One of the best past times and vacation destinations in the United States is visiting one of its numerous zoos throughout the country. There’s one in about every major city, and they offer a chance for families to experience nature. The National Geographic defines a zoo as: “a place where animals live in captivity and are put on display for people to view.” The word “zoo” is short for “zoological park.” Zoos contain wide varieties of animals that are native to all parts of the Earth. The best zoos in the US house a variety of animals in different habitats, while protecting endangered species, repairing ecosystems, rehabilitating animals, and educating visitors.
Some zoos specialize in different types of animals or extra animal encounters. All zoos have an ethical obligation to make sure every animal in their care is treate humanely. According to the American Humane Society, “to help achieve this, all zoos and aquariums should be subject to independent and third-party certification using science-based animal welfare standards.” Most zoos have a responsibility and mission to house and care for endangered species and faciliate repopulation or conservation.
If you’re interested in making a difference when it comes to animals, often zoos will accept donations that will go directly toward the upkeep and are of animals or other outreach and conservation programs. Make sure the zoo you choose is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Interested in checking out a new zoo? StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites in the travel and wildlife sectors to find the best zoos in the US. Our list contains the top recommendations across these sites. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Zoos In the US, According To Experts
1. Henry Doorly Zoo
It was a tight race between the two top zoos, but the Omaha, Nebraska Zoo does just enough to stay ahead of the pack. “Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the top pick for the best zoo in the US that houses an incredible number of 17,000 animals on a 160-acre of land. 20 different exhibits cater to all ages and all types of interests including Asian Highlands, Owen Sea Lion Shores, Walking Trails, Desert Dome, Insect Pavilion, and Hubbard Expedition Madagascar,” says Exploringo.
You don’t even have to walk everywhere at this place! “The 170-acre Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium are hands down one of the top zoos in America. There are trams and the Omaha Zoo Railroad to make your visit to this zoo double the fun,” exclaims Scenic States.
USA Today explains its unique experience, “Continued investments have allowed Henry Doorly Zoo to continue to offer one-of-a-kind exhibits to guests, including the world’s largest indoor desert where arid plants and animals – meerkats, peccaries, quail, Gila monsters, death adders, rattlesnakes and inland taipans, the world’s most venomous snake – are visible inside a geodesic dome year-round in the heart of the Midwest.”
2. San Diego Zoo
The best zoo in California takes the number two spot after being in business since 1916! Time Out says, “Renowned across the country, San Diego’s zoo, founded in 1916, is home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. Among them are red pandas; African elephants; and bonobo apes.”
There’s plenty to do at this zoo, as Attractions of America says, “at the zoo, visitors can take a guided bus tour through the zoo, watch an animal show or 4-D theater show, or enjoy family-friendly play areas. There are also “Animals in Action” experiences where visitors can see cats up close.”
Pure Wow loves this place and puts it in their top spot. “It would be criminal to put together a roundup of the best zoos and not feature the famous and widely popular San Diego Zoo. Founded in 1916 and located in Balboa Park, this world-leading institution protects and cares for more than 650 different species from across the globe—including the Amur leopard, the most critically endangered big cat on the planet.”
3. The Bronx Zoo
The largest metropolitan city in the country houses the largest zoos as well! Next time you’re in the Big Apple, stop by! Travel + Leisure sums it up nicely: “The Bronx Zoo tagline says it all: Saving wildlife and wild places. The flagship zoo for the renowned Wildlife Conservation Society is home to more than 10,000 animals and even operates its zoo hospital.”
It’s a place of escapism within such a large city. “Densely forested with savannas, the river, and parks in addition to the sounds of wild animals, it is easy to forget that you are in the heart of New York City,” explains Vacation Ideas.
Travellers Worldwide talk about its size, “If you want to visit this zoo, keep in mind that it is enormous! The zoo is over 250 acres and can easily take more than a full day to get all the way through.”
4: Brookfield Zoo
Also known as the Chicago Zoo, the number 4 pick is located in Brookfield, Illinois, and was opened in 1934! It’s a zoo that loves to give back. “The facility hosts a penguin experience that includes an introductory talk with zookeepers and a penguin encounter. As part of the nonprofit Chicago Zoological Society, the zoo uses a portion of entrance fees to support various global conservation projects, including youth leadership training in Botswana and dolphin tagging in Brazil,” explains US News.
This is the place that changed how habitats were made. “Brookfield Zoo was opened in 1934 and introduced the idea of using moats and ditches for enclosures rather than cages. The zoo is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society non-profit which is dedicated to furthering animal welfare and care,” Road Affair.
Scenic States says that the zoo “allows visitors to participate in hands-on feeding of animals like goats, parakeets, reindeer, alpacas, llamas, pandas, wallabies, and more. Also, you can stop by Habitat Africa: The Savannah to feed the giraffes with delicious greens.”
5. Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Rounding off the list is the zoo situated near the country’s capital. Owned and operated by the Smithsonian, it’s the oldest zoo on our list. “In addition to the famous pandas, there are 2,000 other animals, some of whom are rare and endangered species like golden lion tamarins, Sumatran tigers, and sarus cranes.” says Attractions of America.
It’s also free of charge! Pure Wow explains, “Not only is the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington D.C. one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the country, but it provides free entry to the public (and, no, gratis admission doesn’t factor into why people dig this place so much). There are 2,700 animals across more than 390 species, so whatever animal you’re most obsessed with almost certainly lives at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Join fellow wildlife lovers in spying on everything from zebras and leopards to critically endangered Chinese three-striped box turtles.”
“The must-see exhibits in this zoo are the Elephant Trails, Cheetah Conservation Station, Great Ape House, Amazonia Science Gallery, and many more. The programs for education and conservation in this zoo include Professional Development Workshops for Educators, Zoo Camp, Summer Internships for College Students, and Citizen Science,” says Exploringo.
You might be interested in:
- Best Disney World Restaurants
- Cleanest Cities In America
- Best Tents of 2023
- Most Beautiful Mountains in the World
Sources:
- The National Geographic
- Attractions of America
- Pure Wow
- Exploringo
- US News
- Road Affair
- Scenic States
- Travel + Leisure
- Vacation Ideas
- Travellers Worldwide
- Time Out
- USA Today
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
