The best zoos in the U.S. help conserve endangered animals and provide exciting exhibits for wildlife lovers. There are over 300 zoos in the U.S., which means visitors are spoilt for choice. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best zoos in America, saving the best till last!
Colombus Zoo & Aquarium, Liberty Township
This sprawling zoo includes a huge coral reef aquarium where you can spot tropical fish and lots of marine life from the Congo. It also has interactive experiences for the whole family, including visiting reindeer and giving an elephant a bath!
St. Louis Zoo, Missouri
Set within Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo has over 12,000 animals of 500 different species. In recent years, it’s undergone an outdoor expansion to better accommodate its primates. The zoo is also known for its animal protection efforts and published studies in the Institute for Conservation Medicine.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida
Disney’s Animal Kingdom means you can combine a visit to one of the largest theme parks and zoos in one go! Visit gorillas and Asian tigers, or take a guided African savannah tour. Disney World reveals that you can even meet Timon and Rafiki from The Lion King!
Memphis Zoo, Tennessee
Found in Overton Park, Memphis Zoo boasts 500 different species of animals. It has three main zones with fascinating exhibits, including Animals of the Night, the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, and Primate Canyon. If walking is too much, there’s a handy tram with guided tours!
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo is actually one of the oldest in North America, opening in 1868. One of the biggest advantages of this zoo is that it’s free to enter! It also has one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the U.S.
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
Winner of 65 awards, this impressive wildlife zoo is home to African lions, zebras, brown bears, and even snowy owls. You can explore the Temperate Forest region and visit the red pandas, too. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink thanks to the zoo’s craft beer and cider tastings.
San Francisco Zoo, California
According to San Francisco Travel, the San Francisco Zoo houses rare gray Mexican wolves, which are almost extinct in the wild. The African Savannah and Primate Discovery Center allows you to see giraffes, macaques, and black howler monkeys before traveling to the Cat Kingdom!
Houston Zoo, Texas
At Houston Zoo, you’ll find over 900 different species of animals. It also has one of the biggest collections of birds if you’re a fan of our feathered friends. You can even stay overnight to spend more time with the animals, which includes marine life at its huge aquarium!
Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines
Just south of Des Moines in Iowa is Black Park Zoo, which offers a more compact complex at only 50 acres, perfect if you don’t want to do too much walking! Here, you can find an exciting reptile exhibit, an African boardwalk, and a hands-on petting zoo for all the family.
Alaska Zoo, Anchorage
Alaska Zoo offers the chance to view Arctic animals and learn more about species that thrive in colder conditions. The zoo houses snow leopards, reindeer, and black bear cubs. Its snowy location and interactive visitor experiences make it a perfect visit for the Christmas holidays!
Oakland Zoo, California
Oakland Zoo is one of the leading zoos in animal welfare, and it’s dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. You can enjoy interactive exhibits for the whole family, as well as the educational Bug House for children. Here, you’ll find over 850 species of animals.
Brookfield Zoo, Illinois
If tropical wildlife is more your scene, then Brookfield Zoo has it all. You can visit its Tropical World exhibit and see its spider monkeys and tamarins. If you like things a little colder, its Penguin Encounter room means you can get up close and personal!
Oregon Zoo, Portland
Oregon Zoo is one of the most popular zoos on the West Coast, thanks to its 640 acres and over 2,500 animals. Travel Portland shares how nearly half of the zoo has been renovated in recent years, meaning more room for animals like elephants and rhinos.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati
Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful zoo is one of the oldest in the country and has 500 species of animals. It was the very first to breed California sea lions and houses a number of endangered animals, including Masai giraffes and Sumatran rhinos.
Bronx Zoo, New York City
Bronx Zoo is spread across 265 acres in the big city. It has over 6,000 animals against a backdrop of impressive reproduced habitats that’ll make you wonder if you’re still in the metropolis! Its attractions include the Treetop Adventure zipline and its beautiful butterfly garden.
Dallas Zoological Park, Texas
Dallas Zoo opened in 1888 and was home to only two mountain lions and two deer, reveals U.S. News. It now has over 406 species of animals, and visitors can enjoy its Penguin Cove and Chimpanzee Forest. You can also observe its tiger habitat in a two-acre logged forest.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, some of which are endangered. It also offers a two-floor aquarium and indoor rainforest with primate exhibits. You won’t want to miss the Summer Safari Event, which offers live music and food.
Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is perfect for families thanks to its variety of interactive experiences, including llama encounters and cultural performances. You can even stay overnight for their “Bunk with the Beasts” experience and get a more personal visit with the animals!
Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha
Henry Doorly Zoo is known for the largest geodesic dome in the world. Inside it, you can find desert scenery home to bobcats, rattlesnakes, and sand dunes. You can also take in the exciting nocturnal exhibit down below, known as Kingdoms of the Night.
San Diego Zoo, San Diego
Taking the top spot is San Diego Zoo, one of the most famous in the country. It houses over 12,000 animals, including African elephants, and offers a thrilling Skyfari aerial tram for a birds-eye view! The zoo also places a huge focus on sustainability, making it a top choice all around.
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