The Saint Louis Zoo has named its 425-acre north St. Louis County property Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. 

The name hits on three aspects Zoo officials say the new campus will illustrate: wildlife, conservation and public experience. 

The North County campus will offer an interactive experience for guests including safaris and even camping. The Zoo has conducted public experience studies and surveys with tourists and area residents, and will continue to seek input as it finalizes the public experiences at the new campus. The Zoo also will work with necessary authorities to evaluate property zoning, traffic studies, perimeter fencing and a potential pilot pasture in the near future. The organization also is mapping the native animals and plants that live in and around the property, including the presence or absence of invasive species and diseases with a potential threat to Zoo animals, officials said.
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The new campus also will feature the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center where conservationists will work to sustain populations of endangered species, conduct research and engage in conservation programs. The center is key to the Zoo’s work to advance wildlife conservation efforts, officials said.
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“Together, the public experience and the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center will merge applied science with intriguing dynamic visitor interactions – both are cutting-edge and unique,” said Winthrop Reed III, chairman of the St. Louis Zoological Park Subdistrict Commission. “We believe this is the first facility of its kind in the world and will doubtless be a game-changer for endangered species as well as for north St. Louis County and the region.”

The Zoo also will study the native animals and plants that live in and around the North County property.

The St. Louis Zoo will ask a state financing board Tuesday for approval of a $135 million borrowing package that will jump-start development of a new outdoor animal park on 425 acres in north St. Louis County.

The bonds issued by the Missouri Development Finance Board would be combined with more than $100 million in funds from the taxpayer-supported zoo and private money to develop WildCare Park.