Saint Louis Zoo South Entry

The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the region’s main attractions. As part of the 2008 Capital Campaign, the Zoo’s main entrance and south parking lot is undergoing a comprehensive improvement for pedestrian safety and vehicular circulation. The project is partially funded by a Federal Transportation Enhancement grant for pedestrian safety improvements.

The Zoo’s main entrance, or South Arrival Plaza, is divided from its primary, 8 acre, parking lot by Wells Drive, a highly traveled public road. This division creates a pedestrian and automobile conflict. The goal of the project was to provide visitors a pedestrian friendly, “zoo” experience as they walk from their car to the main gates. SWT led the design effort to create a pedestrian bridge over Wells Drive that is accessible and aesthetically pleasing. The parking lot has been reconfigured to allow for a north-south pedestrian spine that can be easily recognized and draw visitors toward the main gates of the Zoo. The spine is a gracious “green” space, with shade trees, themed paving, native plantings and animal sculptures. The feature sculpture is a 14’ high African bull elephant sited at the entrance to the bridge.

As visitors cross the faux suspension bridge and arrive at the main gates, they encounter two naturalistic water features with cascading vines, ferns, and natural plantings.