The Nation: Zoo Story

The desperate financial crisis of America's large cities stems partly from the escape of millions of residents into the suburbs, where they turn their backs on the decaying centers and concentrate on new tax problems of their own. But St. Louis has demonstrated that this process can be reversed if the city has something distinctive to offer. St. Louis has a beloved zoo, where children can chuckle at elephants that play tubas and chimps that ride bikes and drive Jeeps. Admission has been free. The zoo was going broke, so last week residents of the suburbs voted voluntarily to aid the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!