The Best Zoos in the United States

Zoos are not only a great way to see exotic animals up close, but they also play an important role in conservation efforts. The United States is home to many excellent zoos that offer visitors the chance to learn about animals from all over the world. Here are some of the best zoos in the United States.

1. San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is widely recognized as one of the most renowned and respected zoos globally, providing a home to over 3,500 animals from more than 650 species. The zoo is known for its innovative animal exhibits that replicate natural habitats and its conservation efforts, including its successful breeding programs for endangered species.

2. Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo, located in New York City, is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. The zoo houses a diverse range of wildlife, with over 6,000 animals from more than 700 species calling it their home. The zoo is known for its immersive exhibits that give visitors the chance to see animals up close and its conservation efforts, including its work with the Wildlife Conservation Society.

3. Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, located in Washington D.C., is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. This particular zoo is a dwelling place to over 2,700 animals from more than 390 species, showcasing a diverse range of wildlife. The zoo is known for its research and conservation efforts, including its work with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

4. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo, located in Portland, is home to over 1,800 animals representing more than 230 species. The zoo is known for its innovative animal exhibits and conservation efforts, including its work with endangered species such as the California condor.

5. Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo, situated in Tennessee's city of Memphis, is a habitat to more than 3,500 animals that represent over 500 diverse species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including its award-winning Cat Country exhibit, and its conservation efforts, including its work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

6. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, located in Omaha, Nebraska, is home to over 17,000 animals representing more than 962 species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including its Desert Dome exhibit, the world's largest indoor desert, and its conservation efforts, including its work with endangered species such as the black rhinoceros.

7. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, located in Columbus, Ohio, is home to over 7,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including its Polar Frontier exhibit, and its conservation efforts, including its work with the Polar Bear International.

8. Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is home to over 7,000 animals representing more than 500 species. The zoo is known for its immersive exhibits, including its African Savanna exhibit, and its conservation efforts, including its work with endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger.

9. Saint Louis Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to over 18,000 animals representing more than 600 species. The zoo is known for its immersive exhibits, including its River's Edge exhibit, and its conservation efforts, including its work with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

10. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo, located in Houston, Texas, is home to over 6,000 animals representing more than 900 species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including its Kipp Aquarium and African Forest exhibit, and its conservation efforts, including its work with endangered species such as the Attwater's prairie chicken.

11. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, located in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the top-ranked zoos in the world. It is home to over 17,000 animals representing more than 962 species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including the Desert Dome, the world's largest indoor desert, and the Lied Jungle, the world's largest indoor rainforest. The zoo also has an aquarium that features a 70-foot shark tunnel and a touch tank where visitors can interact with sea creatures.

12. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is home to over 500 animals representing more than 300 species. The zoo is known for its breeding programs for endangered species such as the black rhinoceros, Sumatran rhinoceros, and western lowland gorilla. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 3,000 plant species.

13. Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home to over 1,300 animals representing more than 42 species. The zoo is known for its KidZooU, an interactive exhibit where children can learn about animals and conservation. The zoo also has a Big Cat Falls exhibit that features lions, tigers, and jaguars.

14. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the only zoo in the United States located on a mountain. It is home to over 750 animals representing more than 170 species. The zoo is known for its immersive exhibits, including the African Rift Valley and the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit. The zoo also has a giraffe feeding experience where visitors can hand-feed the animals.

15. Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 350 species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits, including the Louisiana Swamp exhibit and the Jaguar Jungle exhibit. The zoo also has a Discovery Walk that features interactive exhibits and a dinosaur exhibit.

Conclusion

The United States is home to many excellent zoos that offer visitors the chance to see animals from all over the world and learn about conservation efforts. From the San Diego Zoo to the Audubon Zoo, each of the zoos on this list has something unique to offer. Whether you're looking for immersive exhibits, innovative animal habitats, or interactive experiences, these zoos are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

FAQs

• Which zoo holds the title of being the largest in the United States?

The Bronx Zoo, located in New York City, is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States.

• Which zoo is considered the most famous in the United States?

San Diego Zoo is widely recognized as one of the most renowned and respected zoos globally.

• Which zoo has the largest indoor desert exhibit?

The Desert Dome exhibit at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the largest indoor desert exhibit in the world.

• What is the only zoo in the United States located on a mountain?

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the only zoo in the United States located on a mountain.

• Which zoo has a giraffe feeding experience?

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has a giraffe feeding experience where visitors can hand-feed the animals.