After 28 years of living and working in St. Louis, I consider it home. I remain impressed about the diversity of institutions and events in St. Louis that make this a fascinating area. However, I am also frustrated at times by the seeming lack of recognition of St. Louis’ assets by many area residents.

Last week the Saint Louis Zoo had the opportunity to host the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) meeting. We had over 200 guests from 28 countries. In addition to discussing the pressing conservation and animal care issues of the day, we also viewed it as an opportunity to “show off” St. Louis.

It was fascinating and uplifting to see St. Louis through their eyes. Many commented that they did not have a good idea of St. Louis and its environs before this trip, but to a person, they left deeply impressed by the depth and breadth of our metropolitan region’s activities and institutions. They loved the Zoo, however, their admiration extended far beyond the Zoo. For example, a colleague from Berlin, who has traveled the world and is knowledgeable about art, was amazed by our own St. Louis Art Museum. Others commented on their experiences at the History and Science Museums, “They are world class.” Several British colleagues commented that Forest Park and its array of cultural institutions was as fine a complex as they had seen anywhere. For zoo biologists, the Missouri Botanical Gardens held a special place in their admiration. An afternoon trip through the Central West End to the Arch, followed by an ice cream social on the roof of the City Museum, left them in awe of our monuments, and at the City Museum, a highly novel approach to recycling.

I hope that the next time my focus becomes too narrow in regard to the advantages of living in St. Louis, I can recall the deep excitement of our guests, and I can only hope that other St. Louisans can also have the chance to experience and transfer the enthusiasm of others to their own view of the region.

R. Eric Miller, DVM

Sr. VP, Zoological Operations

Saint Louis Zoo