Clean Up Efforts At Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park After EF-3 Tornado

An EF-3 tornado struck St. Louis’ Forest Park on Friday, causing significant damage across its 1,300 acres. The Saint Louis Zoo, which had 10,000 guests on-site at the time, closed for two days due to debris but reported no injuries thanks to an effective disaster preparedness plan. Staff safely recalled 95% of animals, including all carnivores, with only minor issues like a damaged Butterfly House dome. Few butterflies escaped and were quickly recovered.

Zoo Director Michael Macek emphasized the importance of prioritizing tornado victims over zoo donations and encouraged the public to use the zoo as a place of respite. The Missouri History Museum and Forest Park Golf Course remain closed, while other cultural institutions have reopened. The tornado also uprooted hundreds of historic trees, dramatically altering the park’s landscape. Cleanup efforts continue, with city officials urging public caution as crews clear blocked paths and assess ongoing damage throughout the park.