Mobility:
The St. Louis Zoo has many electric scooters at both the north and south entrances. They also have even more wheelchairs. This is good, because there are areas in the zoo that are flat, but some of the most popular exhibits (Big Cat Hill, Monkey House, and Bird House) are up a rather steep hill from the two entrances. Further, if you like herbivores and/or the Cypress Swamp and Flight Cage from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, then there are even more ups and downs. On busier days, they sometimes run out of the electric scooters.
Food and Drink:
The two main places to eat are the Cafe Kudu and Lakeside Cafe
Cafe Kudu:
The Cafe Kudu is at the North Entrance, it is probably the largest place to eat and also has the largest selection. The menu are selection has food for just about any diet, though I did not see specific listings for gluten free or dairy free.
Lakeside Cafe
The Lakeside Cafe is near the middle of the zoo. Near lunch time, it is often busy, especially on holidays and weekends. Their menu has a good selection for most diets, including a vegan burger. There is seating both inside and outside, though when busy the seats can fill up.
Other areas to eat and drink:
There are places scattered around the zoo for eating. Probably the third largest cafe is:
This is located at the end of the River’s Edge area, with a little more limited menu. The other places to eat provide a minimal fare, but have hotdogs, chips, and such, and of course various beverages. There are a few places scattered about the zoo that also sell things to drink and some sell ice cream. These places are not always open, though most will be open on spring and summer weekends and holidays.
Lastly, for those like me that enjoy a good cup of coffee, just out side the Lakeside Cafe there is a Starbucks!
Souvenirs:
There are several places throughout the zoo to buy souvenirs. The largest two gift shops are at the North and South Entrances. At the North Entrance the gift shop is next to the Cafe Kudu is the largest souvenir shop, with the second largest is located right next to the exit at the South Entrance. There are smaller gift shops scattered throughout the zoo, but like the smaller places to eat and drink, these are not always open.
The souvenirs include books, toys, stuffed animals, souvenir cups, drinking glasses, water bottles, and shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts. The largest two gift shops also have more sophisticated gifts such as items made by artisans.
Also scattered throughout the zoo are the “Penny Crushers”, these are great, cheap souvenirs. They are also a way for people to get a souvenir of their favorite animal. Penny Crushers are often located just outside major exhibits. For example you can get a penguin just outside the Penguin Cove.
At the North Entrance you can adopt an animal. Each year they have a new adoption. The adoption includes information about the species, a certificate of adoption as well as a stuffed animal. I have purchased these for family and friends who have a “special animal”.
Safety
As with most zoos, even though they have wild animals the St. Louis Zoo is safe. There are a few things to keep in mind however. First take note of any warning signs. These signs are posted for your protection. The zoo can get quite busy on weekends and holidays, especially in summer, so be prepared for that. Also, unless specified, never feed the animals.
There are a few things worth noting beyond the above. The red panda exhibit and more important the prairie dog exhibit have lower walls than most other exhibits. It is important to watch children who may like to climb. The Cypress Swamp has a walkway that would be very easy to get off, and though none of the animals in there would hurt a person, getting off the path could scare them and since it is swamp can be very muddy & slippery. Also, on cooler mornings in the spring and fall, the wooden walkway around the lake and bridges around the zoo may become slick.
Miscellaneous
During most of the year, except winter, they have a train that goes around the zoo. This provides a break from walking, and provides a quick view of the zoo.
During the late spring and summer, on some days they have special displays, like face painting. These are usually located just inside the zoo by the North Entrance.
Also near the North Entrance and open spring, summer and early fall is a ray petting pool. This is a wonderful place for kids that like to touch things.
Near the polar bear exhibit, across the zoo train tracks is a carousel and small “village”.
Over by the “Monkey House” there is a place for children to climb called the Primate Canopy Trails. This will give adults a chance to rest and children a place to burn up energy.
During the summer, the zoo has misting fans located throughout the zoo. These are a good way to cool off on a hot Missouri day.
