in the variety of specimens it house. Today it is home to thousands of species over its 77 acres. Upon entering the zoo you will see the River Edge exhibit, this enclosure is divided according to the different geographical locations the animals originated from. You’ll find exotic and rare animals from South America, the African Savannah, the Nile Delta, Asia and North America.

The Children’s Zoo is a great favorite among visitors; see the look of wonder on the faces of children as they marvel at Mole rats and pet bunnies. This educational and interactive exhibit is designed to help children understand the value of nature. Among animals that can be seen up close in this section are various types of amphibians, meerkats, Fennec foxes, tree kangaroos and otters.
 
The St. Louis Zoo also preserves a part of its own heritage at the Historic Hill enclosure. Visitors can stroll through the oldest parts of the zoo built in the 1920’s and even see the original walk in bird cage of 1904. Some modern exhibits here are the Bird House, Primate House and the Herpetarium. The Sea Lion Arena where these magnificent marine animals show off their skills is located in this area; daily shows are conducted here during the summer months.
 
Located just three miles away, the Millennium Hotel St. Louis is a hotel near the St. Louis Zoo that offers the best St. Louis hotel accommodations to each of its guests.