Safaris, giraffe feeding, an 11-story observation tower and glamping in luxury cabins are just some of the experiences that will be offered when the new Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park opens in 2027.
The zoo today announced a target opening date in five years for the new park in North St. Louis County, as well as a few more details regarding the animals and attractions that will be featured once it opens to the public.
The $230 million development in Spanish Lake rests on 245 acres, with funding coming from several sources, including philanthropy and external financing proceeds, in addition to existing and future zoo and Saint Louis Zoo Association cash reserves.
The zoo also revealed that animals will begin arriving at the site next year for pilot pasture. These may include giraffes, gazelles, white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, roan antelopes, addax, Przewalski’s horses, waterbucks and more.
“There are a lot of complexities associated with building a large zoological park like this. The enormity and importance – size and scope – are incredible,” said Jo-Elle Mogerman, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park director. “Understandably, the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues – including long lead times of up to one year for key materials like steel, wood and fencing – have slowed down many aspects of the process; however, we still were able to continue with our planning as well as our biodiversity studies. We want to do this right so that it’s sustainable for generations to come.”
The animals will come from other accredited facilities, and since it takes time to build appropriate animal social groups, the first animals will be welcomed into the park next year and the number of animals and species will gradually increase, according to Wildcare Park general curator Martha Fischer.
“For the public opening, we’re primarily focusing on endangered ungulates – hoofed mammals – as well as birds and other threatened species,” Fischer said, adding that animals selected for the park are ones that will thrive in Missouri’s variable seasonal climate and coexist with the native wildlife. “We have chosen species that will benefit the most from large living spaces. Giraffes, white rhinos and all of the equid/horse species have large natural ranges in the wild, so providing these species with large spaces at WildCare Park will allow them to display the full array of their natural behaviors.”
The zoo has also selected species that are priorities for its field conservation programs, such as birds, reptiles and amphibians.
The Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center, made possible by the generosity of the Jerry and Judy Kent family, will be on site, dedicated to sustaining endangered and threatened species. The center includes 61 acres of secluded conservation area with pastures and barns for endangered ungulates (hoofed animals), as well as endangered species such as Grevy’s zebra, bongo, Somali wild ass and more.
Guest adventures in the works feature experiences such as two 30-minute safaris from a vehicle that seats 30 to 40 passengers. A Woodland Safari comprises of viewing animals like white rhinos, antelopes and ostriches on a 63-acre habitat. A Savanna Safari on 101 acres features approximately 100 animals, including a herd of giraffes, banteng, greater kudu and more.
There is also a walking safari experience; a “zooseum,” an interactive zoo-museum-science center; nature adventure areas; giraffe feeding, which will have guests at head height to giraffes; an 11-story high safari observation tower; glamping overnight in one of 10 private luxury cabins; and premium safaris in an open-air truck for up to 12 guests. An on-site restaurant and event center are also planned.
For now, only St. Louis County residents will be able to experience WildCare Park admission-free, following the passage of Prop Z in 2018 that allowed for development and operations support of WildCare Park, while expanding educational programs for children and addressing aging zoo infrastructure issues. Included with admission are Woodland Safari, Savanna Safari, the walking safari, the nature adventure area and the zooseum.
Admission prices for guests outside of St. Louis County, as well as costs for the paid experiences and details pertaining to membership benefits will be announced at a later date.
