Memories of the Emerson Zooline Railroad began on Aug. 30, 1963.
For many families, a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo just isn’t complete without a train ride — it’s a nostalgic part of the Zoo experience. From the heart-racing sound of “All aboard!” to the refreshing breeze felt when the train reaches its maximum speed (8 miles per hour), a train ride is fun for the young and young at heart.
The Emerson Zooline Railroad celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, and what better way to commemorate than with the addition of a very meaningful new locomotive?
We unveiled a new electric train — labeled #50 on its side —in March 2023 that is green, literally and figuratively. In addition to its vibrant emerald color, the electric locomotive creates less gas emissions than the current fuel-operated locomotives, which is in line with our goals for the greatest sustainability at our Zoo.
The train is named after Mary Meachum, an abolitionist who, along with husband Reverend John Berry Meachum, was dedicated to educating and freeing enslaved people. When Missouri banned education for Black people in 1847, the Meachums moved a school they set up to a steamboat on the Mississippi River where the Missouri law couldn’t be enforced. It was called the “Floating Freedom School.”
This is the Zoo’s first locomotive named after a woman.
We are excited as we look ahead to the future of the Zooline Railroad and will continue to help create memories that will last a lifetime.
