Top 15 Zoos to Visit in the U.S., Ranked

America boasts a wide array of zoos showcasing exotic animals and educating visitors about wildlife conservation. These zoos are a perfect family-friendly destination, providing both entertainment and a wealth of information about our natural world. With each zoo offering a unique ensemble of attractions, from animal exhibits to interactive experiences, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the diversity of earth’s fauna.

15. Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo

Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo brims with a world of wildlife spread over 92 acres. It houses over 1,000 animals of 300 species. This unique zoo allows you to navigate African savannahs, tropical rainforests, and the chilly Northern Trail. It features a gorilla exhibit and offers a one-of-a-kind global journey. Its commitment to conservation and education also makes it an invaluable institution.

Main Attraction: Gorilla exhibit, naturalistic exhibits

14. Oregon Zoo, Portland

The Oregon Zoo, located within Washington Park in the heart of Portland, is unique for its world-class animal exhibits and engaging animal demonstrations designed by none other than natural habitats themselves. It hosts 1,800 animals from more than 230 species across 64 lush acres. This zoo is also famous for its successful Asian elephant breeding program. A perfect medley of fun and learning, this place is a must-visit! 

Main Attraction: Pacific Northwest ecosystems and has strong endangered species recovery programs

13. Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley

The Minnesota Zoo, nestled in Apple Valley, boasts a diverse range of wildlife that you won’t see elsewhere. Opened in 1978, this zoo promises unique experiences and breathtaking encounters. This unique destination has over 2,350 individual animals representing 447 species. It also sprawls over a tremendous 485 acres. It’s most known for its immersive trails and expansive northern trail, which replicate the North American tundra.

Main Attraction: Known for its walking trails and leadership in marine and terrestrial conservation

12. San Diego Zoo Safari Park, California

With its expansive African savannah-like setting stretching over an impressive 1,800 acres, it lets you get up close to wild animals from all over the world. Housing an estimated 2,600 animals from approximately 300 species, it is known for its World-Famous Cheetah Run show. Get ready for a breathtaking expedition for the whole family.

Main Attraction: Savannah setting, large, open-air enclosures that simulate African and Asian habitats

11. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida

Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida combines elements of a theme park with that of a traditional zoo. It houses over 1700 animals across 200 different species and is spread over 500 acres of lush landscape. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has wowed visitors with its immersive exhibits and thrilling rides. Perhaps most famous for its “Kilimanjaro Safaris” experience, it certainly offers a wildlife adventure like no other. 

Main Attraction: Blends traditional zoo elements with theme park entertainment

10. Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania

Home to more than 1,300 animals, it is America’s first and oldest zoo and stretches across 42 lush green acres. Its remarkable uniqueness stems from its “Zoo360” animal trail system, enabling animals to roam above and beyond their habitats. Buzzing with the diversity of over 300 species, it’s famed for its ‘Big Cat Falls’, host to numerous majestic wild cats. With its iconic history and innovative exhibitions, this zoo creates a thrilling and educational experience for all. 

Main Attraction: Big Cat Falls, innovative animal travel and exploration trails

9. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs

Lying in the heart of Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo stands close to nature. Home to more than 900 animals and encircling roughly 140 enchanting species, it stands out for its special giraffe herd. The zoo’s 146 acres display a captivating mix of wild and domestic animals, with its renowned giraffe exhibit stealing the show. The panoramic views of the zoo’s locale and its lofty inhabitants’ interaction opportunities make it a must-visit spot for families.

Main Attraction: Giraffe exhibit, unique elevation, and specialized mountain habitats

8. Houston Zoo, Texas

In the heart of one of Texas’s largest cities, you’ll find the Houston Zoo. It covers an impressive 55 acres and is home to over 6,000 exotic and native animals from 900 species. It’s one of the most diverse zoos in the nation. The Houston Zoo is particularly known for its primate exhibits and its commitment to conservation. With thrilling encounters and educational experiences, a visit here is a fascinating journey into the heart of the animal kingdom.

Main Attraction: Primate exhibits, effective conservation efforts, and engaging visitor experiences

7. Zoo Miami, Florida

Zoo Miami, the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, is known for its large open-air exhibits that closely mimic the animals’ natural habitats. The zoo houses over 500 species spread across 750 acres. Visitors can witness Okapis, tree kangaroos, and Malaysian tapirs which are a few of Zoo Miami’s unique inhabitants.

Main Attraction: Tropical setting and a wide variety of animals from different climates

6. St. Louis Zoo, Missouri

The St. Louis Zoo in Missouri, opened in 1910, is renowned for its global contributions towards wildlife conservation. Known for its free entry, the wide expanse of the 90-acre landscape captures the essence of natural habitats, fostering over 600 diverse species —from tiny pygmy marmosets to majestic elephants. The zoo’s pride and joy, the penguin and puffin coast, are definite crowd-pullers. 

Main Attraction: User-friendly layout, free admission, and commitment to naturalistic habitats

5. Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, D.C.

Located in the heart of our nation’s capital, the Smithsonian National Zoo is an incredible spectacle, packed full of high-energy excitement. It’s famed for its free admission and commitment to biodiversity conservation. Hosting over 2,700 animals across 390 different species, the zoo sprawls across 163 acres. Known for its insightful Giant Panda program, it’s a true treat for wildlife enthusiasts. 

Main Attraction: Known for its research contributions and famous Giant Panda exhibit

4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio

With its humble beginnings in 1927, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium represents one of the finest examples of conservation efforts nationwide. It houses over 800 different species spread across a verdant 580-acre landscape. This zoo stands out for supporting a variety of endangered species, including the lowland gorillas, polar bears, and African elephants. 

Main Attraction: Wide-ranging educational programs and extensive animal collection

3. Bronx Zoo, New York

The Bronx Zoo of New York showcases nature’s myriad marvels over 265 lush green acres. As one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the U.S., it takes pride in housing over 6,000 animals from 700 species. From the majestic lions of the African Plains to the playful penguins in the Aquatic Bird House, it’s a diverse world unto itself. The Bronx Zoo is particularly acclaimed for its Congo Gorilla Forest, a successful initiative in gorilla conservation.

Main Attraction: One of the largest metropolitan zoos, with a strong focus on large mammal conservation.

2. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska

Based in the heartland of America, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska, is an unparalleled center of wildlife adventure. Displaying a diverse range of over 1,700 species across a sprawling 130-acre park, this zoo’s spotlight lies on its largest cat complex in North America. Boasting state-of-the-art exhibits such as the Desert Dome, visitors are guaranteed a unique walk among the world’s deserts.

Main Attraction: Large-scale exhibits like the Desert Dome and indoor rainforest

1. San Diego Zoo, California

The San Diego Zoo is a pioneer in open-air, cageless exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. Located in Balboa Park, it spans 100 acres and is home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals, spanning 650 species and subspecies. The zoo is renowned for its innovative “backstage experiences,” offering intimate encounters with the giant pandas— a signature highlight. Its other unique elements include guided bus tours, aerial trams, and the famous Koalafornia Adventure. 

Main Attraction: Known for its vast size, diverse species collection, close animal encounters, and conservation science.

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