Saint Louis Zoo's WildCare Park to Open in 2027
The $235 million safari park and conservation center in northeast St. Louis County is set to welcome visitors in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Wildlife
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Will WildCare Park open to the public in 2027 as scheduled?
The Saint Louis Zoo's $235 million WildCare Park is scheduled to open to the public in 2027 on a 425-acre site in northeast St. Louis County. Giraffes began arriving at the new home in October 2025, with 10 to 15 expected by the opening.
Why it matters
The project will quadruple the Saint Louis Zoo's footprint in the St. Louis area and is estimated to draw up to 425,000 guests annually. It pairs a visitor experience with conservation breeding and research focused on endangered and threatened animals.
The park covers 425 acres and carries a $235 million price tag, with an estimated 425,000 guests expected each year once open. The zoo has not yet specified how the annual guest projection will change during the first years of operation.
The players
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is a major public zoo in St. Louis, Missouri, known for its free admission and conservation work.
Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center
The Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center is the zoo's conservation breeding and research facility located on the WildCare Park property.
The details
WildCare Park includes a safari experience, an interactive museum and an 11-storey observation tower, and sits on the same property as the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center. The park already houses southern white rhinos, Bactrian camels, wild cattle, wild horses and several antelope species.
Timeline
October 2025: Giraffes began arriving at WildCare Park.
2027: WildCare Park is scheduled to open to the public.
Culture Shift
WildCare Park reflects a wider move among major zoos toward large-acreage habitats that combine visitor attractions with endangered-species breeding programs. The Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center anchors that model on the same property.
Visitors planning for the 2027 opening can expect a 425-acre site with a safari experience, a museum and an observation tower. Those hoping to see giraffes can anticipate 10 to 15 animals on site by the time the park opens.
The takeaway
WildCare Park shows how a zoo can expand its public footprint while building conservation capacity for endangered species. Local residents interested in wildlife can watch for the 2027 opening and the expanded animal roster.
Further reading
For more on wildlife and conservation efforts across the region, browse the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blooloop.
Live Poll
Will WildCare Park open to the public in 2027 as scheduled?
