Zoos are incredible places housing a wide range of exotic animals in one place. It’s no wonder then that nearly every major metropolitan US center has a zoo. But, apart from the exotic animals, zoos also play a huge part in promoting animal conservation efforts. Here’s a brief introduction to the top 10 zoos in the United States that you should consider visiting soon!
Top 10 Zoos In The United States
#1. Philadelphia Zoo
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Philadelphia Zoo holds the title of the first American zoo in the country, opening to the public as early as July 1, 1879!
It is home to approximately 1300 animals, many of whom are rare and endangered. Once you walk into the zoo, look up select spots and you might just catch a glimpse of a pride of lions, a lone gorilla, and many other animals on the see-through mesh bridges.
Philadelphia Zoo is also home to the Rare Animal Conservation Center where you can find many endangered animals and learn about the different conservation efforts being made to save these species.
#2. Bronx Zoo
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Bronx Zoo is an immense zoo in the metropolitan city of New York. It is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society, standing on 265 acres of land, and is home to more than 6000 species of animals.
Founded with the aim to conserve different animals, the institution has saved, bred, and and reintroduced different species — from Kihansi spray toads in Tanzania to the American bison in the western plains — into the wild.
Bronx zoo also conducts trailblazing research to combat various zoonotic diseases such as Ebola and avian flu.
#3. Oakland Zoo
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Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022, the Oakland Zoo was established in 1922. It is under the authority of the Conservation Society of California and is home to 850 animals, both local and exotic.
The Oakland Zoo is well known for providing exceptional care for the animals they house. It is especially renowned for its elephant care program. It is also home to the largest veterinary facility in Northern California.
#4. Zoo Miami
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The unique tropical climate in South Florida makes it possible for Zoo Miami to care for and house a variety of species endemic to Asia, Africa, and Australia. Zoo Miami ensures to provide each animal with their native habitats, be it the trees or even the soil!
Expect a full day of fun-filled adventure with 4 miles of walkways with over 1000 trees and 500 animal species, of which 130 of these species are at risk in the wild and many of them are classified as endangered.
#5. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
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Established late in the 1890s, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has upheld its mission of inspiring, educating, and engaging visitors to serve as responsible stewards for animal conservation.
The zoo is home to more than a dozen exhibits such as the Asian Highlands housing an array of red pandas, snow leopards, and Indian rhinos. It also has the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit called Eugene T. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night® with dioramas of life at night in Africa, displaying bat caves, caverns, and an indoor swamp.
#6. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was established in 1927 and has since been a center for education and conservation in Ohio. It is famous for having been home to Colo, the first gorilla born outside of the wild and the oldest known gorilla in the world, having lived till 60 years of age before his unfortunate death in 2017.
Columbus Zoo is also home to the Zoombezi Bay waterpark, with 100% of the waterpark’s profits being used for the education and conservation efforts done for the animals in the zoo.
#7. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
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The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park aims to develop sustainable conservation efforts and solutions by educating people about caring for wildlife.
The zoo also aims to address problems and provide solutions regarding different biodiversity concerns such as human-wildlife conflict and habitat degradations of the animals. At San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, you have a plethora of activities to explore, from giraffe feeding in the Urban Jungle to the Petting Paddock where you can spend time with some beloved farm animals.
#8. Denver Zoo
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Denver Zoo will open you to firsthand experiences with some unique wonders of nature. Learn about different species and connect with the wildlife as you discover the conservation efforts being made for different animal species. The zoo’s global Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response teams have strived tirelessly to protect various species.
As a non-profit, every patronage in their establishment helps them care for the animals. If you are looking for ways to be entertained and educated, then a day at the Denver Zoo will surely give that to you.
#9. Fort Worth Zoo
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With over 7000 local and exotic animals under their roof, Fort Worth Zoo has established itself as one of the best zoos in all of America. Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, gazelles, owls, prairie dogs, and bongos are just some of the animals in the zoo that you can be around.
The zoo is also home to the Turtle Survival Alliance which helps stabilize turtle populations in different areas around the world with a focus on endangered ones. It also works to help save elephants through the International Elephant Foundation of which it is a member.
#10. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
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The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits at 6714 feet above sea level, making it the highest zoo in all of the United States. With over 750 animals under its roof, 30 of which belong to some endangered species, it is certainly up there among the best zoos in America.
The most astonishing fact about this zoo is that, since its establishment in 1926, it has been known to have birthed over 200 giraffes on the property! Besides its herd of giraffes, it is also home to rare animals like the emus, griffon vultures, Matschie’s tree kangaroo, and many others.
