St. Louis Zoo

Marlin Perkins was born in Carthage, MO on this date. He was an effective and popular head of the St. Louis Zoo and his national television show, "Wild Kingdom," ran for 23 years.

Missouri History Today August 12, 1905: Bird Cage Spurs Conversation Of Forest Park Zoo

On January 27, 1963, plans were made for a miniature railroad in the St. Louis Zoo. 

On January 6, 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom debuts. Marlin Perkins became a household name across America thanks to the popularity of his wildlife show. Perkins was born in Carthage, educated at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, and later studied at Mizzou.

On November 11, 1930 newspapers were reporting that the new parrot at the St. Louis Zoo was cursing visitors and telling them to go to Hell. He would be removed from display. 

Three special events at the St. Louis Zoo include Zootoberfest, with beer trailers and German food, and then three weekends of festive Halloween decorations throughout the zoo. Find out about Boo at the Zoo, too.

On this date in Missouri history, the famous bear pits at the St. Louis Zoo were opened for public view.

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. 

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.