The 13 Best Zoos In United States in 2024 – (Our Top Picks)

Explore the best zoos in United States for a thrilling adventure through amazing habitats and exhibits. These zoos are like living museums of nature, conservation, and learning. Picture seeing lions in wide savannahs or watching penguins swim gracefully in icy waters, all in habitats that mimic their natural homes. Visit these exceptional zoos to support wildlife preservation and learn more about our planet’s amazing animals.

The best zoos in the US have many animals, interesting exhibits, and gardens. They are good places for people of all ages to learn and have fun.

  1. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha
  2. San Diego Zoo
  3. Bronx Zoo
  4. Brookfield Zoo in Chicago
  5. Cincinnati Zoo
  6. Columbus Zoo
  7. Dallas Zoo
  8. Denver Zoo
  9. Audubon Zoo in New Orleans
  10. Zoo Miami
  11. National Zoo in Washington D.C
  12. Philadelphia Zoo
  13. Saint Louis Zoo

Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE

The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska is a true gem among zoos in the United States. Covering 130 acres, this place has 17,000 animals, exciting rides, a top-notch aquarium, and the largest indoor deserts and rainforests in the world. It is one of the best places to visit.

Boasting world-class exhibits and unrivaled conservation efforts, this zoo offers visitors an immersive experience like no other. One of its standout attractions is the Desert Dome, a massive geodesic dome housing a diverse array of desert plants and animals under one roof.

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The Henry Doorly Zoo is renowned for its state-of-the-art Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, which features an underground world teeming with nocturnal creatures. Visitors can explore this captivating display through intricate tunnels and observation windows that provide unique perspectives on nighttime wildlife behavior. 

San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA

San Diego zoo is one of the best zoo in US. Nestled in the beautiful city of San Diego, California, the San Diego Zoo is a renowned wildlife park that offers an unparalleled experience for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike. Home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, it boasts an impressive array of exhibits and habitats that showcase the diversity of the animal kingdom. 

The San Diego Zoo is known for its focus on saving wildlife and teaching people about animals and the environment. Visitors can learn about endangered species, eco-friendly practices, and why it’s important to protect Earth’s variety of life.

The zoo encourages people to care for the environment and take steps to help. The San Diego Zoo stands out from other zoos in the U.S. because it offers exciting and educational experiences for guests. Visitors can see rare animals up close and explore exhibits that look like natural habitats. A trip to this zoo promises a fun and educational adventure that will leave you amazed. 

Bronx Zoo, New York City, NY

The Bronx Zoo in New York City is one of the best zoo in united states. It is the largest zoo in the country, with over 6,000 animals from around the world. The zoo is committed to conservation and works to protect endangered species and habitats.

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Visitors can see animals up close in immersive exhibits. The Congo Gorilla Forest lets guests observe gorillas in a rainforest setting. The Butterfly Garden is a peaceful place to see colorful butterflies. A visit to the Bronx Zoo is not just fun but also a chance to learn about wildlife.

Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, IL

Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, Brookfield Zoo stands out as one of the best zoo in America on the east coast. With over 2,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, this sprawling zoo offers visitors a truly immersive wildlife experience. One of its standout features is its innovative exhibits that aim to educate and inspire visitors about conservation efforts. 

Brookfield Zoo has 16 cool exhibits, including the Hamill Family Play Zoo and Wild Encounters for kids, Seven Seas Underwater Viewing, and Dolphins in Action. Guests can see amazing animals up close, like giraffes, penguins, and sharks. The zoo offers interactive programs and events, making each visit special.

Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, OH

The Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio is one of the top zoos in the United States. It has over 500 animal species, including popular animals like Fiona the hippo and polar bears. Visitors of all ages can learn a lot at the zoo. They are known for their successful breeding programs for endangered species, which helps with global conservation.

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Explore the world at the Cincinnati Zoo with animals like lions, cheetahs, hippos, and giraffes in Africa, gorillas, monkeys, bushbabies, and macaws in Gorilla World and Jungle Trails, and mermaids at Manatee Springs.

The zoo has beautiful gardens for a scenic walk. They offer interactive exhibits and educational shows about wildlife conservation. The zoo, founded in 1875, is committed to conservation and education.

Columbus Zoo, Columbus, OH

The Columbus Zoo in Ohio has over 10,000 animals from 600 species. It’s a top spot for animal lovers. You can get up close to the animals and have great experiences. The zoo works hard to protect endangered species and their homes.

The Heart of Africa exhibit is a popular attraction, showing the African savanna. You can see lions, giraffes, and chimpanzees in habitats like their own. You’ll feel like you’re on a real safari with big cats and other animals. You can take a train or boat ride to see all the exhibits in one day.

Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX

Located in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas, the Dallas Zoo stands out as one of the best zoos in the USA. Spanning over 106 acres, this zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from around the world. One of its unique features is the Giants of Savanna exhibit where visitors can witness elephants, giraffes, and other African animals roam freely in a natural habitat setting.

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You will see big cats such as tigers, clouded leopards, and African lions. You can watch a group of elephants near their water source, visit the Gorilla Research Station, and go to the Hippo Outpost in the Wilds of Africa.

Visit the Herpetarium to see dangerous snakes, spot the Nile crocodile in the water, enjoy watching flamingos, and see incredible reticulated giraffes and striped zebras as you explore the park.

Denver Zoo, Denver, CO

Nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, the Denver Zoo stands out as a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. Boasting over 3,500 animals representing more than 600 species, this zoo offers a diverse array of exhibits that provide an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

One of the key highlights is the Toyota Elephant Passage, a groundbreaking exhibit that gives guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in an expansive outdoor environment.

Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA

The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is one of the top zoos in the United States. It has beautiful grounds that look like natural habitats. Visitors enjoy a visually stunning experience. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, with programs to raise awareness about endangered species and environmental issues.

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The Audubon Zoo has a special swamp exhibit where visitors can see Louisiana wildlife. You can see alligators and birds up close. The exhibit shows the different ecosystems in the area. The zoo has modern facilities and fun activities for all ages. Whether you love nature or just want a fun day out with family, Audubon Zoo offers a memorable experience full of wonder and discovery.

Zoo Miami, Miami, FL

Zoo Miami in Miami, FL is a top zoo in the United States known for its focus on saving animals and teaching people. The zoo has big exhibits that look like natural homes for animals. Visitors can explore different parts of the world at the zoo, like Asia and Africa.

Zoo Miami works hard to protect endangered animals by breeding them and doing research. They are part of more than 50 plans to save species. The zoo teaches visitors about taking care of the environment and animals through fun activities and talks by experts.

National Zoo, Washington, D.C.

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., offers a unique experience by showcasing over 2,700 animals from 390 different species. Visitors are not only able to witness incredible wildlife up close but also participate in various conservation programs and educational activities.

One of the main attractions is the giant pandas, which have become synonymous with the zoo and draw in crowds from all around the world.

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Explore the Claws and Paws pathway to see bobcats and porcupines. Visit the Tide Pool at the American Trail during warm months. Ride the carousel at Lemur Island or play at the bee-themed playground. Entry passes are required in advance, and parking costs $30 if you’re not a member. Food and gifts at the zoo are not free.

Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania is America’s first zoo. It was established in 1874 and covers 42 acres. The zoo has over 1,300 animals from around the world. It focuses on wildlife conservation and education, allowing visitors to interact with endangered species and learn about efforts to protect biodiversity.

The Philadelphia Zoo has cool animal homes that help the animals live well. The habitats are like real nature for the animals. You can see lions, tigers, Amur tigers, and red pandas in places like Big Cat Falls.

The enclosures are made with care to keep the animals happy and show visitors how they act in the wild. The zoo also cares about the environment by using green practices like renewable energy and eco-friendly projects. Visit the Philadelphia Zoo to see how they protect animals and have fun learning about wildlife.

Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO

The Saint Louis Zoo in St. Louis, Missouri is not just a typical zoo; it’s a world-class destination that offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. With its sprawling 90 acres of meticulously designed habitats, this zoo provides a unique opportunity to observe over 13,000 animals representing 555 species from around the globe.

art of zoo

Visit the primates like gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees at the zoo. You can see elephants, camels, bears, sea lions, zebras, kangaroos, and hippos from around the world as you walk through the zoo.

Explore exhibits like Discovery Corner, Lakeside Crossing, and River’s Edge to learn about the animals’ habitats. It’s a fun and educational trip for everyone.

The United States has some of the best zoos globally, with a variety of animal species for visitors. Zoos help with wildlife preservation and environmental awareness through conservation and education programs. Visiting these top zoos is a great way to see exotic animals, support conservation efforts, and learn about the biodiversity on our planet.

So next time you’re planning a family outing or looking for a fun weekend activity, consider visiting one of the best zoos in United States – you won’t be disappointed!

What Is The 1 Best Zoo In The World?

One zoo that consistently ranks high in terms of conservation efforts, animal welfare, and visitor experience is the San Diego Zoo in California. It is renowned for its diverse collection of animals, innovative habitats, and commitment to wildlife conservation.

What Are The Top US Zoos?

The best zoos in the United States are the San Diego Zoo in California, the Bronx Zoo in New York, and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. These zoos are known for their diverse animals, conservation work, and educational programs.

Which Is The Finest Zoo Of Asia?

One of the most renowned zoos in Asia is the Singapore Zoo. Known for its innovative open-concept design and focus on conservation, the Singapore Zoo provides visitors with an immersive experience to observe wildlife in spacious and naturalistic habitats.

What is Angels Landing Hike?

As the sun rises at Zion National Park, the famous Angels Landing hike calls out to adventurous people looking for a thrilling challenge. The narrow ridge of red rocks provides a risky but exciting path to amazing views of the canyon. Each step shows bravery and determination as hikers face steep drops and stunning sights.

Ajmal Malik

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