The Animals Always sculpture is in the Steven F. Schankman Family Plaza right outside the south entrance at the St. Louis Zoo. The sculpture was created by Albert Paley and donated by Thelma Zalk in 2006. This monument is a tribute to the endangered animals sculpted in the piece as well as a tribute to the St. Louis Zoo’s conservation efforts

One half of the sculpture is a jungle filled with endangered animals like elephants, bats, painted dogs, and a gorilla. The other half of the sculpture is an under water seascape filled with endangered marine life. You can see sea horses and various other aquatic animals.

This sculpture is nothing less than awe inspiring. It stands 36 feet high and is 130 feet long. It is also one of the few sculptures that visitors can reach out and touch. It is amazing to see how many animals one can find. Additionally, it is thought provoking as many of the animals displayed are not widely known to be endangered.

I did find the piece a little difficult to get to. Thankfully I am a zoo member and was able to park in the south lot then walk to the piece. It is located on the corner of a roundabout. I have to confess that I rarely see people there when I drive by and this was my first time visiting the sculpture.

Having driven past it for over 10 years the experience is infinitely more powerful outside of my car. I am ashamed to confess it has taken me so long to engage with this beautiful sculpture.