Deb's Photo Designs

06/11/2026

We are so sad to hear today that Jared the St. Louis Zoo Jaguar passed away. This is one of the photos I took of him three weeks ago. He was absolutely magnificent! He was 17 years old.

This photo was taken May 19, 2026. Jared was euthanized on June 5 due to kidney failure. Little did I know it would be the last photos I would take as a Zoo volunteer photographer of both Jared and Merah, the 57 year old great grandmother Sumatran orangutan. RIP Jared and Merah - you will be greatly missed by all of St. Louis and the many visitors to the St. Louis Zoo.

05/25/2026

I'm back to the Zoo for St. Louis Zoo Volunteer photography! After taking a year off it feels good to be back! It's fun seeing new animals and seeing the babies growing.

Last week I saw the new Ocelot! I'll post a video. Baby Orangutan, Forest, is now 2 1/2! His family is so sweet together. Forest, Mom, Dad, sister and grandmother. I could watch them interact all day! The new Ostrich just arrived and is getting used to it's new home with the Giraffe's.

Dwight and I attended Night at the Zoo on Wednesday and loved the evening Sea Lion Show! The last time we saw the show the Sea Lion exhibit had just opened.

Here's a few fun photos to share from this last week.... I'm trying my hand at video as the Zoo uses videos quite often for social media. Enjoy!

09/17/2025

Presenting my beautiful niece, Anna! Happy senior year!

Deb's Photo Designs by Debbie Santagato

01/14/2025

Nature's beauty! I had fun taking these photos after the second beautiful snow last week - January 10, 2025. I hope you enjoy taking a walk through the snow with me!

11/01/2024

It was a spooky day at the St. Louis Zoo! It was all about the bears, gorillas and birds! Not to mention the mummies and skeletons! When I arrive at the Zoo as a volunteer Zoo photographer I am given photo challenges by the Director of Creative Arts.
Check it out!

Deb's Photo Designs by Debbie Santagato

10/31/2024

Autumn colors....

10/12/2024

I'm excited to share Christine and Matt's full wedding photo gallery! It was an honor to be a part of their special day last Saturday. Congratulations Christine & Matt!

Deb's Photo Designs by Debbie Santagato

07/02/2024

Did you know the STL Zoo has bird interpreters? I found these beautiful Snowy Egrets in the Cypress Swamp at the Zoo yesterday. The Zoo Interpreter explained to me that this Momma is trying to ween her young ones because they are old enough to be getting their own food now. They are so mad because they want her to continue feeding them. Look how strong she is trying to be while these two young ones are screaming for her to feed them! All this taking place in the top of a very tall tree where their nest is located.