The 20 Best Zoos in the World, Ranked

Among the thousands of zoos worldwide that function as sanctuaries for animals, many house a great number of different and sometimes unique animals, offering visitors the opportunity to see animals in person that they normally wouldn’t be able to. However, not all zoos are equal, and the best ones are those that place their animals’ well-being at the forefront. Many zoos are home to endangered species that are vulnerable in their native habitat in the wild. 

20. Columbus Zoo, USA

The Columbus Zoo was opened in 1927 and spans 580 acres. Hosting about 7,000 animals from over 800 species, the zoo is packed with several attractions. With ticket prices starting from $29.99, visitors can see a lot of animals they’ve not seen before. Check out the Polar Bears, African Elephants, and the rare Lowland Gorillas to have an unforgettable trip.

19. Basel Zoo, Switzerland

The Basel Zoo has been around since 1874 and is home to over 600 species sprawled across 32 acres of land. The entry fee is $24. Notable for supporting endangered species, this zoo is a place of refuge for Indian rhinos, snow leopards, and Somali wild donkeys.

18. Werribee Open Range Zoo, Australia

The Werribee Open Range Zoo, located in Melbourne, Australia, opened its doors to the public in 1983. There are about 360 animals of 40 species in the zoo, with lions, growling grassfrogs, gorillas, and zebras as the main sources of attraction. Ticket prices are $19 for children and $37 for adults, making it a worthy venture for animal enthusiasts or families seeking a day of exploration and fun.

17. Whipsnade Park, United Kingdom

The Zoological Society of London opened Whipsnade Park in Bedfordshire, England, as its first safari park. It was opened officially to the public in 1931. Spread across 600 acres of land, this zoo houses over 3,000 animals of 209 species. Ticket prices range from £19.90 to £28.50, depending on the age of the visitor. During a visit, make sure to check out the elephants, lions, cheetahs, and sea lions.

16. Brevard Zoo, USA

Located in Melbourne, Florida, Brevard Zoo stretches across 75 acres of land. It was inaugurated in 1994 and hosts an impressive variety of over 900 animals, representing more than 195 species. The zoo’s admission fee is between $19.95 and $26.95, ensuring a day full of educational family fun.

15. Minnesota Zoo, USA

Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo covers a large area of 485 acres in Apple Valley. With over 4,500 animals from around 500 species inhabiting the facility, the zoo boasts of 1.3 million annual visitors. One of its biggest attractions is the Tropics Trail, a section housing Southeast Asian animals and plants from exotic, tropical regions of the world. 

14. Singapore Zoo, Singapore

Launched in 1973, the Singapore Zoo is located within the Mandai rainforest and spans over 69 acres. This famous zoo is home to over 2800 animals from 300 different species. Its admission price starts at $39 for animal enthusiasts, which is relatively affordable. The zoo is arguably best known for its ‘open concept,’ offering visitors close encounters with charismatic orangutans, white tigers, and playful pygmy hippos.

13. Smithsonian National Zoological Park, USA

Established in 1889, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park spreads across 163 acres of land in Washington D.C., United States. Welcoming visitors with a free admission policy, the zoo is home to about 4000 animals representing 500 different species. Visitors can see red pandas, meerkats, tigers, and dozens of bird species in the facility.

12. The Atlanta Zoo, USA

Founded in 1889, the Atlanta Zoo is one of the oldest in the US. Spanning over 40 acres in Georgia, the zoo hosts around 250 various species of over 1,000 animals, giving visitors the chance to see their favourites. The reserve went through a reform in 2000 and since then, it has become a hub of conservation efforts, featuring captivating pandas, gorillas, and Komodo dragons.

11. North Carolina Zoo, USA

The North Carolina Zoo was established in 1974 and it houses over 1800 animals of more than 250 species. Occupying 2600 acres of land, with 500 acres developed, this zoo is considered the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. A sanctuary for red wolves, polar bears, and more, the North Carolina zoo boasts of over one million yearly visitors.  

10. Bronx Zoo, USA

Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo spreads across 265 acres of land in New York City. It houses around 650 species of over 6,000 animals. With an admission fee of between $28.75 and $37.75, visitors can have a memorable time. This long-standing institution offers some amazing views of snow leopards, okapis, and majestic African lions, making it a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts.

9. London Zoo, United Kingdom

Established in 1828, London Zoo spreads across 36 acres of land in central London. This historic zoo provides a home for over 650 species of different animals. Admission tickets are around $32 to $36, and visitors can marvel at unique species like Komodo dragons and endangered Sumatran tigers.

8. Toronto Zoo, Canada

Founded in 1974, the vibrant Toronto Zoo stretches across a vast area of 710 acres in Canada. Housing around 3,000 animals of more than 300 species, the zoo is a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts worldwide. With entrance tickets priced reasonably at around $30, visitors can admire a vast array of wildlife including polar bears, kangaroos, and giraffes.

7. Chester Zoo, United Kingdom

Founded in 1931, Chester Zoo spreads across 130 acres and is located in Cheshire, England. It’s home to 500 different species of more than 35,000 animals, including elephants, lions, and orangutans. As a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the zoo participates in various research and breeding programs to conserve endangered species.

6. Wrocław Zoo, Poland

Wrocław Zoo was opened in 1865, and it’s the oldest zoo in Poland. With over 2 million annual visitors, It is also the most visited zoo in Poland. Among the over 12,000 animals in the facility are the snow leopards and Indian rhinos. Entry fee starts at $14, making this an affordable entertainment option for the whole family.

5. Zoological Garden of Berlin, Germany

Famed as Germany’s oldest zoo, the Zoological Garden of Berlin officially opened in 1844. Occupying a vast area of 86.5 acres of land, the zoo is home to over 1,300 animal species. It is one of the most famous zoos in the world and the most-visited in Europe. For a small fee of £10 to £19.50, visitors can marvel at residents such as giant pandas, gorillas, and polar bears, all in the center of Berlin.

4. Melbourne Zoo, Australia

Founded in 1862, Melbourne Zoo is the first zoological garden in Australia. Occupying 55 acres, it accommodates over 250 species of different animals. The $46 entry fee will let you see gorillas, elephants, and the majestic Sumatran tigers. Special points of interest include the Wild Sea, Main Trail, Great Flight Aviary and and the World of Frogs.

3. Taronga Zoo, Australia

Proudly standing on the shores of Sydney Harbour since 1916, Taronga Zoo is Australia’s finest. Spanning over 69 acres, it’s a sanctuary to more than 2,600 animals from 150+ species. For a ticket fee of $30 to $51, you can see kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. Don’t forget to see the Tasmanian Devils and the captivating sea lions during your visit.

2. Ueno Zoo, Japan

Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno zoo, is a wonderful place to have a great time. Opened in 1882, it spans across 35 acres within the heart of Tokyo. The zoo houses over 3,000 animals from more than 300 species. Some of these animals include giant pandas and Amur tigers, which are the centers of attraction. The ticket prices are quite reasonable, at around $4 for adults.

1. San Diego Zoo, USA

The San Diego Zoo opened in 1916 and spreads across a massive site of 100 acres. It is home to about 4,000 rare and endangered animals from over 800 species. You can marvel at giant pandas or African elephants, among other creatures. Ticket prices start from $62 for adults and you’d need a whole day to explore the majority of the zoo environment.

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