Construction on the Saint Louis Zoo’s new $40-million attraction, Destination Discovery, is set to begin next year at the site of the former Emerson Children’s Zoo.
Destination Discovery, made possible by a $15-million lead gift from the Henry A. Jubel Foundation, will have “animal adventures at every turn” throughout 2.8 acres. The site is the current home of the Dinoroarus exhibit, which will close Nov. 5.
Among the experiences planned for Destination Discovery are close-up, immersive, hands-on and accessible learning encounters for the zoo’s youngest visitors and their families.
“Guests, young and young at heart, will have the opportunity to explore the underground tunnels dug by prairie dogs, splash alongside flamingos, and walk through an aviary,” said Michael Macek, Saint Louis Zoo director. “Guests will learn all about animals being part of families and communities just like us.”
Live animal habitats will be integrated into the highly interactive multi-media experience spaces, such as a network of treehouses connected by overhead tunnels that will take guests into the home of tree-dwelling coati (pronounced koh-waa-tee), native to Central and South America, Mexico and southernmost portions of the U.S.
A walk-through aviary will bring guests close to java finches, where they have an opportunity to feed the birds using seed sticks.
An immersive Tasmanian devil exhibit, one of only three in the country, will feature a climb-through tree trunk with a wildlife underpass, allowing the animals to reach both sides of the habitat and offering visitors the opportunity to learn about wild animals living in communities with people.
In addition, an Underground Cities habitat will allow very close encounters with friendly, approachable animals like the prairie dog, Patagonian mara – a large rabbit-like rodent native to Argentina – and alpaca. There will also be a Freshwater Wilderness area where guests will find otters, Chilean flamingos and more.
An education building, covered dining area and other food, beverage and retail stations are also in the works.
Work on Destination Discovery is expected to begin in 2024, with a target public opening date in 2026.
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