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Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery Announced

2023 Annual Report

With the May 2023 announcement of the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, our new children and families area slated to debut in 2026, many are eagerly awaiting opening day.

When the former Emerson Children’s Zoo closed in 2020, it was a tough goodbye for many families, but with the opening of the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, we will welcome a new era of immersive and engaging experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Last spring, we shared plans on how Destination Discovery is taking shape. We also held a ceremony to celebrate this new chapter with representatives from the Henry A. Jubel Foundation who provided the transformational lead gift for this exciting project.

An overview of Destination Discovery

At this new 2.8-acre experience, which will be on the site of the current Emerson Dinoroarus and former Children’s Zoo, our goal is to emphasize that by caring for animals, our shared world becomes a healthier place for all living things. Connecting with animals and nature is especially important to help children develop empathy and establish emotional connections to others. The exhibit will feature three different “neighborhoods,” allowing you to experience animal adventures at every turn:

Underground Cities

What animals will I see?

BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS AND PATAGONIAN MARA
This area features grassland animals, some of which use communal burrows (like black-tailed prairie dogs) and work together to support each other. Guests will learn that we all have roles to play in helping keep our ecosystem healthy.

Freshwater Wilderness

What animals will I see?

NORTH AMERICAN RIVER OTTERS AND CHILEAN FLAMINGOS
Freshwater Wilderness features aquatic animals that share rivers and ponds with us. Guests may take part in water-play activities while learning the importance of clean water for all.

Forest Families

What animals will I see?

TASMANIAN DEVILS, COATI AND BABYDOLL SHEEP
This area features animals that are arboreal (meaning they live in trees) or rely on healthy forests. Guests can take part in climbing activities and learn about how we can care for and share with the wild animals around us.

While you may have seen some of these animals at the Zoo before, you’ll see them in an entirely new setting. As you can see in our habitat illustrations, you’ll be able to get eye-to-eye with prairie dogs from your own “bubble” into the habitat. And otters will zoom overhead in special “water flumes” that take them to the other side of their new habitat. There also will be a new two-story addition to The Living World building. The lower level will offer state of-the-art learning and play spaces. The upper level will house new nature-based preschool classrooms and additional education program facilities. The current Zoo Preschool space will host school groups, Zoo camp and other programs.

An extraordinary gift

This dynamic new area of the Zoo is coming to life with funding from a variety of sources, including an incredibly generous $15 million from the Henry A. Jubel Foundation.

The Jubel Foundation is named for Henry A. Jubel, who immigrated to St. Louis from Germany. Today, Henry’s legacy is carried out through his family’s philanthropy as longtime supporters of the Zoo.

Melissa Jubel Markwort, Executive Director of the Henry A. Jubel Foundation, shared, “Our family has a longstanding and deep connection with the Zoo. We visit regularly, and my sister even worked at the Children’s Zoo in high school. When the Children’s Zoo closed in 2020, we knew we wanted to be a part of bringing this space back to life and in an even better way. The Jubel Foundation is proud to be associated with the Zoo, and we look forward to being a part of reimagining this wonderful space.”

The Saint Louis Zoo is grateful to the Henry A. Jubel Foundation and the Jubel family for their contributions to the Zoo and the St. Louis community. Together, we will help create new Zoo memories for children and families who visit Destination Discovery!

Destination Discovery Renderings (PDF)

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