Share an experience like no other when you go behind the scenes at the Saint Louis Zoo! Book one of our Zoo Tours or Day Programs to get to know the animals up close and see what it's like to be a zookeeper. Or, book a Specialty Tour to explore the inner workings of facilities such as our veterinary hospital, research laboratories and administration areas.
Schools high school level and above are welcome to book tours, but space is limited. Call our Tours Department at for school tour accommodations. Get to know the Zoo's wildlife in a whole new way with a tour experience you'll remember for a lifetime. Or, become a train engineer for the day. You'll keep our railroad activities on track, helping passengers, narrating the journey around the Zoo, and operating the whistle and bell. Get a backstage pass to explore our animal care facilities, or take a deep dive into the Zoo's business operations, conservation initiatives and more!
Skip to main content Behind-the-Scenes Tours Have you ever met a penguin, fed a giant tortoise or held a giant walking stick? No transportation is provided. There is a fee for parking. More information on parking and directions is available here.
Some tours take place in temperature-controlled environments or outside. Please dress accordingly. Closed-toe shoes are required for all tours. Tours are not guaranteed to be private unless your group fills the maximum capacity. Due to the unpredictability of animals, tour experiences may vary. All guests must abide by staff instructions at all times. Each tour and program has a specific age requirement listed in the description.
For safety reasons, children under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult adult on Zoo Tours and Specialty Tours. Day Programs do not require an adult, however, if a parent or guardian wishes to accompany the participant, they may do so by purchasing an additional ticket. While all of our public spaces and guest amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas visited through our tours and programs may not be.
