Spring 2026 stlzoo magazine

Michael Macek, Executive Director, Saint Louis Zoo; and Sabarras George, Executive Director, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park

Spring is the most invigorating season. There’s no better cure for winter cabin fever than getting outside and in the fresh air.

If you haven’t made your way to the Saint Louis Zoo yet, be sure to do so soon, so you can catch Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo, which runs through May 17

If you’ve walked past our North Entrance area, you’ll see Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery coming to life. Buildings and barns are going up throughout this 2.8-acre site. We have no doubt it’ll be the highlight of the year for families in St. Louis! In articles on pages 8 and 14, we’re excited to show you all the things there are to see at Destination Discovery, from play experiences to ambassador animals. Destination Discovery is all about playtime, connecting with animals and their caretakers, storytelling and inspiring future conservationists, and we can’t wait to share it with you later this year!

We’re also excited to announce a new member benefit: Member Appreciation Mornings! We’re thankful for you and how much you support the Zoo with your membership. We’re always looking for ways to bring you more value. On May 2, July 25 and Aug. 29, for an hour before the Zoo opens to the public, you’ll have exclusive access to the Zoo! Less crowds, special offerings, and more fun for you and your family! Learn more about this exciting new benefit on page 18.

Speaking of new announcements, we’ve welcomed several new animals both at the Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. Among these arrivals are African painted dog puppies — the first of their species ever born at the Saint Louis Zoo — and waterbuck and roan antelope at WildCare Park. Meet these adorable animals on pages 4 and 20.

Before you know it, summer will be here, thus beginning our extended operating hours, perfect for early birds and night owls. And on June 12, we hope you’ll come support our conservation efforts — and enjoy some great food and drinks — at ZOOFARI presented by Wells Fargo. It’s a party with a purpose, full of energy, colorful summer attire and invigorating music, all under a warm evening sky. Members get discounted tickets, and they’re a great birthday or anniversary gift. Tickets are on sale at stlzoo.org/zoofari

As always, thank you for being a member and supporting our organization. We hope to see you for a visit soon!

COMMISSION OF THE ST. LOUIS ZOOLOGICAL PARK SUBDISTRICT

Board of

President

Vice President, Volunteers

Chairs

SAINT LOUIS ZOO ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(continued in next column)

Dana Brown

TEAM

President & CEO

Dwight Scott

Saint Louis Zoo

Executive Director

Michael Macek, MBA

Saint Louis Zoo

WildCare Park

Executive Director Sabarras George, MS

Chief Financial Officer

Kathy Tisone

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Amy Dove

Chief Experience Officer

Kirby Meyer, MA

Chief People & Culture Officer

Dustin Deschamp, JD

On the cover 6 20 18 8 14

Did you know?

Members at all levels receive a discount when renting a Zoo venue! The Zoo has been the backdrop for a multitude of events, from class reunions and weddings to company picnics and holiday parties.

Your guide to play at Destination Discovery

Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery is designed with the youngest guests in mind. See what hands-on play opportunities are in store for you and your family!

Introducing the animal ambassadors

of Destination

Discovery

Ambassador animals help connect animals and people, and they help educate the public about their species. Meet just a few of the animals you can meet at Destination Discovery!

Introducing Member Appreciation Mornings

As part of this exciting new benefit, members can enjoy the Zoo an hour before it opens on three Saturdays this year!

African painted dog puppies make Saint Louis Zoo history

Four pups are the first of their species ever born at Saint Louis Zoo!

Black-tailed prairie dog

Photo by Ray Meibaum

stlzoo is published quarterly as a member benefit by the Saint Louis Zoo Association, One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110 Managing Editor: Rebecca McMiller; Editorial and Email Assistance: Billy Brennan, Jill Gordon, Erin Heffernan, Erin Krippene, Kirby Meyer and Elaine Vydra; Graphic Design: McCord Design Group; Contributing Photographer: Ray Meibaum; Contributors: Members of the Zoo staff.

At the Saint Louis Zoo, we not only care about the conservation of animals, but also about the conservation of the environment. That is why stlzoo magazine is created using FSC- (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper with recycled materials and eco-friendly inks.

membership matters

In this section, we’ll briefly highlight top Zoo happenings in April, May and June 2026, from event and attraction updates to member-specific reminders. If you have questions about your membership, please visit stlzoo.org/membership or contact us at (314) 646-4771, option 2.

Zoo Friends Day is Friday, May 29; Member Appreciation Mornings are Saturdays, May 2, July 25 and Aug. 29

These special events are just for you; they’re ways we can show our appreciation for your membership. Members at all levels are invited to bring their membership cards and enjoy admission to attractions, special activities and more. Learn more about Member Appreciation Mornings on page 18!

Want a print copy of stlzoo magazine?

All Zoo members receive a quarterly digital issue of stlzoo magazine, delivered to your email in January, April, July and October and available online. You may also opt into a print copy at stlzoo.org/membership, mailed to your home at no cost.

The Zoo is going cashless

View digital stlzoo magazines:

We’re glad to announce our transition to a fully cashless payment system on our Zoo campus starting in June 2026. This change is designed to improve your experience, making transactions faster and more secure. Only have cash? Prepaid debit card kiosks will be available at Zoo entrances — and will not require a fee — allowing you to transform cash into a pre-paid Mastercard that you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted! Learn more at stlzoo.org/cashless.

Attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feedings

$2 discount per person

The feeding schedule is 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily, weather and conditions permitting

Emerson Zooline Railroad

Included in member tickets; free for children 0-23 months

Open year-round, weather permitting

Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel

Included in premium member tickets; free for children 0-23 months

Open year-round, weather permitting

Sea Lion Show presented by Together Credit Union

Included in member tickets; free for children 0-23 months

Apr. 3-26 (Fri-Sun), Apr. 30-May 24 (Thurs-Sun) May 25-Aug. 23 (Daily)

Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

Included in premium member tickets; free for children 0-23 months

Apr. 3-Nov. 1

Wild Explorer VR Experience

$2 discount per person

Showings daily

We’re excited to bring you updates about

wild

Bird is the word

WildCare Park is about to welcome its first winged residents.

Six common ostrich will become the park’s inaugural flock, joining more than 120 herd animals — including rhinos, giraffes and zebras — already roaming the rapidly transforming park.

Before settling into their new habitats, the ostrich will spend several weeks in quarantine at the Saint Louis Zoo, alongside two other ostrich that will remain at the Zoo’s historic Forest Park campus.

As the largest and heaviest bird species on Earth, ostrich are truly impressive in scale. Males typically weigh between 220 and 287 pounds and stand about 7 to 9 feet tall, while females weigh 198 to 242 pounds and reach heights of 5.7 to 6.2 feet.

Guests visiting WildCare Park will be able to spot these remarkable birds on the park’s guided safaris and may even witness their astonishing speed. Ostrich can sprint up to 43 miles per hour, using their powerful legs to propel them forward while their massive wings provide balance and agility across the open landscape.

news...

Newcomers to the Zoo

WildCare Park recently welcomed two striking antelope species that have never before been cared for by the Saint Louis Zoo.

Among the newcomers is a herd of seven waterbuck — one male, Rigatoni, and six females: Tortellini, Gnocchi, Fettuccini, Penne, Jumbo Shell and Angel. Named after pasta shapes, they’re already the perfect recipe for a thriving herd.

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, waterbuck are easily recognized by their shaggy coats and a distinctive white ring marking their rump.

WildCare Park is also now home to the Zoo’s first-ever herd of roan antelope, a species named for its reddishbrown coloration. The herd is made up of one male and four females, including a calf named Kit born in February. These antelope can be spotted by their striking blackand-white facial markings and long, curved horns. They are among Africa’s largest antelope species, with males weighing up to 600 pounds.

Breaking ground

WildCare Park is rapidly transforming each week as construction crews remain busy across the 425-acre property.

This winter, we broke ground at the final of our 13 animal care buildings: A marsupial barn for species like kangaroos and wallabies. The 3,400-square-foot facility will provide a comfortable indoor space for up to 25 residents of WildCare Park’s walking safari that will allow guests to stroll through the habitat with no barriers between them and these iconic Australian animals. We can’t wait to welcome some marvelous marsupials to their new home later this year.

Meanwhile, construction crews are making progress on an 11,450-square-foot restaurant building, which will feature a full dining room, a convenient coffee shop, and indoor and outdoor seating for 227 people, giving guests plenty of options to refuel during their visit.

Two 1,620-square-foot safari loading stations are also quickly taking shape. These open-air facilities will serve as the starting point for our immersive safari tours. Before long, they will be buzzing with guests prepared to set off on a new kind of Zoo adventure across the park.

did you

As a member, we know you have an appreciation for the Saint Louis Zoo, and we appreciate you! Did you know that Zoo members at all levels receive a discount when renting a Zoo venue? There are four venues available, and we can accommodate up to 7,000 guests! The Zoo has been the backdrop for a multitude of events, from class reunions and weddings to company picnics and holiday parties.

Need some help seeing what the Zoo could be for your event? Here are some photos to get you inspired and reasons to consider the Zoo.

A one-stop shop for event planning

Does the idea of shopping at a bunch of different places for tables, chairs, linens, catering, bar service and AV make you feel exhausted? You’re busy enough — let our team take care of that! The Zoo handles all the services mentioned above in house, including a catering team that can serve a menu to meet any dietary preferences. For other services you need — like a DJ or bakery — we’re happy to provide some vendors we recommend.

Memorable experiences only the Zoo can provide

Many St. Louisans have fond memories of the Saint Louis Zoo, from visiting animal buildings to riding the train. You can book a Zoo attraction or rent an animal building as part of your event!

3

Your business supports our Zoo’s animal care and conservation work

A remarkable event while supporting a worthy cause is a win-win. And our Zoo walks the walk and practices eco-friendly dining efforts, like prioritizing locally sourced and responsibly produced foods, minimizing single-use plastics, and incorporating compostable or recyclable serviceware. Last November, the Zoo won the Sustainability Hero Award from the Meeting Professionals International St. Louis.

Want to learn more?

Visit stlzoo.org/booking or fill out an inquiry form.

Your Guide to Play at DESTINATION DISCOVERY

By Rebecca McMiller, Marketing Communications Manager

Renderings created by CLR Design

1

DESTINATION DISCOVERY TAKES GUESTS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH THREE DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS:

Underground Cities

This area allows for close encounters with prairie dogs, which live in underground communities. Kids can see how prairie dog families live and work together, just like their own.

> This one is worth a little sand in the shoes. Right next to the prairie dogs is the children’s Dig Zone, a sand-based playground where kids can build their own prairie dog

habitats. Through sensory- and nature-inspired play, children are invited to dig, tunnel and build their own prairie dog homes. There will also be a wheelchair-accessible sand play space.

2

Freshwater Wilderness

In the Freshwater Wilderness neighborhood, you’ll see North American river otters as you’ve never seen them before. Overhead flumes allow the otters to swim directly over your head as they glide from one habitat to another. Also making their debut are Chilean flamingos whose wild habitat includes the Andes Mountains, making them a great fit for St. Louis’ cooler months.

> Do your kids jump at the chance to give your pets treats? They’ll love feeding the flamingos — and the flamingos love to eat! They can eat up to 10% of their body

tunnels for views of prairie dogs, bringing these

weight in a day! Watching their beaks move quickly as they eat tiny invertebrates will be an amusing sight to see. And connections to wetland animals, like the flamingos, help foster understanding of

> Kids comparing themselves and their everyday lives to those of animals is a big theme in Destination Discovery, so we’ve incorporated play zones in each neighborhood. In Freshwater Wilderness, you’ll find a splash pad where your own little flamingo can get their feet wet or pretend to build a nest mound.

Forest Families

Discover how animal families live, work and play together. The play themes in this space emphasize the bond between domestic and wild animals and their importance in healthy ecosystems. This area will be home to two new species to the Zoo: white-nosed coati and babydoll sheep.

> For your “E-I-E-I-O” little ones, they’ll love playing in the farm play area near the adorable babydoll sheep. Kids can pretend to be keepers and care for the sheep with toy rakes, wheelbarrows and buckets.

> “Hello, down there!” Toward the center of Destination Discovery, the Treetop Heights boardwalk invites guests to catch a view from above! This experience combines adventure and education, offering interactive play at every turn. The star attraction of Treetop Heights is the giant climbing structure with a “sky net” where kids can climb, like a spider in a web, and crawl into a giant “egg sac” with oversized spider eggs. Kids can also check out an oversized caterpillar nest structure where they can climb and go down a slide. As kids enjoy the climbing structure, they may find themselves eye to eye with a coati, the tree-climbing relative of the raccoon.

> Throughout the Treetop Heights boardwalk, there will be education “nodes” where kids can meet ambassador animals (see some of them on page 14), as well as learn from animal caretakers, educators and videos. We think some of the funniest memories will come from a video prompt for kids to do the “otter poop dance” — you’ll want cameras ready for this one! Otters do a poop dance before defecating, and rather than hiding themselves as people would, going “number 2” is a social event. They use each other’s poop to glean information on each other, like identity and reproductive status. In this case, everyone loves party poopers!

DESTINATION DISCOVERY ALSO FEATURES A LARGE INDOOR EXPLORATION AREA AND A PLAZA THAT’S PERFECT FOR SOME DOWNTIME!

The Nature Nook

If the sun is too sunny or rain won’t go away, the Nature Nook is a year-round indoor experience full of hands-on learning opportunities. This area focuses on Missouri’s native animals, including American burying beetles, American Red Wolves and hellbenders (all of which have key Saint Louis Zoo conservation ties). The Nature Nook will be in the lower level of the new Conservation Education Building. The upper level will house the new full-day Second Nature Zoo Preschool.

> As kids learn about Missouri animals, such as hellbenders and American burying beetles, they’re prompted to act like the animals and researchers through costumes, puppets and magnet exploration. There are also opportunities for kids to “be” the animals as they crawl into kid-sized American burying beetle burrows and wolf dens.

> Kids can let their imaginations soar! There will be opportunities to create nature art, examine specimens under a microscope, build a birdhouse and more.

> If your toddler likes to keep things cozy, there will be a special reading nook designed for the littlest ones.

> Got a builder in the family? With little movable structures, kids can build habitats for our animal friends. In this building area, messages will be shared about ways that people and wildlife can coexist by creating wildlife crossings, backyard habitats and more. And not too

far away, kids can build and recreate St. Louis’ famous Gateway Arch with giant, cushy blocks. Building this archway illustrates an important message about keystone animal species — they’re the “gateway” for a healthy environment and hold the ecosystem together for all of us.

WHAT AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

We’re dedicated to hosting a welcoming place for all. Here are ways people can have the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible in Destination Discovery:

“Universal design” experiences, which include wheelchairaccessible play stations, life-size sculptures for touch and feel, cochlear implant-integrated sound opportunities, and other multi-sensory play opportunities

Several family restrooms and a lactation room

An adult changing station

Free KultureCity packs to borrow, which include noise-canceling headphones, sensory tools, a feeling thermometer and more

Freshwater Plaza 2

OK, you’ve played. You’ve explored. Now you’re approaching the dreaded “hangry zone” (whether that’s you or the kids). Time to head to the Freshwater Plaza for some food and rest!

> Think of this as your flex space: You can rest your feet or grab some food while others in your group run and play. Tables and chairs overlook a giant splash pad where kids can cool off and splash in the water (a giant “people dryer” is available). An adjacent cafe and retail shop are also nearby, offering snacks and souvenirs to help you remember your day at Destination Discovery. The retail shop will also sell items busy parents may forget, like sunscreen and swim diapers. (We’ve all done it.)

We’re excited to share this remarkable new space with you, and as a Zoo member, you’ll receive free admission and an exclusive preview before Destination Discovery opens to the public. Get ready to play and discover with us later this year!

Bringing Discovery to Life

We’re grateful to the Henry A. Jubel Foundation for their generous support and $15 million lead gift to Destination Discovery. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the donors who have contributed to this exciting project so far. To learn

INTRODUCING THE ANIMAL AMBASSADORS of Destination Discovery

By

As you read in the last article, play is an important aspect of Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, and it’s interconnected with animal experiences. You’ll even be able to see ambassador animals engaging in special activities — like sometimes being with a keeper outside their habitats for behavior demonstrations or enjoying a feeding or exercise. Ambassador animals help connect animals and people, and they help educate the public about their species. They offer our guests a chance to build understanding, curiosity and empathy for animals through opportunities to engage with them — to see them

up close and notice something new or hear a story about their life. Our ambassador animals help us communicate important messages, like the importance of clean water and why wild animals shouldn’t be pets.

At Destination Discovery, our animals can participate in engaging opportunities on their own terms. We create spaces and experiences through training that let them make choices, explore their surroundings and show off the natural behaviors that make them who they are. That means you might see an animal training with their care team, investigating something new in their habitat, interacting with another animal

or simply relaxing in a favorite spot (just like you might like to do). Sharing these real moments in their day help to tell the most powerful stories.

We put their well-being first and prioritize meaningful connection, not just a quick photo-op. When animals get to be themselves, people see them as individuals, and that helps guests care more about the animals and wild places beyond the Saint Louis Zoo.

Here are some of the animal ambassadors you’ll be able to meet at Destination Discovery!

Tini and Mimosa, white-nosed coatis

Energetic, curious and endlessly busy, coati Tini and Mimosa will give guests an up-close look at their long noses, expressive tails and love of exploration. You may notice some similar characteristics between your local raccoons and these sisters; coati are the Central and South American cousins of raccoons.

As ambassadors, Tini and Mimosa shine because they’re so intelligent, and their natural behaviors are engaging

to watch. Guests may see them climbing, digging, foraging or problemsolving their way through enrichment and training designed to challenge their minds and bodies. We work to build trust with them so that they can be part of our ambassador animal team and show off their natural abilities. Coati live in groups guided by female leadership (girls rule!), but they’ll eventually meet a new male for future breeding here at the Zoo.

Killian, the tawny frogmouth

By meeting Killian, guests can discover that survival in the wild isn’t always flashy — sometimes it’s quiet, still and perfectly camouflaged. His mottled feathers look a lot like an owl’s and help him disappear into bark and leaf litter, reminding us that blending in can be just as powerful as standing out!

Like many nocturnal species you might miss passing through your own backyard or town at night, Killian relies on subtle strategies to thrive. He goes through periods of torpor,

a kind of partial-hibernation, conserving energy during the winter. Training looks a little different for Killian in the off-season, but now that spring has arrived, he’s getting ready for the opening of Destination Discovery.

We love working with animals like Killian that tell these quieter stories, helping guests gain a deeper appreciation for nighttime wildlife and the remarkable, understated ways animals thrive.

Bernardo, the Chilean flamingo

Yes, on Wednesdays we wear pink … but for Bernardo and his friends, that’s every day! Bernardo was handreared here at the Zoo, so he’s used to a little extra attention and now he’s gearing up for his big meet-and-greet with you. We’ve been working on practicing cup feedings this year, giving some staff the “hard job” of hanging out with cute flamingos. During our public cup feedings at Destination Discovery, guests will see the unique filter-feeding technique flamingos use to eat algae and tiny crustaceans. You might even splash

alongside Bernardo at the splash pad, which sits right next to his poolside view of you.

As an ambassador, Bernardo shows us that clean water is essential for keeping all of us, animals and people alike, healthy. Watching him filterfeed, splash and wade through the clear blue pool is a great way to see how important water is for animals like flamingos. His bright color and playful personality are fun reminders that sometimes the most striking lessons in nature come in pink.

Piper, the prehensiletailed porcupine

Piper invites guests to rethink what they know about porcupines with her gentle expression and perfectly “boop-able” nose (but that can be admired at a distance!). She’s a porcupine after all, so save your snuggles for your pets at home. Native to Central and South America, prehensile-tailed porcupines like Piper spend much of their time climbing trees, using their tails like an extra hand.

Piper will help our guests understand the importance of seed dispersers in healthy forests. In the wild, porcupines like Piper eat leaves, bark, fruit and seeds, and as they snack, they help spread seeds in their poop. She enjoys all these foods here at the Zoo, but her absolute favorite is corn. Luckily, here in the Midwest, we have no shortage of delicious corn, which makes a perfect reward for such a star ambassador.

Lyla, the bobcat

Powerful and elusive, Lyla represents one of the most widespread wild cats in North America. Bobcats are native to Missouri, yet they’re rarely seen in the wild due to their secretive nature.

Lyla’s role as an ambassador is an important one. She helps guests understand that bobcats are wild animals, not pets, and that they belong in natural habitats where they can hunt, roam and behave as they evolved to do. Keeping a wild bobcat thriving in

human care is a full-time commitment, and Lyla keeps her training team on their toes.

Lyla chooses to voluntarily participate in engaging training and enrichment because at Destination Discovery, she’s the boss! We hope that seeing her in our care helps foster respect rather than familiarity, reinforcing the essential message that wild animals are healthiest and happiest when they’re allowed to be wild.

We’re excited to introduce you to these new friends when Destination Discovery opens later this year!

Introducing Member Appreciation Mornings

By Lucia Clifton, Director of Membership

We love our members! Friends like you have been some of the Saint Louis Zoo’s biggest supporters. We regularly hear members’ fondest memories of the Zoo, from growing up with Raja the Asian elephant to riding the Emerson Zooline Railroad with different generations of family members. Members have chosen the Zoo for wedding proposals, graduation parties and more. The experiences are as unique as the family, but one constant remains: membership has enhanced their love of the Zoo.

As a member, you already know that Zoo membership is a tremendous value. Parking perks, attraction tickets, discounts for events and member-only previews to new exhibits — like Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery — all are part of your membership. Even with all those great benefits, we’re continually looking for new

ways for members to enjoy all that the Zoo has to offer so you get the most out of your membership.

From time to time, we survey members to ask what they value most and what they’d like to see more of.

Members have shared that they would love to enjoy the Zoo when it’s not open to everyone … a kind of members-only all-access pass.

We heard you, and we’re excited to introduce Member Appreciation Mornings! This year, we have set aside three Saturday mornings for members at all levels to enjoy the Zoo before it’s open to the public and busy.

These special mornings are just for you, and it’s our way of saying thank you for being a valued member!

Member Appreciation Mornings allow you exclusive access to our most popular attractions for one full hour

Member Appreciation Mornings will offer fewer crowds and more time to see your favorite animals

before the Zoo opens to the public. Make plans now to start your day immersed in nature, beat the crowds, enjoy the Zoo during cooler mornings temperatures while sipping your favorite Starbucks beverage, and treat yourself to breakfast at Lakeside Cafe.

Best of all, you don’t have to use your benefits for parking or any attractions during that hour, and can use your member discount on gift shop and food purchases and on the Wild Explorer VR experience.

If you are a member at the Explorer level, you know that admission to the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel and Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital are only included in benefits for Navigator-level members and up. During Member Appreciation Mornings, these experiences will be accessible to you

Opportunities to chat with experts will be available on Member Appreciation Mornings

too because no member tickets are required!

As a bonus, we’ll have docents at various habitats who will share their wealth of animal knowledge!

At a glance, here’s what to expect when you visit:

• Free parking for members at all levels (no $5 fee); all you need to do is scan your membership card as you enter the lot. Parking is only free during this hour.

• Free admission to the Zooline Railroad, Conservation Carousel and Stingrays at Caribbean Cove (no need to use your member tickets). The Wild Explorer VR Experience will be open, and members can get discounted tickets. The 4D Theater and Sea Lion Show presented by Together Credit Union will be closed.

• Opportunities to meet docents and learn about animals.

• Lakeside Cafe and Starbucks will be open for breakfast and caffeinated beverages (especially for those who aren’t early birds!). Our biggest gift shops, Treetop Shop and Safari Gift Shop, will be open. And, as always, member discounts on food and retail will be honored.

Member Appreciation Mornings:

Saturday, May 2: 8-9 a.m.

Saturday, July 25, 7-8 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-9 a.m.

Come early and enjoy the benefits of membership! We appreciate you!

African painted dog puppies make Saint Louis Zoo history

By Victor Alm, Zoological Manager, Carnivores; photos by Laurie Dahle

Preparing for the birth of African painted dog puppies is not a 9 to 5 endeavor. I thought of this often while checking in on our expectant mother Chewie via our den cams on Christmas Day. As Dec. 25 waned on, and her restlessness grew into the evening, it became more clear that she was getting closer, and my time between checks became less and less until the live feed was on continuously. Around 3:20 a.m. on Dec. 26, the first puppy was born, followed by a second just under an hour later. The third and fourth puppies came in regular intervals after that throughout the early morning hours. The births set off a flurry of communications between our Animal Care and Animal Health teams welcoming and monitoring these new lives as

they came into the world under the watchful eyes of their mother.

The story of these births actually begins back in 2023. We began to retrofit a habitat in River’s Edge that once housed Andean bears with the goal of expanding our habitat and holding footprint for African painted dogs. This was an important component if we were to care for reproductively active individuals, as African painted dogs can have litter sizes north of 10 puppies, and they don’t stay puppies forever. The next steps were in the hands of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP). One major role of an SSP is developing breeding strategies to ensure the survival of a species.

For African painted dogs, there were fewer pups being born in professionally managed populations over the past several years. This growing crisis, and our willingness to dedicate more space for painted dogs, put in motion some very important transfer and breeding recommendations for the Saint Louis Zoo: The arrival of female painted dog Chewie in 2024, and male painted dog Anubis in 2025.

When Anubis arrived at the Zoo and the introductions began, Chewie was interested right away. It wasn’t long until the two got to work, and in short order, we had marked our calendars for a potential birth window in mid to late December. Preparing for a painted dog birth, however, is much more than just marking a calendar forward 69 to 73 days, the average gestation period for

a painted dog. There are lots of things to get ready, scenarios to discuss, plans to make and facilities to modify to help ensure the best outcome possible. Shortly after the pregnancy was confirmed, our Animal Care and Carpentry teams got right to work on designing custom den boxes, which simulate subterranean burrows, for expectant mother Chewie. Lined with a mix of soil, sand and mulch, and tricked out with highresolution cameras from our IT technicians, we were ready to see what she thought of them. It was a relief to see how quickly she showed interest in them and got comfortable. I enjoyed watching her exploring, relaxing and digging to make the space just right. Chewie continued this tinkering right up until she was close to giving birth, when she fully moved in.

Although Chewie was a first-time expectant mother, we were a first-time expectant Carnivore team that had been buffing up on “what to expect when a painted dog is expecting.” The SSP helps with that by providing training, resources and on-call services for expecting institutions before, during and after the birth of puppies. In addition, our vice president and general curator of the Animal Care team have extensive experience with this species from their previous organizations. Utilizing those resources and setting up conference calls with other experienced institutions, along with our own team expertise, the

Carnivore team was able to set up a birth management plan for Chewie and Anubis that covered birthing goals, dietary changes, pre-partum changes to Chewie, signs of pending birth, and pack management changes before and after birth.

Looping back around to the early morning hours on Dec. 26: as I sat and watched Chewie in her chosen den box, grooming and cleaning the puppies, stimulating them to urinate and defecate, and overall showing great maternal care instincts, it dawned on me that this was the culmination of years of planning. It was an emotional moment coming at the end of a very long day.

Once some time had passed and we found out the puppies’ genders, we named them after tree species that grow in the habitats where painted dogs are found in the wild. We have Mopani (female) and her three brothers, Kambala, Karroo and Teak. Now that, as of this writing,

the puppies are 7 weeks old, it has been so fun to see Chewie and Anubis guide the puppies through other major pack milestones, such as inviting them to leave the den box, teaching them to eat more solid foods and participate in pack greetings.

The education this pack will bring to guests about their endangered species and the threats facing them in their remaining strongholds in sub–Saharan Africa is priceless, and a major part of our participation in AZA’s African Painted Dog Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE). This pivotal program has a vision to create conservation action throughout the range of African painted dogs to make sure that they continue to share this planet with us long into the future.

By the time you read this article, the puppies will be venturing out into their public-facing habitat, so I hope you get a chance to meet them soon in River’s Edge!

Details are subject to change. See what’s new and get the latest at stlzoo.org.

Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo

Dates: Select nights, March 13 to May 17, 2026; Start Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Closing Times: Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays: 10 p.m.; Sundays: 9:30 p.m. (through April 30), 10 p.m. (in May); Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Member Price: Non-Peak Night: $17.95; Peak Night: $21.95; Sensory-Friendly Nights: $17.95

Animals Aglow is back and with NEW lanterns to see! Walk around the Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of towering wildlife lanterns. Plus, enjoy specialty menus featuring Asian cuisine, cocktails, entertainment and more. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, Coca-Cola and Mid America Chevy Dealers.

the happenings

April, May and June

Dates: April 3-Nov. 1, 2026

Member Price: Included in premium member tickets; Free for children 0-23 months

Guests can enjoy a hands-on opportunity to touch and feed these gentle ocean creatures.

Sea Lion Show Spring Training presented by Together Credit Union

Dates: April 3-26 (Fridays-Sundays); April 30-May 24 (ThursdaysSundays); May 25-Aug.

Showtimes: 11 a.m., 1 (weather permitting)

Member Price: Included in member tickets; Free for children 0-23 months

Sea lion superstars will thrill you with jumps and lots of splashing!

Member Appreciation Mornings

Saturday, May 2: 8-9 a.m.

Saturday, July 25: 7-8 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29: 8-9 a.m.

These mornings allow members at all levels exclusive one-hour access to the Zoo, before it opens to the public. Fewer crowds, free parking and attraction admission, and more fun for you and your family! So grab some breakfast at Lakeside Cafe or a Starbucks at the Zoo, and enjoy a special morning, just for you!

happenings

Endangered Species Day

Dates: May 15, 2026

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Price: Free for all guests

Learn about our efforts to conserve endangered species, both here at the Zoo and across the world.

Find out what seemingly small actions can make a big difference. Speak to experts in animal care, research and more.

Night at the Zoo

Date: May 20, 2026

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Age: Adults 21+

Member Price: $35

Prairie Farms Dairy Summer Zoo Weekends

Starting Friday, May 22, we will offer extended hours for more Zoo fun! See the summer hours listed on the right-hand side.

ZOOFARI presented by Wells Fargo

Date: June 12, 2026

Time: 7:15-11 p.m.

Price: $200 per Zoo member; $500 for a VIP ticket (includes Pre-Party admission at 6 p.m.)

Age: Adults 21+

Dress to impress in creative cocktail attire at our annual grazing gala, featuring appetizing bites from dozens of local restaurants, premium open bars, live musical entertainment, a silent auction and interactive special activities. Party with a purpose and support the Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts!

Need a night out? How about a night at the Zoo? Sip and stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo after hours, without the pitter-patter of little feet (no cubs allowed)! Sit where you want on the train, have an uninterrupted conversation with your friends or significant other, and enjoy some chaos-free moments of connection with animals. Sponsored by Mid America Chevy Dealers, Coca-Cola, Urban Chestnut and Stone Hill Winery.

Zoo Friends Day

Date: May 29, 2026

Time: 3-8 p.m.

This special day is just for you; it’s one way we can show our appreciation for your membership. Bring your membership card and enjoy admission to attractions, special activities and more.

Hours

March 1-May 21

Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Zoo closes at 3 p.m. on May 20)

Memorial Day Weekend: May 22-25

8 a.m.-6 p.m.

May 26-Aug. 23

Sundays-Thursdays: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

June 12

8 a.m.-noon (Zoo closes early for ZOOFARI)

Independence Day Weekend: July 3-4

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

They did it! Participants completed the “Escape the Zoo” program

Summer at the Zoo: Not just for kids!

By Kim Hoormann, Manager of Learning Experiences

Summertime means St. Louis City SC soccer games, shows at The Muny and, of course, camp at the Saint Louis Zoo! But, summer at the Zoo brings more opportunities than just camp for children. Our Conservation Education team offers a variety of engaging learning opportunities year-round for all ages, including adults! These opportunities are perfect for a unique evening with friends or for some Zoo fun without kiddos.

Here are just a few of the many adult summer programs to explore:

Adult Zoo Camp

Who says you must be a kid to go to camp? New this year, this program is for Zoo enthusiasts ages 18 and up. Bring back that sense of childhood wonder for two days and join educators as we ride the train, go behind the scenes and learn how the Zoo team cares for animals. Bring your lunch, sense of adventure and good walking shoes.

Escape the Zoo

Maybe you find a traditional escape room a little too claustrophobic, but you want a problem-solving challenge. Book one of our team-based “Escape the Zoo” programs

for ages 18 and up. These also make great professional development experiences! Themes this spring are “WildCare Institute” and “Back to the Future” and will allow you to experience the Zoo in an entirely new way. Does your team have what it takes to find all the clues to solve puzzles and “escape” before time runs out?

Wade with the Rays

Maybe you’ve dipped your hand into the stingray pool … want to take it further? If you’re looking to plunge into some aquatic fun, book our Wade with the Rays experience. Gently walk to the middle of the pool, sit on a stool and let our rays come to you. The rays will find this experience as enriching as you do, and you’ll have ultimate bragging rights that you got to enter a Zoo animal habitat. This program is for ages 14 and up, so it also makes a great gift for an adventuresome teenager in your life.

You can learn more about dates, prices and registration information at stlzoo.org/education. We hope to see you soon!

A community partnership that shines

By Hannah

Commerce Bank has been lighting up the Saint Louis Zoo since 2024 as the presenting sponsor of the family-friendly holiday experience, Wild Lights. Just like Commerce Bank, this beloved celebration has been a staple of the St. Louis community for decades, bringing people together in celebration of authentic connection, giving and wonder.

Each year, Wild Lights presented by Commerce Bank transforms the Zoo into a sparkling, nighttime destination filled with illuminated displays, festive food and drink, and holiday-themed activities around every corner. From the Friday after Thanksgiving through the end of December, guests of all ages can experience the Zoo in a whole new way, making memories with friends and family that last a lifetime.

With Commerce Bank’s support, this cherished tradition continues to shine brightly for thousands of guests, but the company’s involvement doesn’t stop at the event name. They’re champions for promoting the event among their clients and followers, hosting many opportunities throughout the season to win festive prize baskets and tickets to attend the event.

Bank employees have volunteered at the event to enhance the guest experience, reflecting their commitment to hands-on community engagement. From greeting guests to assisting with activities, these volunteers play a pivotal role in bringing the magic of the season to life, demonstrating Commerce Bank’s dedication to service both inside and outside the workplace.

At its heart, Wild Lights is about more than dazzling displays. It’s an opportunity to gather while supporting the Zoo’s mission of educating the public and conserving wildlife in wild places. Commerce Bank’s support helps make these experiences possible, highlighting our shared belief of investing in memorable moments.

Through this partnership, Commerce Bank and the Zoo continue to brighten the holiday season for St. Louis, reflecting the warmth of the season and the strength of local connection. Thank you to Commerce Bank and its dedicated employees for their continued dedication to St. Louis’ exemplary institutions.

Mark your calendars for another wonderful Wild Lights presented by Commerce Bank on select nights from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20, 2026.

Family and community are woven together at the Berges Family Foundation

By Jeffrey Huntington, Director of Development

The Berges family’s support of the Saint Louis Zoo dates back over 35 years. Through the decades, Jim and Cathy Berges and, following Cathy’s passing in 2020, Jim and Elizabeth Mannen Berges have continued that legacy of generosity and leadership as members, Zoo Parents, event sponsors and major gift donors. The family’s longstanding commitment is recognized through the Berges Family Elephant Springs habitat in River’s Edge. Both Jim and Elizabeth have enjoyed successful careers in the business and financial sectors, but civic engagement and volunteerism have always been cornerstones of their professional and personal lives. Jim has served

on the Zoo Association Board, as well as the Zoo’s Finance and Investment Committees and more recently on the Strategic Plan Committee. Today, he is an Emeritus Board Member of the Zoo Association.

Jim and Elizabeth also served as Honorary Chairs for ZOOFARI 2024. Elizabeth currently serves as an active member of a special cabinet working to secure funding for organizational priorities, including the construction of Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, the development of Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery and strengthening the Zoo’s endowment.

Following a visit to the future WildCare Park site in November 2022, Jim and Elizabeth, along with Kelly

Pollock, CEO of the Berges Family Foundation, were inspired by the plans and aspirations for this major new attraction and zoological facility.

The Berges Family Foundation recently committed $2.5 million in support of the Saint Louis Zoo’s priorities and will be recognized with the Acacia Giraffe Feeding Area at WildCare Park. This immersive experience will allow guests to come eye to eye with giraffes while hand-feeding them lettuce or to observe feedings from a distance while enjoying sweeping views of the Savanna Safari.

Reflecting on her own children and grandchildren, Elizabeth shared, “I love giraffes and being able to give

children of all ages a close, memorable experience with these majestic animals was something I knew we wanted to support.”

The mission of the Berges Family Foundation is to support organizations that make St. Louis a great place to live, work, visit and invest. Its philanthropic focus includes empowering youth and strengthening families, nurturing S.T.E.M. futures, supporting our heroes and building a thriving St. Louis. By expanding opportunities and developing community infrastructure, the Foundation seeks to improve lives and strengthen the vitality of the region. Today, Jim and Elizabeth include their three children, Kevin Berges, Katherine Mannen Wackerman and Kristopher Mannen, along with trusted advisors, in their philanthropic decision-making.

“Our family and our foundation are committed to expanding opportunities and strengthening communities across St. Louis,” Jim said. “The Zoo is a tremendous catalyst for change in our region.”

Meanwhile, the WildCare Park team has been busy welcoming its first giraffe residents. A herd of five reticulated giraffes is settling in, and over the next year, they will continue to acclimate to their new barn, the expansive 101-acre Savanna Safari pasture and features such as the giraffe feeding areas.

Dwight Scott, Dana Brown President & CEO, reflected, “Elizabeth and Jim bring incredible

enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to the organizations they support. They were among the first people I met when I came to St. Louis and their honesty, passion and dedication to this community are remarkable. We are deeply grateful for their friendship and support.”

Meet the Herd!

October of last year was a historic month at Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, as we welcomed our first resident giraffes who will call the 101-acre Savanna Safari home. We are excited for you to meet our herd when WildCare Park opens in 2027.

The leadership and generosity of the Berges Family Foundation are woven into the fabric of St. Louis, strengthening community connections and helping the Zoo inspire generations to come.

Mo | Age 2 | Male

Arrived from Reid Park Zoo

Daniel | Age 2 | Male

Arrived from The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Ajali | Age 4 | Female

Arrived from Dickerson Park Zoo

Dilly | Age 11 | Female

Arrived from Fort Worth Zoo

Luna | Age 4 | Female

Arrived from Saint Louis Zoo

Marlin Perkins Society

The Saint Louis Zoo is extremely fortunate to have the support of more than 1,300 generous individuals, foundations and corporations through the Marlin Perkins Society. We welcome our newest members to the Society and thank them for joining this wonderful group of supporters. To our current members who have increased their financial support, we are pleased to recognize you as well. We are grateful for your commitment to our mission.

New Marlin Perkins

Society Members

Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Pamela M. Bachman & Kristine Carey

Caroline & Braeden Battles

Jered & Beth Bauer

Suzanne & Randy Boeckelmann

The D&C Brooksher Family Foundation

Sharon & Rigel Davis

Renee & Robert Ferguson

Catherine Foland

Ellen Gibson

Jonathan Goldford & Marie Batty

James & Mary Howe

Jack & Margaret Howel

Anne Kovac Krazer & Michael Krazer

Nancy & Dennis Moore

Michael & Anna Mullins

Bonita & Michael New

Joan A. Ranson

Brooke & Brent Restemayer

Mary & Peter Rohr

Nolan & Antoinette Ruiz

Emily & Cory Rylan

Mary & Kenneth Shapiro

Kris & Dale Sutton

KC Rivera & Robert Thomas

Zachary & Lauren Ungerott

Jonathan & Shannon Vitiello

Adam Young & Jennifer Kieffer

Current Marlin Perkins

Society Members Who Have Increased Support

Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Ben & Gwen Arenberg

Martha & David Aronson (25)

Rob & Julie Aronson (15)

Boyd & Pam Atteberry (10)

Dr. & Mrs. Arthur I. Auer (20)

Dean & Karen Ayres

Jacques & Nancy Baenziger (10)

Brad & Darla Baker

Ilana Barasch & Garon Turner

Nicholas Barto & Nancy Clare Morgan

Kevin & Debra Bastien

Jared & Urmila Baumann

Andrew & Jennifer Baur (10)

Bayer Fund (30)

Terri E. Beaty & Larry Pleimann

John A. & Ann K. Bieller (10)

Kip & Kathleen Bilderback (15)

Steve & Karen Bircher

Holly Bird

Mr. & Mrs. Van-Lear Black III (30)

Patti & Chris Blumeyer (15)

Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D. &

Melody E. Noel (20)

Thomas Brackman

Louise & Bob Bradshaw

Robert & Kara Brand

Thomas E. Briggs

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Bross (10)

David & Laurie Brown (30)

Mrs. Betty K. Bucknell

Kristen & Gary Burger

Byerly RV

David & Janet Camarota

Ms. Mary Campbell (15)

Eric & Cammie Carlson (15)

Kayleen A. & James P. Carmody (10)

Gabriel & Stacey Cervantes

Christine & David Chadwick (30)

Caroline & Michael Chicoine

Nancy H. Child

The Chod Family Foundation (30)

Peter & Alberta Chulick

Brian & Jessica Cissell

Barbara & George Clements

Justin & Danielle Colbert

Karen & Bert Condie (25)

Drs. Cristi & Jimi Cook

Marcy & Rick Cornfeld

Mr. & Mrs. Alexander M. Cornwell III (10)

Paul Lorenz & Julie Coulter (10)

Kevin Counihan & Maryanne Hertel

Linda & Tyree Derrick

The Deschamp Family

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dierberg (10)

Teresa Dorshort (10)

Leo & Kay Drey (20)

Ellen & Henry Dubinsky

Hillary & Dan Elfenbein

Dr. Robert F. & Rosemary Emnett (10)

Joseph & Heather Ertel

Marilyn & Tom Fahey (15)

Steve Feiner

Jackie & John Flotken

Jeff & Lotta Fox (15)

Sharon G. Frank

Steven N. & Mary Frank (10)

Barbara & Ken Fritz (25)

Matthew & Angela Gabel (10)

Chris and Ginger Gaebe

Mr. & Mrs. Martin E. Galt III (20)

Scott Galt (15)

Lauren & Jason Gentile

Joseph & Kelly Gerwitz (10)

David & Barbara Gifford (20)

Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Gilbert (25)

Cheryl & Terry Gilchrist

Michelle Glass

Michael & Jeanie Gleason

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Glynn J.D., CLU, ChFC (10)

Ed & Joanne Goedeker (15)

Ms. Antonia Goelz

Karen & Lawrence Goering (25)

Tracy C. Green (20)

Mr. Timothy C. Greenwald (10)

Karl & Ava Griffith

Keith & Tracy Grypp (15)

Ashley Haffer

Tim Halls (15)

Kenneth & Amy Hannah

Anne & Sheldon Harber (10)

Eugene & Lori Harris (20)

James M. & Mary Beth Havel (25)

Mr. & Mrs. J. Philip Hellwege (25)

Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Hermann, Jr. (15)

Lori & Kenneth Harris

Jessica & Jacob Herschend (10)

James Hinrichs & Mary Schoolman

Joanna & Brian Hoeltge

Michael & Maureen Hoock

Michael & Barbara Hurst (15)

Intoximeters, Inc. (10)

Joanne & Joel Iskiwitch (30)

Marjorie Ivey (30)

Laura & Brian Jenkins (10)

Richard & Louise Jensen (25)

Robert F. Johnston (10)

Salvatrice & John Kemper

Candy & Sean Kent

Jennifer & Phillip Kent

Mr. & Mrs. Matt Kent

Sandy & Jim Kettlekamp (20)

J. Kendall & Joan Killgore

Mr. & Mrs. John Kilo (25)

The Rob Kilo Family (10)

Eugene & Connie King (15)

Ward & Carol Klein (15)

Kathy Kohlbry (10)

Robert & Diane Kopitsky (10)

Julie & Todd Korte (15)

Mr. & Mrs. Stuart J. Krawll (30)

Richard Kutta & Nancy Meyer

Craig & Sue Larson

Nan Li & Sijia Chen

Carol B. Loeb (25)

Ms. Constance Lohr (10)

Michelle Lorenzini & Michael Schumacher

Mr. & Mrs. William C. Lortz (30)

Rosalyn & Charles Lowenhaupt (30)

Annie Lux

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Luzecky

Joe & Suzanne Malec

Brian N. Manley (10)

Dr. & Mrs. Marshall S. Manne (20)

Terry Ann Markway

Catherine Augustin & Michael Maskus

Paul & Kathleen Matecki

Mr. & Mrs. Charles N. McAlpin (15)

Sally & John McCarthy (10)

Tom & Carrie McCarthy and Family

Virginia McDowell (15)

Kristen & Stephen McGauley

Kevin & Jane McGuire (15)

Jim & Susan McHugh (15)

Judy & Bob McKay

Mary & Michael McMurtrey

Keith & Karin Messmer

Kim & Patrick Messmer

Rick & Jessica Mikale

Jo-Elle & Josh Mogerman

Don, Elaine & Mandy Moore

Michael & Amber Nachtmann

Dr. James & Nancy Nahlik

Dr. Burt & Ellen Needles

Bob & Esther Negwer (15)

Mr. & Mrs. Walter C. Niebling, Jr. (10)

Dr. & Mrs. David C. Norman (25)

Emily & Adam Novik

Mrs. Ginny Orthwein

Elizabeth J. Parker

Robert & Stacy Patton

Karen & Matthew Pilla

Dr. Ashley Pitlyk

Ms. Rebecca Pitzer

Robert & Julia Poelker (10)

Ann & Zach Pollock (10)

Greg, Terese & Virginia Portell (15)

Alan & Linda Poth

Brenda Witt & Brian Putzier (15)

Tabby Wetzel Quarles

Peter & Linda Racen

Barbara Rebstock

James & Susan Reynolds

John & Carol Rhodus

Joseph & Stefanie Ricca (15)

Charles & Amy Roberts

Barbara & Gary Saeks

Mr. & Mrs. John D. Schaperkotter (20)

Scherck Charitable Foundation (15)

Ulrike & Tom Schlafly (30)

Margot Schwab

Dr. & Mrs. Edward H. Schwarz (35)

Janet Musial Schwarze (10)

Bill & Sandy Schweickhart (10)

Rachel & Daniel Shlien

Sidney & Bobbi Guller Family Foundation (15)

Anita Siegmund (25)

Mark & Karen Simpson

Stellie Siteman & De Kaplan

Suzanne Siteman (20)

Kathy Skelton & Joel Anderson (10)

Barbara Behan Smith (15)

Zachary A. Smith

Mary Ann & Andy Srenco (15)

The Steinmeyer Family (25)

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Stern (20)

Werner & Janet Stichling (15)

Nancy R. Suelflow (25)

Tarlow Family Foundation

Olivia Tarlow

The Tharpe Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Jack E. Thomas (25)

Donald & Maureen Ulrich

William Urquhart & Ashley Singh

Andrea & Peter Van Cleve (20)

Chuck & Sandy Voelkel

Kathy Walker

Tammy & Rick Walsh (15)

David & Colleen Wasinger (15)

Jill & Bob Waxler

Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Wiegand

Rob & Coralee Williams

Patrice Wilson

Rodney G. Wilson

Tom Winter

Craig & Donna Wood (20)

Mark S. & Risa Zwerling Wrighton (25)

Luke Yamnitz

Scott & Betsy Yost (20)

Tom Young

Michelle Ziemann & Harlan Bloom

The Zweifel Family

(10) denotes member for at least 10 years

(15) denotes member for at least 15 years

(20) denotes member for at least 20 years

(25) denotes member for at least 25 years

(30) denotes member for at least 30 years

Please contact the Development Office at (314) 646-4859 if you:

• Would like information on how you can join or increase your support to the Marlin Perkins Society.

• Discover a discrepancy or have a question (the Zoo makes every effort to acknowledge all gifts and to maintain accurate records).

Honor Roll

The following list represents new major and planned gifts and pledges, excluding Marlin Perkins Society and other membership gifts, made to the Saint Louis Zoo Association from Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 31, 2026. Donors are listed in the category of their most recent giving to the Saint Louis Zoo.

Leadership Gifts

$3,000,000 and Above

The Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank, Trustee

$2,999,999 – $1,000,000

Anonymous

Surendra & Karen Gupta

Major Gifts

$999,999 – $750,000

Donald L. Ulrich

$749,999 – $500,000

Anonymous

Zsolt & Mary Rumy Charitable Foundation

$499,999 – $250,000

Anonymous

$249,999 – $100,000

Anonymous

Ellen B. & John F. Bohn

Mr. & Mrs. Theodore P. Desloge, Jr.

Kuhn Foundation

Betsy & Steve Mills

Piasa Charitable Foundation

John & Ellen Wallace

Special Gifts

$99,999 – $50,000

Anonymous

Ellen B. & John F. Bohn

Bunge

George L. Fonyo

Joanne & Joel Iskiwitch

Estate of Melva Long

Harry & Genie Mueller

Jerry Wunderlich

$49,999 – $25,000

Anonymous (2)

Marland Beaudean & Natalea Simmons

James & Leslie Bolin

Pam Coffin & Terry Lueckenhoff

Estate of Carol A. Grothe

Irene & Bob Gulovsen

Paul & LaDonna Hopkins

Dula Kobusch Charitable Trust

Kosuri Family Trust

The Lorenzini Family

Sue Matlof

Estate of Ann M. Parke

Phyllis Parrish

Ginny Smith, Kent Smith & Debbie Ferrari

Mary Strauss

$24,999 – $10,000

Anonymous (2)

Leo R. Buder Foundation Trust

Margaret Cooper

Estate of Randall Damerow, and the Estate of Donald Damerow

Douglas & Amy Dove

Dr. Rebecca & Nancy Furlong

Karen & Matt Geekie

Good Shepherd United

Church of Christ

Kenneth L. Green

Keith, Tracy, Kaylee & Colette Grypp

Jay & Carolyn Henges

Charitable Trust

Mark R. Humphrey & Becky Humphrey

The Jackes Foundation

Laura & Brian Jenkins

Chris & Beth Kemph

Steven B. King

Lenoir Charitable Trust

Mrs. Barbara A. Lindecke

Phil & Ellie Loughlin

Robert & Jeanette Meyer

Steve & Ginny Orthwein and Family

Peters Family Charitable Fund

The Ruf Family

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Samuels

Siteman Family Charitable Fund

Susan O. Taylor

Team C5T

Estate of Susan F. Trusina

John, Susan & Maggie Unnerstall

Valerie “Super GiGi” Wall

William G. Willett

Charitable Foundation

Harlene and Marvin Wool Foundation

$9,999 – $5,000

Anonymous (2)

Michael Bolnick

Michael W. & Joyce E. Bytnar

Carolyn K. Crecelius

Dierberg Foundation

Mrs. Kay Drey

Edison Family Foundation

Kathy & Bob Fulstone

Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Gallagher

Janet Garrison

Gail Gazda

Gary & Debra Haynes

Lana Mueller Jordan

Eugene & Connie King

Sandra J. Knussman

Ms. Martha R. Kratzer

Katherine Kreusser Young

Drs. Dan & Susan Luedke

Robert L. Moeller

Bonnie Moore

Ann Welker Nelson

Mr. G. K. Phoenix

Mr. & Mrs. G.A. Potthoff

Walter Schaeffer & Family

Sedgwick County

Zoological Society, Inc.

Drs. Surendra & Shalini Shenoy

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Shlien

Sandra H. Stemmler

Barbara & Tim Wies

William and Shannon Willhite

$4,999 – $2,500

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. David M. Aronson

Kaye Campbell-Hinson & Phil Hinson

Mrs. Barbara B. Cohn

Bob & Karen Dartt

Pam Dearing

John Henry Foster and Bernadine Foster Foundation

Sandra K. Graham

Brandi & Shawn Kutnik

Robert Leight

Robert Lieber

Jordan & Jim Luzecky

Mississippi Lime Company

Mr. & Mrs. Edward M. Potter

Ms. Jeanne Speroulias

Ann & Doc Cornwell

Tracy Family Foundation

Walter R. Turner & Elizabeth A. Martin

James R. & Mary C. Walters

Carol E. Wilson

$2,499 – $1,000

Anonymous

Mrs. Helen Adam

Neal & Allyn Albritton

Ameren Corporation

Mr. Scott Anderson & Ms. Robin Weinberg

Tiffany & Scott Auer

Peggy L. Balch

Judith D. Bender

Louise B. & Bob Bradshaw

Broadview Group Charitable Fund

Donald Bush

Elise Cady

Estate of Ann Luedinghaus Case

Cristi & Jimi Cook

David & Shelley Dressel

Rod M. Duraski

Mr. Richard G. Engelsmann & Mrs. Diane Buhr Engelsmann

Jane & Jack Feigenbaum

Glenda Fiala

Estate of Natalie Forbes

Mr. & Mrs. William Forsyth

Joyce Fraser

Walt & Nancy Galvin

Dr. Cole Gilbert & Dr. Linda S. Rayor

Linda Godsey

Nancy Hamilton & Jim Butler

Mr. & Mrs. Frederick O. Hanser

Mrs. Ruth C. Hellstern

Dr. Jim Hinrichs & Ms. Mary Schoolman

Geraldine Hufker & Celeste Ruwwe

Brenda K. Hughes

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Hutton

Linda Jaworski-Moiles & Steve Moiles

Priya J. Kapila

John Koberg & Barbara Reed

Diane & Dane Kull

Lawful Good D20 Fund

Mr. David B. Lemkemeier

Anne G. & Harry J. Leschen

Cecil & Cindi Longwisch

Ronald & Eva Lovett

Ms. Rebecca S. Luce

Mr. & Mrs. David Marstall

Ms. Jenny Martin

Patrick & Emily McGinnis

The McPheeters & Rickard Families:

Connie McPheeters

Alex & Jenny McPheeters

Katherine McPheeters

Elizabeth & David Rickard

Carolyn Moll

Michael & Anna Mullins

Ms. Maria A. Murphy

Chonda & Fidel Nwamu

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Oberlander

Paul & Wendy Owen

Dr. Gordon W. Philpott

The Prufrock Foundation

Joan A. Ranson

Mrs. Mary Rassieur

Estate of Viola J. Reynolds

Robert J. Trulaske, Jr. Family Foundation

Ellie Ross, Einar & Ellie Ross Family Fund

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Ruwitch

Rick & Sarah Ryan

Ms. Rosemarie Saar

Mr. & Mrs. John T. Sant

Eric Schaefer

Nathan Schlatter

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis F. Schoemehl

Dr. Pamela M. Schuler

Mrs. Marjorie M. Seldin

Marian D. Senger

Mrs. Shirley Sher

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn N. Siemer

Darlene & William T. Skaggs

SSE Charitable Fund

Alan & Nancy Stein

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Stern

Edmund & Mary Sumner

Prof. Larry & Charlene Taber

Mr. Keith O. Taylor

James & Jean Terry

The Tegeler Foundation

Ann Daly Tretter

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Uhlemeyer

Lottie H. & A.J. Wade

Patrice Wakefield

Shirley & John West

Rachel & Corey Winkle

Bonnie Barton Summers Wolfarth

$999 – $250

Anonymous

Alastair Anderson & John Grone

Gregory & Karen Andrus

Steven Armstrong

Mrs. Michele Baur

Dr. & Mrs. John Bermingham

Albert E. Bertram

Matt Bigham & Elizabeth Belle

Anne Boettcher

William & Nancy Bourgeois

Clara E. Brown

Julie & Michael Bulthaus

Bruce Conway

Mike & Sue Darcy

Jennifer & James Davis

Diana L. & John Deem

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Deutsch

Dickerson Park Zoo

Douglas H. Dietrich & Kirsten K. Dietrich

Jamie & Daniel Driemeyer

Gary & Mary Ann Fehrman

John & Jacqueline Finger

First Bank, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan P. Gaebe

Mr. David R. Ganz

Nancy & Mark C. Gerdes

Ken Gibbs

Mr. & Mrs. Brett G. Gilliland

Andrew F. & Nancee K. Glaser

Susan Glenn

Mardell M. Granger

Edward & Laura Greenberg

Heather & Matthew Grewe

Mr. & Mrs. David M. Gulick

Mark & Patricia Gunby

Jeremy & Carrie Hanichak

Will & Susan Harbaugh

Harmony Healthcare LLC

Mr. Neal Harwood

Dustin & Lori Hausladen

Jana Holstein

Mr. & Mrs. Roland Huffman

Pat & David Illert

Cynthia L. Jones

Regina Kirk

Roger Kirkbride

Mr. Patrick J. Kleaver

Phillip B. Lane

Ms. Joan Lange

Tom & Patty Laughlin

Benjamin & Melissa Lipman

Linda Luetkemeier

David & Diane Mayo

Agnes McKernan

Mr. & Mrs. Scott McKye

Sara & Scott McLellan

Lisa Mechele

Mrs. Ginny Miller

Virginia & Larry Mueller

Mrs. Virginia L. Navarro

Mr. & Mrs. George D. Nelson

Paul & Georgia Newby

Dr. Charles E. & Susan Niesen

Shirley J. Norris

James L. & Lisa W. Nouss

Rebecca & Dean Odegard

Mr. Robert D. Palek

Mr. William D. Perkins

Guy & Kim Phillips

Mrs. Lynn T. Reams

Gail F. Reissen & Suzanne C. Bossung

Stephen Rovak

Mr. & Mrs. Gregory A. Rush

Dr. Richard & Mrs. Dorothy A. Schainker

Jerome & Susan Schlichter

James L. Schovanez

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schwendinger

Mr. Russell K. Scott

Martha Senior

Dr. Susan Singer & Kate Jackson

Melissa Stanza & Alan Haselhorst

Mr. & Mrs. James R. Steiner

Rick L. Stevens

William & Linda Stoces

Daniel Stoeckel

Bud & Anne Strong

Ms. Kay E. Thurman

Matt Trudell

Estate of Robert S. Vosburgh

Mei Chen Welland

Deborah Werner

The Saint Louis Zoo Development Office regrets any errors or omission of any gift. If you would like to change your honor roll listing, contact Katie Meyers at meyers@stlzoo.org.

Tribute Fund

Donors providing the Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund with gifts of $25 or more from Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 31, 2026, to honor or memorialize events and loved ones include:

In Memory Of

William Adams

Rachel L. Turnbull

Jonah Austermann

Anthony & Emily Kimutis

Margaret Baldwin

Mr. & Mrs. Martin E. Galt, III

Mr. & Mrs. McPherson D. Moore

Mr. William D. Perkins

Mr. & Mrs. John T. Sant

LaRae M. Barfield

Ken & Paula Ryno

Carter J. Bennett

Deborah & Roger Buck

John Hollowich

Lenette Bolnick

Mike Bolnick

Ronald A. Brown

Clara E. Brown

Michael K. Bryan

Robert L. Moeller

Christopher M. Carter

Ann Bauer & Charles Farris

Ann L. Case

Mrs. Nancy Kurten

James F. Conway

Sharon K. Biondo

Jill Claybour

Bruce Conway

Deborah K. Dee

First Bank, Inc.

Joseph & Susan Geerling

Sandra & John Hayes

James & Karen Howard

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Edward & Margie T. Imo

Karen Jensen

Teresa Kelly

Don Klackner

Linda McCullough

Daniel & Jill McGuire

Mr. & Mrs. William D. McMullan

Missouri Athletic Club

Virginia & Larry Mueller

Earl J. Poe

Dawn & Michael Prusator

Mary & David Rothman

Douglas & Mary Russell

Elizabeth Seley

Mr. & Mrs. John K. Shillito

George Telthorst

Daisy

Elizabeth Minogue

Carol M. Duhme

Ann Welker Nelson

Arthur J. Duraski

Rod M. Duraski

Christopher J. Gaia

Greg & Katie Gaia

Karen M. Gale

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Lynn Gardner Bush

Donald Bush

Marilyn P. Gilbert

Dr. Cole Gilbert & Dr. Linda S. Rayor

Karen A. Goellner

Ms. Susan Latorre

Jim Hill

Dave H. Hill

Marilyn Hoessle

Louise B. & Bob Bradshaw

Jane Lanser

Gail F. Reissen & Suzanne C. Bossung

Patricia S. Holdener

Trey & Julie Holdener

Joan M. Huelsing

Kimberly Huelsing

Charles J. Jecmen

Susan Moore

Mildred Kibota

Douglas H. Dietrich & Kirsten K. Dietrich

Robert Edward Lee Lamkin

The DuBose Foundation

F. Holmes Lamoreux

Ann Daly Tretter

Caroline K. Loughlin

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Loughlin IV

Jacob C. Mercer

Ashley Erlitz

Charles B. Meyerson

Mr. & Mrs. Steven B. Gorin

Nancy L. Mitchell

Nanci J. Allen & Julie Steinberg

Karla A. Dale

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Fitzpatrick

Ms. Ann Gamlin

Robin R. Hendricks

Katie Nord

Michael & Elaine Pittaluga

Richard Sivcovich

Michael D. Moll

Donna G. Moll

Eric M. Niedbalski

Gerri Lauterio

LaVern Florence Niere

Marea & Ray Kluth-Hoppe

Anne Piantanida

Nikki Crane

Andrea P. Przygoda

Camdenton R-III School District

Donna Nonnenkamp

Alexis R. Tyler

Roland J. Schiller

Alan & Nancy Stein

Mary Anne Schwent

Mary Kay & Jim Obenauer

Glenda Smith

Regina Kirk

Steven L. Teitelbaum

Kim & Debra Carmichael

Lori A. Sullivan & G. Todd Rogan

George P. Vierheller

John & Nancy Jordan

Patricia L. Yates

Nancy Smart

In Honor Of

Daniel & Barbara Arnold

Martha E. Arnold

Tiffany & Scott Auer

Lynne Donoghue

Francis Ball

Ruth Ball

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Becker

Judy Glazer

Mr. Kevin C. Beckmann & Ms. Tami Ristow

Kayla Wendel

Jack & Craig Berkin

Judy Glazer

Jeffrey P. Bonner

Alois & Stephanie Hoog

Dr. Kristen Buehne

Robin R. Tipps

Judy Detwiler

Crystal West

Frank Hafner & Heather Long

Kristine Barr

Ted W. Hornbeck

Landscape & Nursery Association

Gregory Lewis

Landscape & Nursery Association

Marilyn Lipman

Benjamin & Melissa Lipman

Mrs. Jacquelyn Lipsitz

Janet Brickman

Mr. Philip H. Loughlin III

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Loughlin IV

Ruby Malicoat

Martha E. Arnold

Mac Mckeever

Beth Bray

Eddie Musen

Diane & David Freyman

Dr. & Mrs. Henry G. Ollinger

Laura Ollinger

Brett Oviere

Edwin & Jeann Overy

Roberta S. Poor

Ann Cary

Dr. & Mrs. David Schuval

Stuart & Laurie Cohen

Kristen Spradley

Sherry Dessau

Lori A. Sullivan & Robin Kraujalis

Douglas E. Olson

Jacqueline van der Horst Sergent

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schwendinger

Austin Wren

Donna Schlemmer & Roy Moyers

ALL ABOUT PIPER: THE PRE

Now that you’ve met Piper on page 17, learn more about her and prehensile-tailed porcupines by playing this memory game! See the opposite page for directions on how to play.

PREHENSILE TAIL

Prehensile tails are used for grasping things like branches!

AMBASSADOR

Piper is one of the amazing ambassador animals you will see in Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery!

COVER GIRL

Piper was photographed by Joel Sartore and featured on the cover of National Geographic!

ORANGE BABIES

Baby porcupines, or porcupettes, are born orange with soft orange hair to protect their mothers during birth. As they grow, their quills will harden.

STRENGTH

Her tail is strong enough to hold her entire body weight. She can lean down to grab food from the tree below.

LARGE TEETH

Prehensile-tailed porcupines are rodents, so they have large teeth that continue to grow for a long time.

SHAKING QUILLS

When they feel threatened, they will raise and shake their quills. But fear not, they cannot shoot their quills out of their body!

Porcupines make all kinds of vocalizations, from barks to grunts to teeth chattering. This helps them communicate with other animals. NOISES

SEED DISPERSAL

When they eat plants, they help their habitat by dispersing those seeds through their poop.

WHISKERS

Whiskers help them feel around for food when foraging.

SNACKS

Some of Piper’s favorite snacks are tiny corn cobs, banana and peanuts!

One of Piper’s favorite trees to chew on is sumac, which is found growing all over the Zoo. Chewing helps her maintain her teeth. TREE

HENSILE-TAILED PORCUPINE

Cut out the cards with help from an adult.

Shuffle the cards and place them face down in rows.

Players take turns flipping over two cards.

If the cards match, keep them and take another turn.

If they don't match, turn them back over and your turn ends.

1 2 3 4 5 6

When all cards are matched, the player with the most pairs wins.

Some of Piper’s favorite snacks are tiny corn cobs, banana and peanuts! SNACKS

NOISES

Porcupines make all kinds of vocalizations, from barks to grunts to teeth chattering. This helps them communicate with other animals.

WHISKERS

Whiskers help them feel around for food when foraging.

LARGE TEETH

Prehensile-tailed porcupines are rodents, so they have large teeth that continue to grow for a long time.

SEED DISPERSAL

When they eat plants, they help their habitat by dispersing those seeds through their poop.

TREE

One of Piper’s favorite trees to chew on is sumac, which is found growing all over the Zoo. Chewing helps her maintain her teeth.

ORANGE BABIES

Baby porcupines, or porcupettes, are born orange with soft orange hair to protect their mothers during birth. As they grow, their quills will harden.

PREHENSILE TAIL

Prehensile tails are used for grasping things like branches!

STRENGTH

Her tail is strong enough to hold her entire body weight. She can lean down to grab food from the tree below.

Piper is one of the amazing ambassador animals you will see in Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery! AMBASSADOR

Piper was photographed by Joel Sartore and featured on the cover of National Geographic! COVER GIRL

SHAKING QUILLS

When they feel threatened, they will raise and shake their quills. But fear not, they cannot shoot their quills out of their body!

One Government Drive

St. Louis, MO 63110

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