For generations of St. Louis families, visiting the Saint Louis Zoo has been a cherished childhood tradition: summer days spent with beloved animals, repeated train rides, melting ice cream cones, and annual family photos taken in the same beloved locations.
The zoo is now ready to welcome a new generation to this legacy through the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, an entirely redesigned family destination.
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“Destination Discovery represents my commitment to engaging St. Louis’s next generation,” explains Dwight Scott, Dana Brown President and CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo. “I’ve been moved by the community’s stories about creating special memories here with loved ones. Our goal is to build those same lasting experiences for future families.”
Destination Discovery replaces the previous Emerson Children’s Zoo and represents much more than a simple update. Zoo officials describe it as a fundamental reimagining of what a zoo experience for children can offer—centered on discovery, physical activity, interactive education, and direct engagement with animals and zoo professionals.
“This is nothing like the children’s zoo previous generations knew,” notes Michael Macek, executive director of the Saint Louis Zoo. “It’s been completely redesigned from the ground up.”
Visitors will discover an experience that resembles an interactive nature-based playground rather than conventional exhibit spaces.
“Families will find themselves in an adventurous setting,” Macek explains, “with plenty of hands-on opportunities for children—digging, climbing, and making discoveries.”
The experience will showcase prairie dogs, North American river otters, Chilean flamingos, white-nosed coatis, and Babydoll sheep, all presented in interactive spaces built to foster exploration and animal connection.
One of the most thrilling attractions is an extraordinary otter habitat that’s never been seen before at the zoo.
“Visitors will walk through North American river otter habitats where water channels allow them to observe otters swimming directly overhead,” Scott explains.
Another major highlight will allow visitors to hand-feed flamingos—a rare opportunity at most zoos.
“We’re working to develop experiences that St. Louis hasn’t encountered before,” Scott states.
Macek feels the flamingo area will rank among the nation’s finest attractions.
“We’ve created some truly original animal interactions, including what may become the nation’s most distinctive flamingo habitat,” he notes.
However, Destination Discovery goes beyond simple entertainment. The development was informed by studies on childhood development and early nature experiences.
“A crucial period in child development occurs between ages 2 and 10, when children build compassion and environmental awareness,” Macek notes. “Destination Discovery advances our mission by fostering children’s empathy toward animals and nature during this vital window.”
This philosophy shaped every phase of planning. In 2021, zoo officials engaged with St. Louis families to learn what children sought from the space.
“Families emphasized the importance of hands-on activities,” Macek shares. “Kids also showed strong curiosity about family and community structures in animals and how we can protect wildlife in our local areas.”
The feedback also highlighted another key interest: children wanted to learn how to help animals in their own lives.
“The experience will include guidance on how families can support wildlife at home through backyard habitats and conservation practices,” Macek adds.
Educational programming will be essential to the new facility. Destination Discovery includes a larger preschool building and more classroom areas for children ages 3 to 5, enabling the zoo to expand its successful program that currently serves thousands of neighborhood families.
“Our preschool has operated successfully for over a decade,” Macek says, “and this expansion will allow us to triple our class capacity.”
Environmental responsibility will be central to the design. The development will incorporate indigenous vegetation, stormwater management systems, vegetated roofs, and photovoltaic arrays, with the buildings targeting LEED accreditation.
“Our messaging throughout emphasizes the importance of nature,” Macek says, “not only for wildlife, but for our wellbeing and planetary health.”
This forward-thinking approach is fueling a comprehensive fundraising initiative supporting both Destination Discovery and the zoo’s upcoming WildCare Park in northern St. Louis County, opening in 2027. “We’re unveiling the public phase of our fundraising campaign this week, inviting our community to help us realize these exciting initiatives,” Scott announces. “With strong community tax support, our zoo maintains its world-class status. This campaign’s philanthropic support enables us to expand and build innovative experiences.”
The fundraising goal stands at $170 million, with zoo leadership reporting that $152 million has been pledged through combined public and private commitments. “The Saint Louis Zoo holds a special place in our community’s heart, and we’re profoundly grateful for this backing,” Scott says. “We’re inviting the public to participate and make these dreams reality.”
For St. Louis families, this reopening carries deep personal significance. The previous Children’s Zoo closure during the pandemic ended a treasured tradition that had shaped countless childhoods.
“Closing the Emerson Children’s Zoo as the pandemic began was one of my most challenging professional decisions,” Macek recalls. “Initially, we planned to reopen the existing location, but as circumstances evolved, we understood this was the moment for complete reimagining.”
Building work is approaching its final stages, though officials acknowledge additional work extends beyond construction itself.
“Building completion is expected by year’s end, with opening to follow promptly,” Scott says. “We must also ensure the animals acclimate appropriately to their new homes.”
Despite the delays, Macek feels the outcome justifies the wait.
“For countless St. Louis families, childhood zoo visits began with the children’s zoo or comparable experiences,” he reflects. “After five years without this, I’m thrilled to restore this beloved community institution.”
