https://www.stlzoo.org/visit/my-stl-visit?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI77_29d2P5AIVwhd9Ch1IA
What a fantastic zoo. Picture a park-like setting. If you really look at the zoo map, it resembles a shoe! The best part, entry into the zoo is FREE. There are a few things in the zoo that are not free. If you have a membership with your home zoo you might be eligible for some perks at a visiting zoo. Since Zoom Zoom and I have a zoo membership to the San Antonio Zoo we were able to get a package deal for the price of one. The package included; a 4 D movie, a train ride, a carousal ride, and the Sea Lion Show. We felt like we got our monies’ worth.
Going in the zoo it’s a must to plan your route. Even though we got there early and left at 5:00 when they closed we still didn’t see the whole zoo! We only had one day in our itinerary to see the zoo! We always hit the giraffes first, for obvious reasons! They are my most favorite animal. I love their beautiful eyes, their ears, the little horns that stick out of the top of their heads, their patterned spots, their long blue tinted tongues, and their long necks! Then all other animals after that are gravy!
These photos are of the giraffes. Zoom Zoom took 99% of the photos on this trip. He has an amazing camera. His camera zooms in close so he can get some excellent shots!
A fun place in the zoo is the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove. This experience is not free and not part of the package we purchased when we entered the zoo. The tickets cost $3.95 a person unless you are there the first hour the zoo is open, then it is free!
There are signs up as you are waiting in line letting you know how to “pet” the sting rays and sharks. Palms down and let them come to you. If you happen to be there during feeding time, you can purchase food to give them, too for $1.00 a cup.
The tank is 20″ deep and holds 17,000 gallons of water. The stingrays and sharks have a special resting place if they get tired of all the petting. There are several interpreters and docents around if you have any questions or need help feeding the stingrays.
As you exit the experience they are smart just like a lot of amusement parks. You exit into a gift shop! “Mommy I want…” “Daddy, Pleeeeease!!!!” “AHHHHHHHHH!” insert kicking and screaming child! Yes, this is a grat marking scheme!
Just outside the gift shop is a hand washing station. Thank goodness, I didn’t want stingray whiff on me until I could find a bathroom!
We made a stop at the hippos, Jessica’ favorite animal. I don’t think any exhibit will ever beat Fiona in Cincinnati.
We found the Grizzly Bears and the “Trainer Talk.” There were 3 trainers at this talk. They were feeding the grizzly bear fruit kabobs. Honestly I can’t remember anything the trainers talked about! The bear was too darn cute, behind the thick wire and bars, eating the fruit off of the kabobs.
If you go to the St. Louis Zoo you really need to visit the Penguin House! All you need to do is reach out and you would be able to touch a penguin, although you know not to! Continue through the penguin display and you come upon the Puffins! Oh my goodness, the are so cute up close. While we were in Canada we saw them from the boat tours and they mostly looked like tiny black dots!
We came back later to listen to the Trainer Talk about the Humboldt Penguins. This trainer was extremely passionate about is job!
