In the late 1960s, a group of public-spirited citizens, under the leadership of Howard Baer, sought to establish a cultural district, funded by property taxes from both the City and the County of St. Louis.  At that time, the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum received tax support only from the City of St. Louis.  The Science Center (formerly the Museum of Science & Natural History) received no tax support.

Circuit Judge Thomas F. McGuire, Howard Baer’s successor as Chairman of the Zoo, helped the group propose the statute that established the District.  Through the passionate efforts of Mr. Baer, Zoo Director Marlin Perkins and other prominent St. Louisans, H.B. 23 was enacted by the Legislature.  H.B. 23 authorized City and County residents to vote on a tax levy of up to 8 cents per $100 assessed valuation for the operation of the Zoo and the Art Museum and 4 cent per $100 assessed valuation for the Science Center (Sec. 184.350-.384 R.S.Mo. 1969).  As the result of a successful vote, the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District was created.

The voters of St. Louis City and County allowed the Botanical Garden to become the group’s fourth Subdistrict in 1983; the Missouri History Museum entered the District in 1988.

In 1972 the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District selected Earl Wipfler as its first Executive Director.  He guided the District in establishing appropriate budgeting and accounting procedures.  The Missouri Supreme Court later approved these standards and they continue to form the basis for the District’s current operations.  When Mr. Wipfler retired in 1990, Olney F. Otto became the District’s second Executive Director.  Under Mr. Otto’s direction, the District maintained its financial integrity as it entered the “high-tech” age.  Olney F. Otto served as the District’s Executive Director until his death in June 2002.  Mr. J. Patrick Dougherty was hired in 2002 and serves as the current Executive Director.

The District is comprised of a governing body of eight Board Members.  Four members (representing the City of St. Louis) are appointed by the Mayor.  The other four members (representing St. Louis County) are appointed by the County Executive.  Appointments are on a four-year, rotation basis, with two (one City and one County) Board members’ terms expiring January 1^st  each year.