St. Louis Zoo Children's Zoo Play Area

In May 2023 the Saint Louis Zoo shared plans for the new experience for children and families on site of the current Emerson Dinoroarus, formerly Emerson Children’s Zoo.

“Thanks to an incredibly generous $15 million lead gift from the Henry A. Jubel Foundation, we are able to carry forward the goal of the previous Children’s Zoo by providing dynamic experiences for children and families that will inspire a love of animals and learning, but in new and innovative ways,” said Dwight Scott, Dana Brown President & CEO, Saint Louis Zoo. “Destination Discovery will have animal adventures at every turn. You will be able to explore and play side by side with animals, building connections to the natural world.”

Development of the 2.8-acre Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery is estimated to cost $40 million with funding coming from a variety of sources, including philanthropy. With a target public opening slated for 2026, construction will begin in 2024. The temporary exhibit Dinoroarus will close Nov. 5, 2023.

“Our family has a longstanding and deep connection with the Saint Louis Zoo,” said Melissa Jubel Markwort, Executive Director, Henry A. Jubel Foundation. “When the Children’s Zoo closed in 2020, as a family we knew we wanted to be a part of bringing this space back to life and in an even better way.”

The Saint Louis Zoo is a place where generations have come to play, learn about nature, connect to animals and spend time together. For 51 years, the Children’s Zoo was especially important to the Zoo’s youngest guests, emphasizing close-up encounters with animals and their caretakers.

A closure during the COVID-19 pandemic gave the Zoo an opportunity to begin reimagining the space to make it even more engaging, immersive and accessible to all guests.