The United States of America is a country primarily located in North America. This country is home to hundreds of zoological parks. They have more than 200 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This zoo offers excellent opportunities to see and learn more about all kinds of animals. However, zoos and animal parks focus on educating visitors about the importance of all animals, and conservation efforts. Its research to help aid endangered species and disappearing habitats can help eco-conscious travelers feel good about visiting.
Here are the Best Zoos in the U.S.
1. Fort Worth Zoo, Texas
Forth Worth Zoo is the oldest zoo in Texas, educating visitors since 1909. This zoo stands as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts with its commitment to animal conservation and an extensive collection of species. The zoo covers over 64 acres. Forth Worth Zoo offers visitors a chance to witness the incredible diversity of animal life. This zoo is one of a handful of zoos in the U.S. to have resident bonobos and two species of rhinos. Forth Worth Zoo even houses the reptile- and amphibian-filled Museum of Living Art. The most amazing factor about this zoo is that the zoo is a leader in Asian elephant conservation. It is home to the world’s most successful lesser flamingo breeding colony.
2. Oakland Zoo, Oakland, California
Oakland Zoo was established in June 1922. This zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. Oakland Zoo is home to more than 850 native and exotic species. Many animals here are rescued. Visitors can get to see African lions, American alligators, and grizzly bears in large natural habitats. Oakland Zoo participates in local and global conservation programs including rehabilitation and veterinarian services for California condors and mountain lions.
3. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Smithsonian National Zoo is also known as the National Zoo. It is one of the best zoos in the United States. This national zoo is located at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., over 163 acres. Smithsonian National Zoo was created in 1889 under President Grover Cleveland. This National Zoological Park is home to over 2,100 animals representing nearly 400 different species. Throughout the property, visitors can admire Andean bear cubs, California sea lions, Bennett’s wallabies, lions, orangutans, meerkats, and seals. Moreover. The work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute extends beyond the capital city with scientific studies. This Washington, D.C. Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the US.
4. Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis
If you are in St. Louis make sure to head to Saint Louis Zoo for free. This zoo is dedicated to research and conservation. It is recognized worldwide for its innovative approach to animal care and wildlife conservation. In 2022, this zoo received the Worldwide Conservation Award from the World Association of Zoos. Saint Louis Zoo is home to more than 16,000 animals. They house Andean bears, black rhinoceroses, polar bears, and Sumatran orangutans. The facility’s Ozark and Eastern Hellbenders program is one of the world’s largest amphibian reintroduction programs.
5. Denver Zoo, Colorado
Denver Zoo is spread across 84 acres in Denver. This zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals. Visitors can explore the Toyota Elephant Passage, which treats guests to views of Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinoceroses, and tapirs. They get close-up viewing opportunities of two lion prides and hyenas. This zoo focused on conservation and sustainability. Denver Zoo offers a jam-packed daily schedule of fun, interactive events like encounters with the zoo’s llamas Jorge and Fernando, and diverse cultural performances.
6. Bronx Zoo, New York City
Spanning over 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo in New York City is the largest urban zoo in the U.S. It’s renowned for its painstakingly reproduced habitats with more than 6,000 animals. During your visit to this place prioritize must-see attractions like the Congo Gorilla Forest. Visitors can admire red pandas, bears, sea lions, and tigers. The zoo’s conservationists participate in saving, breeding, and reintroducing protected species around the world such as American bison on the western Plains and Kihansi spray toads in Tanzania.
7. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Rhode Island
Roger Williams Park Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the U.S. It is surrounded by 40 acres of woodlands. The zoo was opened in 1872 and has become one of the top things to do in Providence. This zoo is home to more than 100 animal species including a Komodo dragon, red pandas, snow leopards, African elephants, and more. This institution plays a key role in regional conservation efforts.
8. Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Zoo with more than 160 years is the oldest in the country. This zoo is home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals. The facility’s groundbreaking Zoo360 exploration trail system connects habitats and gives animals more space to roam. This zoo has experience in caring for animals and making strides in protecting and conserving wildlife. It includes fruit bats of Rodrigues and Brazilian golden lion tamarins. Philadelphia Zoo is the country’s first successful orangutan and chimpanzee births.
9. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, California
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is the best attraction near Palm Springs. It is a destination that celebrates flora and fauna found in the desert. The zoo has sensory guides for the exhibits, sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, and other tools. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Rhino Savanna with two black rhinos,12 African species, emu, and free-flying cockatiels in Australian Adventures. Important research and conservation efforts occur here for animals with dwindling populations such as fennec foxes, sand cats, and black-footed cats. The good part about this zoo is that visitors can explore well-marked hiking trails lined with native California desert plants and afford overlook views of Eisenhower Peak and the Coachella Valley.
10. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a multipurpose complex that features a zoo, a botanical garden, a natural history museum, an aquarium, and an art gallery. It is over 100 acre. This place has around 56,000 plant specimens and 242 animal species. The museum plays an important role in conservation with research, educational, and outreach programs based on learning at the facility.