Zoo crests 1M visitors in 2012
The Saint Louis Zoo announced that over a million visitors have come through its doors since Jan. 1, 2012, setting a record for that five-month period. Zoo attendance for that period was 1,089,097, as of May 13.
“We are thrilled with this attendance because it gives us the opportunity to connect more and more people with the need to conserve animals and their habitats,” says Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner, Dana Brown President & CEO of the Saint Louis Zoo.
Zoo attractions will soon include Sea Lion Sound, opening June 30, and offering up-close and personal contact with wonderful marine mammals – California sea lions and harbor seals.
Other 2012 achievements include the announcement of approval for the first-ever reintroduction of the endangered American burying beetle in Missouri and the births of two African lion cubs, a Bactrian camel, burrowing owl chicks, the first-ever Soemmerring’s gazelle calf, plus takin and Speke’s gazelle calves – to name only a few of the Zoo’s new arrivals.
“Clearly it was a great period for our conservation mission, as well,” Dr. Bonner said.