June 13, 1921
On this date in Missouri history, the famous bear pits at the St. Louis Zoo were opened for public view.
December 31, 1928
Marlin Perkins, host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and director of the St. Louis Zoo, was bitten by a Gaboon viper and became one of only a few people to ever survive such a bite.
December 2, 1913
On this date in Missouri history: St. Louis Mayor Kiel signed an ordinance establishing a zoo in St. Louis in Forest Park. The idea was almost killed because of a lawn-mowing dispute.