In addition to Brookfield, I had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful St. Louis Zoo last week as well. I went on a photographic safari with a good friend, and we had success – over 1,500 shots between us! It had been 3 years since my last visit, and it was great to be back. St. Louis has an intimate charm around the grounds, mixing the creative architectural structures of Historic Hill with cutting edge habitats like River’s Edge and Penguin/Puffin Coast. The collection is tough to beat, with only an extensive aquarium missing. We had heard about a few zoo babies and weren’t disappointed. Most, like the kudu, takin, and camel were in the Red Rocks area, but the otter, sifaka, prairie dog, and penguin youngsters were just as cute.

Even better was the opportunity to see both of the zoo’s elephant calves – Maliha and Jade. Both contracted the deadly EEHV virus, a mysterious disease of which the origins are unknown and survival rates are dismal. Amazingly, despite past minimal success in zoos, through intense care and antibiotics, both elephants recovered.

Jade has an especially difficult early life, as first time mom Rani refused nursing. Jade is now growing up with grandma Ellie and her daughter Maliha. When the zoo opened, the elephant area of River’s Edge was off limits, so Jade could be re-introduced to the herd. Keepers had set aside 2 hours for them to once again settle together. It took less than 45 minutes for caretakers to allow visitors to view the re-united pair.

No new exhibits opening this year, but a seasonal stingray touch pool is set near the zoo’s center.  These touch areas have been a temporary treat at many zoos around the country, but not all offer feeding.  Stingrays of Caribbean Cove at St. Louis presents that opportunity and no matter how many times I do it, having a stingray gently suck a shrimp from between my fingers is always exhilarating.  Don’t pass it up if you get the chance!

A few photos from the safari:

River's Edge starts off with an energetic quartet of rarely seen bush dogs

Maliha, Jade, and Ellie in the herd yard

The smallest species of bear, the sun bear

The famous 1904 Flight Cage has been renovated into a lush Cypress swamp

Underwater viewing at Hippo Harbor presents intense photographic opportunities

A huge Reticulated python resides in the Reptile House

We caught feeding time for the penguins!

Monsanto Insectarium has one of the best collections of insects and arachnids around.