The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park grew from a walk-through aviary built for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, which local residents purchased to begin a permanent zoo. Public support shaped its development early, with land set aside in Forest Park and voters approving a dedicated construction tax in 1916, helping establish free general admission. Over the twentieth century it expanded with landmark buildings, themed habitats, and educational spaces while building a reputation for animal management, conservation, and research. National recognition, conservation partnerships, and plans for the large Wildcare Park campus have reinforced its place as one of St. Louis’s most prominent public institutions.

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University City, Missouri · USA