Fodor's Expert Review St. Louis Zoo

Located in Forest Park, this is one of the country's best zoos and a leader in conservation efforts. Natural open-air habitats allow visitors excellent views of animals from the African savanna, including lions, tigers, elephants and zebras; curious giraffes have been known to stick their necks out to be petted by wide-eyed visitors. The zoo's "River's Edge" is an immersion exhibit that allows visitors to get close to such creatures as warthogs, wild pigs, black rhinos, bush dogs, giant anteaters, and aardvaks. There's also a children's petting area with goats, sheep and other animals.