Saint Louis Zoological Garden Guide Book

Surprisingly scientific 1939 guide to the St. Louis Zoo.

This guidebook presents detailed information and beautiful black and white photographs of the myriad of creatures one can see at the St. Louis Zoological Gardens. An introduction on the system of scientific classification is followed by dozens of pages of images and descriptive text of animals ranging from aardvarks to zebras.

It was published in 1939, at a period of tremendous institutional growth, and includes a special insert regarding the two Giant Pandas that were acquired that year. The book also features sketches of the Ape House that would open later in ’39, and a fold out map showing plenty of potential for future expansion.