TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA
Before you make a trip to the zoo, check out our list of
the very best zoos in the country!
Everyone loves the zoo; and that love affair goes back a long, long time. It was nearly a hundred and fifty years ago that the Philadelphia Zoo (America's first zoo) opened its gates. A charter establishing the Zoological Society of Philadelphia was approved and signed well before the opening date (March 21, 1859) unfortunately, due to the Civil War it was another 15 years (July 1, 1874) before the zoo actually opened to the public. Admission was 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children; a rate that held for the next half-century. Visitors came via foot, on streetcars, and by horse and carriage. Guests also arrived by steamboat on the Schuylkill River, landing at the zoo's own wharf.
Since then things have changed a bit. In 2014 more than 100 million people visited America’s zoos. Unfortunately, admission to most zoos is a bit more than 25 cents (although a couple of the Top Rated Zoos are actually free).
PRESENTING ZZZIPPY'S
BEST ZOOS IN AMERICA
Today’s zoos have expanded and become more popular and enjoyable than ever. More importantly, many of them are serving other significant purposes such as helping to protect or even breed endangered species. We can assure you that a trip to your favorite zoo is certainly well worth the cost of admission. The only question left is, which zoo do you visit?
Maybe we can even help make that decision a bit easier as we present the Top 25 Zoos in America. In addition, with the help of several of your favorite zoos we have prepared an enjoyable zoo photo journey... check it out here
Enjoy the feature and then treat yourself to at least one or two of these fabulous ZOOS.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #25 Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo ZZZippy’s Best Zoos in America couldn’t be quite complete without this zoo. This zoo houses outdoor exhibits on 60 acres of lush natural habitats. The environments consist of seven main habitat areas including: Asian Gardens, Primate World, Manatee and Aquatic Center, Florida Wildlife Center, Free-Flight Aviary, Wallaroo Station and Safari Africa. This is also one of ZZZippy’s Top Rated Zoos for Kids (visit zzzippy.com/americastopzoos). As the folks at Lowry Park say… this is one WILD experience.
Tampa, FL
www.lowryparkzoo.com
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #24
Como Park Zoo
St. Paul, MN
www.comozooconservatory.org
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory prides themselves on providing a balance of fun, family and education. Its mission is to inspire our public to value the presence of living things in our lives. Open 365 days a year the zoo and conservatory have maintained free admission (guests are invited to make voluntary donations). A favorite attraction of zoo guests is Gorilla Forest, an $11 million exhibit redesign and overhaul featuring eight gorillas, and the largest all-mesh gorilla enclosure in North America. It's the combination of many things that landed Como in the Best Zoos in America.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #23
The Houston Zoo
Houston, TX
www.houstonzoo.org
Another of America's Very Best Zoos... the Houston Zoo. The Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of guests and encourage their curiosity. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species, including its newest residents, seven western lowland gorillas who make their home in a scenic, two-acre, naturalistic habitat.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #22
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA
www.philadelphiazoo.org
Philadelphia Zoo, is not only one of the country's best zoos... it's also America’s first Zoo! The Philly Zoo features a revolutionary animal trail and exploration system, Zoo360, inviting small primates, great apes and big cats to explore overhead through the treetops. Meander through lush exhibits and marvel at amazing wildlife in exhibits like PECO Primate Reserve, First Niagara Big Cat Falls and KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays and hands-on animal experiences.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #21
The National Zoo
Washington, DC
www.nationalzoo.si.edu
Since opening in 1889, this zoo has grown to include 2,000 animals from 400 species, spread across 163 acres. The National Zoological Park is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. This historic complex is unlike any other on the planet. You need to experience it firsthand. The National is a definite for our list of the Best Zoos in the country.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #20
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Orlando, FL
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
It's no secret that Disney has lost a lot of its magic over the last few years, however, a visit to the Animal Kingdom is an experience you will remember for life. Substantially different than other zoos, Disney delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. Our favorite features: the Kilimanjaro Safari and the 14-story Tree of Life (carved with 300+ images of different animals.) It’s not cheap… but it’s Disney!
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #19
Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth, TX
www.fortworthzoo.org
Fort Worth Zoo sits on 64 acres of land in the heart of Fort Worth. It is well-rounded and incorporates over 5,000 animals (and over 550 species) from every continent except Antarctica. However, they pay special tribute to the native flora and fauna of Texas. Since 1991, the Zoo has opened 16 permanent exhibits and support facilities. Fort Worth Zoo is considered an international leader in Asian elephant conservation. What’s more it’s a fun zoo for the entire family! This is one of the best zoos anywhere!
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #18
Cleveland Metropark Zoo
Cleveland, OH
www.clevelandmetroparks.com
A serious contender in the Top 25 Zoos in America is Cleveland Zoo. If you haven’t already noticed, four Ohio Zoos made this year’s list. Cleveland is no exception for quality, commitment and experience, several keys in our judging process. This fun zoo includes several amazing environments that are all unique and interesting. It also boasts one of the largest collections of primates in North America. And who can resist monkeys and apes!?
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #17
Minnesota Zoo
Apple Valley, MN
www.mnzoo.org
Minnesota Zoo’s exhibits are designed to be practical, interesting and fun. Many guests believe that because of the way the zoo organizes its animals (by their living environment as opposed to species) it brings a more realistic and natural feel to the experience. The zoo has several themed areas, including themed walking trails extending up to two miles long. We suggest that you visit all of the exhibits there to experience the vast differences in the environments, because variety makes this zoo particularly special.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #16
Audubon Zoo
New Orleans, LA
www.audubonnatureinstitute.org
This zoo is another with a unique setting and ambiance. One of the few zoos anywhere that can actually brag about its (human) food, the Audubon Zoo even houses a cottage which sells Cajun dishes inside its Louisiana Swamp exhibit, making it just that much more authentic. At Audubon there is a mergence of cultural and natural history… you'll even find zookeepers feeding gators and a lazy river attraction called “Gator Run”. It’s unique and it’s fun! What more could you ask for from a Top 25 ZZZippy Zoo?
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #15
Zoo Miami
Miami, FL
www.zoomiami.org
The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens (known as Zoo Miami) is the only wildlife park in the U.S. located in a subtropical climate. This outstanding zoo has immense, open-air exhibits along with a look and feel like no other zoo. You’ll see the Asian river otters, clouded leopards, tigers, giraffes, gorillas, okapis, Komodo dragons and a lot more at this popular zoo, but it’s the atmosphere here that makes it so different from other zoos. Prepare to sweat a lot, especially if you come here in the summertime… but have the kids bring their swim suits to enjoy a wonderful free water play area.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #14
Bronx Zoo
New York, NY
www.bronxzoo.com
The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in America. With more than 6,000 animals and over 265 acres, you better plan on spending some time here if you want to see it all. More than anything, else we love their award-winning exhibits. The exhibits offer enormous diversity and almost all offer up-close viewing’ opportunities. Their world-renowned expertise assures a rewarding experience for each and every guest.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #13
Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens
West Columbia, SC
www.riverbanks.org
This zoo is home to more than 2,000 fascinating animals. The Botanical Garden is considered one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring public gardens. The verdant 170-acre site features vibrant natural habitat exhibits, scenic river and valley views that you won’t find anywhere else. The staff delivers guests a very personal down-home hospitality that sets this zoo apart from most others. This certainly contributed to making them one of the Best Zoos in America!
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #12
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Colorado Springs, CO
www.cmzoo.org
A leader in conservation, captive breeding and animal care (per their mission), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo connects people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action. This is the Top 25 Zoos is America’s only mountain zoo. It is home to one of the largest giraffe herds in the world… as well as many other animals and species. The views are stunning and the experience here is one you won’t soon forget.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #11
Denver Zoo
Denver, CO
www.denverzoo.org
Another of America's best (and oldest zoos) happens to be in Denver. This 80-acre zoo was founded in 1896 and is home to nearly 4,000 animals including rare Amur leopards, African penguins, bald eagles, California sea lions, harbor seals, polar bears and Asian elephants. They also feature a spectacular $50 million, 10-acre, Toyota Elephant Passage. In addition, Denver has the first natural gas-powered zoo train in the US and an Endangered Species Carousel.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #10
Dallas Zoo
Dallas, TX
www.www.dallaszoo.com.org
The 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the largest in Texas. Founded in 1888, it has grown to be one of the finest zoos anywhere. An Association of Zoos and Aquariums, award-winner for its exhibits, the zoo features approximately 400 species (not including fish). The Dallas Zoo also features the Wilds of Africa exhibit, where guests embark on a Monorail Safari through six exhibit areas. It was the first in the world to include every major habitat on the African continent.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #9
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL
www.lpzoo.org
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only remaining zoos in America with free admission. The zoo is also open 365 days a year. Rich with architecture, stunning gardens and award-winning, animal habitats, this zoo deserves its spot in America’s favorites. The zoo has received international attention for its conservation and environmental efforts. In addition to all of the responsible things that this zoo does for the industry… it’s just plain and simple fun!
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #8
Memphis Zoo
Memphis, TN
www.memphiszoo.org
The Memphis Zoo is as inviting as it is interesting. The zoo has a rich tradition of caring for animals and entertaining guests that has continued for over 100 years. With over 3,500 animals and 500 plus species, there are certainly plenty of interesting creatures to keep guests entertained for many hours. Visitors notice how clean the zoo is kept. This attitude of caring for the property carries over to the way the zoo cares for its residents and guests.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #7
Cincinnati Zoo
Cincinnati, OH
www.cincinnatizoo.org
Nicknamed "The Sexiest Zoo in America", this zoo is the second-oldest zoo in the United States (it opened in Cincinnati in 1875). The Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America. Even peer zoos consider Cincinnati one of the country’s best zoos. It is renowned for conservation, education and preservation of wild animals and spaces. This magnificent zoo features more than 500 animals and 3,000 plant species, making it one of the largest zoo collections in the country.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #6
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, IL
www.brookfieldzoo.org
Brookfield Zoo is another world-renowned zoo that has over 2 million guests annually. The zoo has an excellent reputation for conservation and innovative animal care. One of the most magical characteristics of this zoo is how guests are transformed as they exit the concrete jungle and enter the natural jungle. The exhibits are extensive, believable and enjoyable, making this zoo experience most memorable. Brookfield easily landed in our Top 10 Zoos in America.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #5
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Philadelphia, PA
www.columbuszoo.org
The Columbus Zoo is home to over 10,000 animals representing over 575 species and sees over 2.4 million visitors annually. The animal exhibits are divided into regions of the world, with the zoo currently operating six such regions. All of the zoos on ZZZippy’s list are worthy of the respect they have garnered, but few have achieved the worldwide reputation of the Columbus Zoo. Undeniably one of America’s very favorite zoos.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #4
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Omaha, NE
www.omahazoo.org
This wonderful zoo does everything in a big way. It features America’s largest indoor rainforest; the largest aquarium in any zoo, a large free-flight aviary, the world’s largest indoor swamp… and that’s just the beginning. This is a ZZZippy must-see zoo and another of the Best Zoos on the planet!
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #3
San Diego Zoo
San Diego, CA
www.sandiegozoo.org
One of our favorite zoos every year! A zoo and a park combined to make up over 100 acres of exotic grounds and 650 species. This is possibly the best zoo anywhere to view animals… without wandering into the wild. With over 3 million visitors each year, the zoo is admired by locals as well as travelers. What they do for the animal world is pretty much unsurpassed. The San Diego Zoo is on nearly every reputable list of the Best Zoos in America.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #2
Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis, MO
www.stlzoo.org
With tons to do and a huge variety of food, fun and entertainment, St. Louis is the perfect setting for our #2 pick this year. This zoo is a leader in animal management, research, conservation and education. General admission is free though there are fees for some attractions. If you go do not miss the Zooline Railroad, a small passenger train that encircles the zoo, stopping at many of the popular attractions.
TOP 25 ZOOS IN AMERICA #1
Toledo Zoo
Toledo, OH
www.toledozoo.org
ZZZippy’s Top Spot for the Best Zoo in America (Top 25 Zoos in America) is the Toledo Zoo, Toledo, Ohio. This world-renowned zoo has a history that spans well beyond 100 years. The zoo is home to the world's first Hippoquarium, an underwater viewing area where guests watch daily activities of the ever-so-interesting hippopotamus family. With over 9,700 animals, new exhibits and a summer concert series featuring major stars, this zoo has something for everyone. Congratulations to the folks at Toledo Zoo for making this zoo so exceptional!
Special Thanks To the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
https://www.aza.org/
check out these other fun zoos across America!...
The Los Angeles Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Louisville Zoo
The Detroit Zoo
SeaWorld Orlando
The Virginia Zoo
Monterey Bay Zoo
Oklahoma City Zoo
https://youtu.be/RtblQQvT2Nk