20 Best ZOOS To Visit in US Visit All Sorts of Animals 2022
The US, you can choose from various animal-centric attractions, such as zoos and aquariums. Also, you can find a zoo in almost every major city in the United States, but that doesn’t mean they are all the same.
We have compiled a list of the best zoos to visit in America, which have amassed incredible collections of animals from around the world to commemorate and conserve the world’s wildlife.
You’ll also discover the best aquariums to visit in the United States, as well as the worst zoos in the country. Read on to learn more.
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20 best zoos in the US
1.Alaska Zoo
Since Alaska is known for its nature and wildlife, it makes sense that it has a great institution like the Alaska Zoo to showcase its indigenous wildlife.
The Alaska Zoo, which opened in 1969 and has been the only zoo in the state since then, is located in Anchorage
Interestingly, the zoo started with a baby, though it is now home to numerous native Alaskan creatures such as the Canadian lynx and the polar bear. The local grocer won the game elephant.
Many non-native animals, such as snow leopards and Tibetan yaks, can be found among the about 100 animals at the Alaska Zoo.
2.Bear Country USA
Bear Country USA Wildlife Park offers a different experience. The uniqueness of this place in Rapid City, South Dakota, is that it is a safari park accessible from the car, where you have the opportunity to see creatures in your car.
On the way to Mount Rushmore, this is a popular stop. Get up close and personal with wolves, bears, and other native North American wildlife as you traverse 200 acres of woodland and grassland.
The 4,444 visitors made a three-mile trip around the park, passing various barriers and getting up close with the park’s residents.
3.Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo can easily claim the title of the largest zoo in the United States. That is if the entire land area and the number of species are taken into account.
The Riverview Park Zoo, which opened in 1894, is now the Nebraska Zoo. It is 130 acres in size and is home to more than 900 different species. Henry Dolly Zoo has established itself as a leader in wildlife conservation and study over the years.
You’ll get to see rhinos, tigers, lions, and elephants at this popular zoo, and you’ll get up and down with sharks and turtles at the on-site aquarium.
Omaha Zoo Hours
HOURS IN SUMMER:
From 9 a. M. At 5 p. M. Every day | The buildings are open until 6 pm
WINTERTIME
Every day from 10 am to 4 pm Buildings open until 5 pm
Except on Christmas Day, the restaurant is open all year.
Call (402) 733-8401 during inclement weather.
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4.Denver Zoo
What started as a gift has now become a necessity. The Denver Zoo, a pioneering institution in Colorado, was founded in 1896 after an American black bear was donated to the mayor of Denver.
Additionally, the Denver Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to incorporate natural habitats into its exhibits to promote animal welfare. Since then, the zoo has worked hard to expand its conservation activities beyond animal populations, launching a four-continent global conservation plan.
The 4,444 visitors to the Denver Zoo contributed to these efforts and can see more than 3,500 animals representing more than 400 species.
Additionally, the zoo’s bear population remains well known but is also noted for its Siberian tigers, Asian elephants, and unique Stingray Bay exhibits.
5.Houston Zoo
In a big city like Houston, it’s no wonder that Houston Zoo is worth discussing. The Houston Zoo is located in central Texas, covers 55 acres, and is the easiest city to visit.
It houses around 6,000 animals representing 900 different species from around the world. The Houston Zoo can meet your needs, whether you want to see African gorillas and zebras, South American anteaters, or Texas wildlife.
It also offers excellent animal contact opportunities, including close encounters with elephants, okapi, and Galapagos tortoises.
6.Fort Worth Zoo
You will find many great zoos in Texas, but the Fort Worth Zoo is arguably the state’s contribution to the best zoo in the United States.
When the Fort Worth Zoo opened in 1909, its selection of animals was very limited, but it has developed rapidly since then and now has 7,000 animals of more than 540 species.
The two most popular exhibits are the 2.5-acre World of Primate exhibit, where you can see all four species of apes, and the Museum of Living Art (MOLA), where many endangered reptiles and amphibians house the animals.
7.Oakland Zoo
To see the diversity of native California animals at one of the best zoos in the United States, simply visit the Oakland Zoo.
Recently, the Oakland Zoo launched a new trail exhibit in California, highlighting native species such as grizzly bears, gray wolves, and bison.
But there are other exhibits and facilities on the 100 acres of Auckland Zoo, including a world-class veterinary hospital and a large butterfly garden.
Auckland Zoo is now home to more than 700 local and exotic animals, such as sun bears, reticulated giraffes, and baboons.
Although it is now located in Knowland Park in Oakland Hills, the zoo was originally located in downtown Oakland when first established in 1922.
8.Zoo Miami
Among the countless zoos in the country, Zoo Miami is the only subtropical zoo. The continental United States. If this isn’t enough to make Zoo Miami special enough, it also happens to be Florida’s biggest and best zoo.
It is officially called the Miami-Dade Gardens and Zoo, which opened in 1948 and moved to its current location in 1980.
The important reason Zoo Miami has a subtropical climate is that it provides a naturally warm environment. Also, the humid environment of zoo animals native to Asia, Australia, and Africa.
These animals include exotic species such as Malayan tapirs, Komodo dragons, pine kangaroos, and ancient, beloved animals such as gorillas and lions.
9.Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo dubbed the “Nation’s First Zoo,” is a beloved institution that is one of the best zoos in the United States. This recognition is partly because it is one of the oldest zoos in the country.
The Philadelphia Zoo first opened in 1874, although it wasn’t officially licensed until 1859, just before the Civil War, making it the first zoo in the United States.
The history of this zoo is not the only thing that makes it noteworthy; Its nearly 1,300 animals include numerous endangered species. There are black and white frilled lemurs, Amur tigers, and giant otters on the 42 acres of the park.
10.Saint Louis Zoo
It’s hard to conceive why you wouldn’t visit the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri, especially since admission is free. This zoo, located in Forest Park, the west of the city, is also one of the best in the country.
The Saint Louis Zoo, originally known as the Saint Louis Zoo, is free to the public, thanks to government funding. It means that anyone can come to see the 13,000 zoo animals representing 555 different species.
The zoo’s exhibits are red pandas, polar bears, two-toed sloths, puffins, and various reptiles and amphibians.
11.Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is another zoo in the state of Colorado. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the tallest in the United States, standing 6,800 feet above sea level.
Founded in 1926 by philanthropist Spencer Penrose as the home for his collection of exotic animals, this zoo has grown to house 800 animals representing more than 200 species.
More than 30 of those species, including black rhinos and lar gibbons, endanger extinction.
Visitors can also take the Mountaineer Sky Ride, which passes over the grizzly bear and Amur tiger enclosures, for a new point of view on the animals…
12.Bronx Zoo
There are many impressive zoos in New York, but the Bronx Zoo is, without a doubt, one of the best.
The zoo is located near the Bronx River in Bronx Park and comprises 265 acres, making it one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the country.
When the Bronx Zoo originally opened in 1899, it began a long animal health and conservation tradition by opening the first modern zoo animal hospital in 1916.
Plus, when you visit today, you’ll be able to witness approximately 6,000 animals of 700 different species, ranging from big cats like tigers, lions, and gorillas to tiny animals like lemurs and reptiles.
13.Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Columbus, Ohio.
Whether or not Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the best zoo in Ohio, its 580 acres of land make it one of the largest zoos in the country.
This nonprofit zoo, located north of Columbus in Liberty Township, first opened in 1927 but has since expanded to include its 18-hole golf course.
The expansive grounds of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are organized into eight exhibit groups, each representing a different geographic region of the world.
It means that among the more than 7,000 creatures representing more than 800 species, you can witness everything from leopards and bobcats to penguins and kangaroos.
14.San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
The legendary San Diego Zoo is easily the best zoo in California, if not the world. The San Diego Zoo, which opened in 1916 in Balboa Park, has become one of the city’s top tourist attractions and is the most visited zoo in the United States.
One reason for the zoo’s enormous popularity is its incredible diversity, which includes more than 3,500 creatures from 650 different species.
The zoo is divided into eight exhibits to maintain its diverse wildlife population, each with its geography or habitat.
Additionally, the Outback exhibit, which features Australian animals such as koalas and Tasmanian devils, has become one of the San Diego Zoo’s most popular exhibits in recent years.
15.Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo in Florida is one of the best zoos on the East Coast of the United States. Brevard Zoo, located in Melbourne, focuses on interaction and creative techniques for connecting with animals.
This 75-acre Florida-landscaped farm is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 195 species.
Animals from all over the world can be found here, but there are also native Florida animals like the Florida black bear and the American alligator.
Kayaking and zip-lining are among the activities available at the Brevard Zoo, as are hand-feeding giraffes and walking with kangaroos.
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16.Woodland Zoo
The Woodland Zoo in Seattle is another wonderful American zoo worth mentioning, with a long history of conserving wildlife.
Additionally, the Woodland Park Zoo, founded in 1899, is located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle.
The zoo’s exhibits are divided into bioclimatic zones. However, around 900 animals represent 250 or more species spread across its 92 acres.
It means that you will have to visit various exhibits to see the most amazing animals in the zoo, such as the snow leopard, flying fox, and hippopotamus.
Additionally, the Woodland Park Zoo hosts an annual Brew at the Zoo event, including beer tastings from several local breweries.
17.Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the largest zoos in the United States, with a total area of 1,800 acres.
Additionally, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, near Palm Springs, California, has exhibited desert flora and fauna since 1970.
A large part of the zoo grounds has been left in its natural state, offering a home for approximately 450 animals.
The zoo’s animals come from worldwide, including Australian kangaroos, Mexican wolves from North America, and African and Iranian cheetahs.
Visitors can interact with animals, feed giraffes, and enjoy nature and hiking trails, as well as visit animal exhibits.
18.Brookfield Zoo
When planning a trip to Chicago, visitors should remember to include Brookfield Zoo in their itinerary. The Chicago Zoo, as it is officially known, is a 216-acre zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, conveniently accessible from downtown.
Brookfield Zoo, built-in 1934, was the first to use trenches and trenches as enclosures instead of cages. The Chicago Zoological Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and care of animals, runs the zoo.
While you can see orangutans, pangolins, and pygmy hippos here, the Brookfield Zoo also has an Animal Ambassador Program that allows visitors to get up and personalize with some species.
19.Lion Country Safari
The Lion Country Safari in Florida is proof that vehicle-accessible animal parks are rare but not unique in the United States. Located inland from West Palm Beach, this safari park encompasses more than 600 natural habitats for wildlife.
On a four-mile journey through seven different portions of specific bioclimatic regions, guests can discover Lion Country Safari from the luxury of their car.
Also, along the way, you will see creatures such as giraffes, African lions, and kudu, but there is also a Safari tour with much smaller birds, reptiles, and mammals. s.
At Lion Country Safari, there is also an amusement park with a petting zoo and a water park with slides and other family activities.
20.Memphis zoo
The Memphis Zoo is a proud Tennessee landmark, established for more than a century. Memphis Zoo has been located in Overton Park in Midtown Memphis since 1906 and covers approximately 76 acres.
The zoo is divided into three zones, each with 19 exhibits that take a 2-mile walk to complete. Additionally, the Memphis Zoo is home to around 3,500 animals of more than 500 different species worldwide.
While the zoo’s giant panda exhibit is one of the most popular, don’t miss the Nile hippos and crocodiles at Zambezi River Hippo Camp or the Jaguars and Capybaras of Cat Country.
The ten worst aquariums and zoos in America
Natural Bridge ZooThe Natural Bridge Zoo has remained on the list of the worst zoos for elephants for the past seven years. Additionally, the roadside zoo has nearly 150 violations of the Animal Welfare Act on its record.
Asha, the resident elephant, walks hundreds of guests each year and faces physical injury if she doesn’t obey.
Like the macaque pictured above, other animals are said to have been neglected with untreated injuries for weeks.
- Monterey Zoo
Although this is not the case, the Monterey Zoo is advertised as a “retirement home” for elephants. It is why Monterey Zoo is considered one of the worst in the United States.
Their elephants have died on average at age 22, which is quite young. They died of diseases brought on by the horrible conditions they were kept, not by old age.
- Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is accredited but has chosen to reject widely published research on elephant care. Happy and Patty, his Asian elephants, live in seclusion.
It is against all modern standards of elephant welfare.
- Hogle Zoo
Elephants are not supposed to be solitary creatures. Christie and Zuri, a mother-daughter duo, are kept alone at Hogle’s Zoo, which is less than the minimum of three.
Elephants should be housed in a considerably larger social group in the ideal situation. It’s not the worst zoo in the world, but it’s certainly not the best.
- Seneca Park Zoo
Elephants are only found in hot climates. They can withstand the cold quickly, but they are not designed for the freezing New York winters.
Due to the cold, some elephants in Seneca Park have developed ailments, including severe and excruciating arthritis.
An elephant died prematurely as a result of this because it could no longer tolerate standing.
- Pittsburgh Zoo
Concrete floors are well known in the wildlife care arena for being dangerous to elephants. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Zoo doesn’t seem to be concerned.
Elephants are still kept in closed, concrete-floored enclosures, resulting in chronic discomfort and physical limitations.
- Memphis zoo
For starters, the Memphis Zoo has shady ties to circuses. Before “retiring” to the zoo, the elephants under his “care” had been abused in circus acts.
Memphis Zoo, one of the worst zoos in the country, boasts of having the oldest African elephant in North America but ignores the fact that elephants live much longer in the wild.
Myrtle Beach Safari
The Netflix documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” was on the internet during the beginning of the 2020 epidemic. One of the zoos discussed in the show is this one.
Bubbles, an African elephant, is also isolated, as the series focuses on the big cats there. Bhavagan Antle, the owner of the zoo, claims to have rescued Bubbles.
He trafficked it in the 1980s, firmly cementing his place on the list of worst zoos if you can call it that.
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America’s Best Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, Georgia)
As the largest aquarium globally, the Georgia Aquarium invites visitors to come face to face with sharks, rays, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, seals, and beluga whales.
This iconic Atlanta institution also promises special gifts for young children: the chance to wade in a pool filled with slippery marine life, tell stories, make crafts, and play with characters in period costumes.
National Aquarium (Baltimore, Maryland)
The National Aquarium is home to nearly 20,000 small animals, enough to appeal to animal lovers of all ages. There is an Indo-Pacific coral reef habitat teeming with blacktip reef sharks and goldfish.
Additionally, the 225-gallon ring-shaped Shark Alley exhibit allows visitors to get close and personal with toothy predators. (Don’t see the great white sharks until you leave.)
Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey Bay, California)
Located on historic Cannery Street, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an education and conservation superstar with over 500 different fish species. Marine life.
Children can play on the waterbed in the interactive rowing area, explore the enchanting kelp forest, and watch the penguins feed. (Parents will have fun too.)
New England Aquarium (Boston, Massachusetts)
Are you planning a family getaway to Beantown? Go straight to the New England Aquarium.
This huge ocean center in Boston Harbor has interactive exhibits (the Shark and Ray touch pools are a must-see), a huge 3D IMAX cinema, and a whale watching tour associated with the Boston Harbor City Cruise from Central Wharf.
Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport, Oregon)
What’s so cool about the Oregon Coast Aquarium? Well, it depends on how many hours you have free.
Go back to prehistoric times on Cruisin ‘the Fossil Coastline, watch sea lions and seals fly through the water, try to see the elusive giant Pacific octopus, and learn about the annual migration of Coho salmon.
Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, Illinois)
The highlight of the Shedd Aquarium is the huge Great Lakes exhibit, featuring some of the area’s most notorious native species.
It also gives visitors the chance to meet sturgeon, a scaleless fish dating back to the age of dinosaurs, and get a closer look at the tusked lamprey (if you dare, please Google).
Seattle Aquarium (Seattle, Washington)
With an emphasis on protecting and enhancing the health of Puget Sound, the Seattle Aquarium is a family getaway for you to enjoy.
It’s rich in native marine life, from deep-buried tidal pool creatures like hermit crabs and split-nosed fish to birds that nest on the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest, which of course, causes no harm.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (New Orleans, Louisiana)
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located just outside of New Orleans’ French Quarter, showcases its southern roots with fascinating displays of marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River.
There is also a Geaux fish display that highlights the Louisiana fishing industry. This great favorite also protects endangered species such as African penguins and rare white alligators.
Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut)
The Mystic Aquarium has the largest beluga room in the United States. How beautiful is Beluyoga in the Arctic Coast Underwater View Area?
Why not delve into the world of the northern sea lions? And Steller’s sea lions, or safely allowing kids to interact with non-threatening sharks in the tactile habitat if stretching out among majestic whales, isn’t enough to sell?
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Powell, Ohio)
One of the best zoos in the United States, the Columbus Zoo and the aquarium at the colon zoo and aquarium, just have a lot of cute creatures on earth.
The various bodies of water in the tanks and aquariums are home to an incredible variety of marine life. Meet your friendly managers, take the kids to play sea urchins, and peep tubule zebra sharks.
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The Florida Aquarium (Tampa, Florida)
The Florida Aquarium is the perfect place to explore under the people. Stuck on aquatic animals from marine ecosystems around the Sunshine State and beyond.
Conservation initiatives focus on local populations of sea turtles, corals, and sharks. Do you want to see majestic aquatic mammals in the wild? Climb aboard the Bahia II spirit on a 75-minute dolphin cruise led by naturalist guides.
New York Aquarium (Brooklyn, New York)
We hope your great Apple itinerary has room for more attractions because the New York Aquarium will not be missed.
Expect exciting shows for balance, rides, nutrients, wild encounters, and the installation of the fan-favorite exhibit, which focuses on very strange guests such as moon ice creams, moon worms, zombie worms, and highly intelligent Pacific octopuses.
Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
Did you know that North American river otters use special fins to stay underwater for up to eight minutes in a single breath?
What about the single module? Do sand tiger sharks reproduce (hint: implies intrauterine cannot)? These are the kind of deeply fascinating facts you’ll learn about the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga.
Maui Ocean Center (Wailuku, Hawaii)
There are so many wonderful things to do in Hawaii. If you’ve cleared up the mysteries of deep and marine conservation, the Maui Ocean Center deserves a spot on that list.
It is a fantastic place to catch a glimpse of endemic Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles. The Ocean Aloha program teaches parents and children the importance of caring for the ecosystem under the tides.
Ripley’s Smokies Aquarium ( Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
You may not be able to anticipate that the fascinating city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will have a true aquatic center at home, but surprise … it does!
The Aquarium Ripley’s Smokies offers guests a seat at the front in the underwater world with Glassbottomed boat adventures and numerous galleries of fish.
Youngsters will be particularly tested by the cleverly named touch of Ray Bay and Penguin’s pictorial expertise.
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What is the best zoo to visit in the US?.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Bay Lake, Florida. …
- San Diego Zoo in San Diego. …
- Houston Zoo in Houston. …
- Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. …
- St. …
- Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. …
- Denver Zoo in Denver, Colorado. …
- Henry Doorl.
Which zoo has the most animals in the US?.
1 Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
The zoo is currently home to a whopping 17,000 animals!.
What zoos have red pandas?
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has been at the forefront of red panda conservation, with more than 100 surviving cubs born since 1962..
What is the number 1 zoo in the USA?
San Diego Zoo1 – San Diego Zoo.
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