Ever wonder what goes on at the Saint Louis Zoo after the gates close and the keepers call it a night?
Well, imagine this — the animals take the stage for their very own version of a Shakespeare classic!
That’s the fun behind “Romeo & Zooliet,” a unique, family-friendly production created just for the Saint Louis Zoo. Teaming up with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, this playful twist on Romeo and Juliet brings the Bard’s famous tale to life with help from some seriously impressive animal puppets, crafted by the legendary Michael Curry Design — the same folks behind the puppetry in Broadway’s The Lion King and Frozen, plus massive events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl.

July 8 – Aug. 17, 2025
Tuesday through Sunday evenings
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Entry time: 6:30 p.m.
(6 p.m. for VIP ticketholders)
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Run time: 85 minutes
Saint Louis Zoo (Historic Hill)

So, what’s the story?
In Romeo & Zooliet, the animals of the zoo decide to put on a show. But in this version, the Montagues are herbivores and the Capulets are carnivores. Romeo is a prairie dog. Juliet? A grizzly bear. Can they overcome their instincts, bridge the divide, and become the unlikeliest of best friends?
It’s imaginative, fun, and something the whole family can enjoy right here in St. Louis.
Have you seen Romeo & Zooliet yet? What did you think of the animal puppetry and the twist on Shakespeare’s classic love story? Drop a comment and let me know — I’d love to hear your take!
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