While it may not be #1, it is certainly one of the best zoos in America. What I still find mind-boggling is that it is free admssion and yet has better exhibits than the majority of paid-admission zoos. Also, the book they put out for their centenniel - titled Animals Always - is a very worthwhile read (with lots of good photos).
All their exhibits are basically donations, if you look behind almost every single one in River's Edge, you can find a rock that shows the donator's name on it.
They are very lucky indeed (or maybe just smart marketers) to be able to attract those kind of large donations.
A tree kangaroo and a red kangaroo were born recently. Baby kangaroos on display at St. Louis Zoo - AP State Wire News - The Sacramento Bee
Some info on the new Sea Lion Sound. I worked a little on the project, mostly on concept within the master plan finished about 5 years ago now. Here is a write up with some photos and an interview with the construction administrator from PGAV. Enjoy! St. Louis Zoo’s “Sea Lion Sound” Designing Zoos
Has anyone been to the zoo since Sea Lion Sound has opened? I did not realize it opened this summer until I went on their facebook page today. It looks really nice. I love the underwater tunnel. I am so glad zoos are getting more innovative with the tunnels and featuring more animals besides sharks, fish, and polar bears.
I have been to there since and it is quite an experience. First you have a viewing of the while length of the exhibit. Then as you walk along it a path leads you into a long tube of crystal clear water as the sea lions and seals pass over you. And as you leave there is a large picture on the wall where 'holigraphic looking' sea lions dive through the water as you pass it.
I just read this article - really bizarre. I guess all the drama at a zoo does not necessarily revolve around the animals.
Hellbender Captive Breeding of Three Populations. Hellbender Captive Breeding of Three Populations :: Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis Zoo Dreams Of A Future Interesting report on town meeting with neighbors to float future plans for zoo expansion: Boutique hotel, aquarium, Ferris wheel for Saint Louis Zoo? : Stltoday
They aren't - the exhibit is great. The "bashing" is all about the presence of EEHV in the herd and that one of their cows has been carrying a dead calf in utero for a few years.
2012 set an all-time attendance record for SLZ. Saint Louis Zoo sets attendance record in 2012 | ksdk.com
The information regarding Sri's retained fetus has not been made public. She miscarried in the late stages of her pregnancy in November of 2005. Being the esteemed institution it is I highly doubt stl zoo would allow Sri to carry that calf for seven years. Leading me to assume the calf was either surgically removed or eventually passed naturally. EEHV1 plagued the second female calf, Jade, up until 2009. Maliha the first female calf showed symptoms for several months. But due to revolutionary diagnostic tests and treatment the calves are doing fine, andthe 2011 calf, Kenzi has not contracted the virus. Those are the two points ARA's usually cite in their displeasure with the zoo. They are also against elephant breeding in general and Ellie is expecting another female calf in spring of next year. A new 1 acre forested, densely planted yard opened this year. The elephant manager is a coordinator for the Asian elephant ssp and a chair on the international elephant foundation. If anything the elephant program is one of the most progressive in the country, and has been for over a decade. Animal rights activist's complaints truly have no grounds.
That is a highly impressive statistic, as with almost 3.5 million visitors that makes Saint Louis the 3rd most popular zoo in the United States. I have a list of the 36 zoos that receive a minimum of one million annual visitors and only Disney's Animal Kingdom and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (both theme parks) now surpass Saint Louis. Approximate Annual Attendance: 36 Zoos Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 9.5 million Busch Gardens Tampa – 4.3 million Saint Louis Zoo – 3.5 million (free zoo) San Diego Zoo – 3.3 million Lincoln Park Zoo – 3 million (free zoo) Columbus Zoo – 2.4 million National Zoo – 2.3 million (free zoo) Brookfield Zoo – 2.3 million Como Park Zoo – 2.2 million (free zoo) Bronx Zoo – 2.1 million Denver Zoo – 2 million Houston Zoo – 1.8 million Oregon Zoo – 1.6 million Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – 1.6 million Los Angeles Zoo – 1.6 million Phoenix Zoo – 1.4 million Cincinnati Zoo – 1.4 million San Diego Zoo Safari Park – 1.3 million Minnesota Zoo – 1.3 million Milwaukee Zoo – 1.3 million Philadelphia Zoo – 1.3 million Cleveland Zoo – 1.3 million Detroit Zoo – 1.2 million Rio Grande Zoo – 1.2 million Woodland Park Zoo – 1.2 million Indianapolis Zoo – 1.1 million Central Park Zoo – 1.1 million (on only 6 acres!) Lowry Park Zoo – 1.1 million Memphis Zoo – 1.1 million Fort Worth Zoo – 1 million Pittsburgh Zoo – 1 million San Antonio Zoo – 1 million Riverbanks Zoo – 1 million Utah’s Hogle Zoo – 1 million Toledo Zoo – 1 million Louisville Zoo – 1 million
