The next time you make a fool of yourself leaping out of the way of a mouse, take the moment after to appreciate the fact that the United States ranks on the far low end of the “native animals that can kill you” scale. Sure, we’ve got them – grizzly bears, brown recluse spiders, rattlesnakes – but the percentage chance that you will be mercilessly injured by an animal in the United States is lower than just about anywhere else in the world.
This fact may actually explain our fascination with zoos in this country. Whether its beasts-behind-bars, authentic habitats, aquariums or safari parks, zoological entertainment is big business in the United States. The rest of the world has the cool stuff, and we want to see it.
But not all zoos are created equal. Here at USA Travel Guide, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favorite zoos in America for all you animal-lovers out there to throw on the bucket list. Have fun!
#10 – Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana
Our first zoo is a charming mix of the old and new. The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, located in uptown, dates back to the early 20th century, a heritage you can see to this day in the architecture of the older facilities. However, the 21st century brought with it major renovations so that today the park is both old-world and world-class. The most popular exhibit is the Louisiana Swamp where you can see that zoo’s famous white alligators. Too scary? Two majestic white tiger brothers are also a principal attraction drawing crowds from all over the country. The Audubon Zoo also has a large aquarium, insectarium and IMAX® Theatre.
All exhibits closed on Monday. Admission varies by attraction. (Web site)
#9 – Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Although it didn’t open until 1874, after the American Civil War, the Philadelphia Zoo was chartered in March of 1859, making it the oldest zoo in America and just days away from its 150th anniversary. Not only is it a fanciful, family-friendly park with 1,300 animals to discover, it’s a revered historic site celebrating the many years of successful zoology in the United States. With 42 acres to explore, you’ll want to show up early and be ready for a full day. Popular exhibits include the Big Cat Falls, home to lions, tigers and jaguars, and the Rare Animal Conservation Center.
Open daily; seasonal hours. Standard admission: $17.95. (Web site)
#8 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando Florida
That Disney would even open a true blue zoological park left a sour taste in the mouths of many who wouldn’t trust the ethics of the company any farther than they could throw a cartoon mouse, but over ten years have passed since Animal Kingdom’s 1998 debut, and all that remains is an attractive, utterly massive zoo with wonders aplenty. Put your fears to rest: Disney’s Animal Kingdom is fully-accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Although the inclusion of rides and speculative exhibits qualifies the Animal Kingdom as a theme park, this place is the real deal.
Exhibits are divided into seven major sections, each blending natural animal habitats with various other Disney-fied attractions. The Africa section is perhaps the most popular with a walking trail designed to imitate a jungle valley in Africa and also a simulated safari experience with giraffes, hippos, elephants and much more. Combined, Disney’s Animal Kingdom houses over 1,700 hundred animals throughout the 500-acre park.
Open daily. Admission varies wildly. (Web site)
#7 – Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio
Another large zoo with scores of “best of…” lists to its name, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden holds among its many distinctions an honored place in zoo history as the second zoo in the United States, having opened not long after the Philadelphia Zoo in 1875. The modern value of the Cincinnati Zoo is inherent in its vast collection of endangered species and plants, including macaws, Indian rhinos, cheetahs, Brazilian ocelots and Western Lowland gorillas. Successful breeding programs for all of these species have earned the zoo the unofficial nickname, “The Sexiest Zoo in America”.
Open daily; seasonal hours. Standard admission: $13. (Web site)
#6 – Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas
Another fairly large zoo, and certainly one of North America’s most-attended, the Houston Zoo stands out for its surprisingly modern facilities (many of the exhibits have been at least renovated in the past five years) and some interesting choices in how to see the park. Of course you can set off on you own as you might expect, but with an advance reservation the Houston Zoo offers you to set-up a private tour that will take you beyond the normal visitation parameters. Get a glimpse of all the behind-the-scenes action at the zoo, watch special feedings, see the animal hospital, and even look in on an animal training session. It costs a little more, but for true zoo-lovers it’s the experience of a lifetime.
Open daily. Standard admission: $10. Offers “free” days throughout year. (Web site)
#5 – Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas
Since its founding in 1909, accreditation has followed the Forth Worth Zoo, and today it has been heralded as the top zoo in the nation by Family Life, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times. Although the zoo is well-rounded overall, with over 350 species from every continent except Antarctica, it pays special tribute to the native flora and fauna of Texas. In the feature exhibit, Texas Wild!, can learn all about the diverse wildlife of the Lone Star State while also seeing a historic glimpse back at turn-of-the-century Texas in an authentic town recreation from the early 1900’s.
Open daily; seasonal hours. Standard admission: $12. (Web site)
#4 – Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona
The largest non-profit zoo in the United States, the Phoenix Zoo is a must for family vacations in Phoenix or pretty much anyone who likes to enjoy a laidback afternoon. This massive 125-acre complex differs from most modern zoos in how it structures its 1,200+ animals into four long trails covering the native wildlife of Arizona, Africa, and others. There’s also a large “touch” tank called Stingray Bay. You can guess what they’ve got there. Also unusual, the wide sprawl of the park allows for rollerblades and bicycles. It’s not just a place to see amazing sights; it’s a great place to work out!
Open daily; seasonal hours. Standard admission: $16. (Web site)
#3 – Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida
Moving into the altogether different realm of Safari parks, Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach, Florida is the nation’s original open-road animal attraction, and arguably it’s still the best. At Lion Country Safari, you enter in your own vehicle and drive through the zoo over 5 miles of road, more or less at your own pace. While certain animals such as lions and chimpanzees must be contained in fences for their safety and yours, others including zebras and giraffes roam freely and may even hold you up if they decide to take a rest on the road. The open-road zoo is followed up by Safari World, which hosts traditional zoological attractions as well as carnival rides.
Open daily. Standard admission: $24. (Web site)
#2 – San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California
We mulled over the placement of the San Diego Zoo at some length. Did it deserve to be number one? Maybe so, but even at number two, the San Diego Zoo stands above the crowd for its immense size, its variety and its commitment to driving the conservation and protection of animals higher than ever. Known as one of America’s most modern zoological parks, history shows the San Diego Zoo at the forefront of nearly every innovation in contemporary zoo keeping. The zoo has pioneered the use of “cageless” exhibits, and strongly promotes the use of open air attractions. With over 4,000 animals and 880 species to see, there’s truly something for everyone, but the absolute must-see is the Giant Panda exhibit, one of only four in the world.
Open daily. Standard admission: $35. (Web site)
#1 – Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio
While any of the zoos mentioned above are worthy of they respect they have garnered, none have achieved the positive worldwide reputation of the Columbus Zoo, arguably America’s favorite. While the zoo has been open continuously since 1927, its reputation grew to such heights under direction of the amiable Jack Hanna, one the America’s most beloved animal experts. Under Hanna’s guidance, the quality of the Columbus Zoo was elevated considerably, making it what is considered today to be the aspiration of any traditional zoo. Along with over 7,000 animals, the Columbus Zoo has more recently expanded to include a water park, amusement park and golf resort.
Open daily; seasonal hours. Seasonal/special rates available. (Web site)
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89 Comments
I am a faithful member of Miami Metro Zoo. Wonderful aviary and amazing place. See it if you are here!
Thanks you, everyone, for writing in. It’s great to see each of you support your favorite zoos.
From Omaha to St. Louis to Miami, we agree with you – great destinations each!
Alas, a top 10 just isn’t big enough to include all the parks we’d like, so hard, painful decisions had to be made. This is how it shaked out this time, but as long as you keep fighting the fight for your favorites, they’ll hardly need recognition from us.
Thanks again, peeps.
Yeah, I agree with “chris”. I live in NY, but my grandparents live in Miami-Dade, and I used to as well. I must say I have never seen a zoo the likes of that. Philly Zoo is great, but it’s not as good as MMZ.
We love the colubmus zoo, we are member since our kids were born, lots of fun in columbus zoo.
The only thing I concern there is not many variety animal such as giraffes, camel, peacock, …and more.
I am very surprised to see the Phoenix Zoo on this list. It is a large zoo, but it’s so hot most of the year that the animals are always hiding. You almost never see any, and there isn’t enough shade to walk around in.
I loved the Tucson Zoo, it was much smaller, but there are trees everywhere, and you always get to see the animals. Also, if you are ever in AZ, check out the Sonoran Desert Museum too, (in Tucson), it’s a great place to spend the day.
I am so disappointed in that the Toledo Zoo is not in the top ten. It was for years in spite of being the smallest on the list. Now they have enlarged and have the most wonderful exhibits and are so people oriented and they are dropped from the top ten. Whats with this? Happy to see Columbus up there though.
where is henry doorly? Omaha has the largest indoor rainforest in the world, the largest indoor desert in the world, the largest indoor swamp in the world, the second largest aviary in the world, and the largest cat facility in north america. they add to the zoo every year.
The Columbus Zoo is definitely the most improved zoo in the last 15 years (Zebras or not). I have visited 7 of the ten zoos on your list and all have nice things about them (esp. Philadelphia) but you are right on the money with Columbus. There is just something extra special there, I can’t describe it. The “Jungle Jack Hannah” thing isn’t even played up there at all to me. It’s more about families, great original exhibits, and creating a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages. Not to mention it seems like they add a new attraction every year? The zoo has purchased a ton of land surrounding it in recent years and have even carved out a new entrance road and parking lot. I went a month ago and saw that they are currently building a new Polar Bear (Alaska habitat) exhibit there for the near future, possibly 2010? Simply amazing place and well deserving of the top spot.
hi i totaly agree that the colombus zoo is the alltime best! i live in ohio so we go there alot also we go to the zoo in cincinatti some but it will never compare to the colombus zoo, iv never been to anyother zoo on the list but my suggestion is u go to the toledo zoo it is fun and they do have zebras. but you can only see them on the train. but zebras or not colombus is the #1 zoo in the contry iv been to!
colombus zoo is so the best
Don’t forget the amazing, yet often overlooked Toledo Zoo. Between Columbus, Toledo, and Cincinnati, Ohio must be the best Zoo State around!
I think that your missing one of the best zoos in that list the Omaha Henry Doorly should be at least at the number 5 spot.
i just went to the comlumbus zoo yesturday for the first time in about 5 years, so much has changed and its awsome! you guys should visit sometime! and there is a little baby elephant! i havent seen it yet because the line was too long.
I thought the st. louis zoo was #1. It says that on the banners by it.
Hey Steven — I just wanted to thank you and your team for writing up this list. I can tell how much thought and time you put into it, and I am absolutely thrilled to see the props that Columbus Zoo is getting. I have never been before, but I live in Ohio now and I can’t wait to make the trek up there! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
(PS – This is not meant to be a quibble in any sense — I really like your list — but just to let you know, I do have to agree with one of the commenters above that the Cincinnati Zoo was really disappointing. I went about a month ago, and the selection of the animals that they had was fantastic…but it was terribly run. Huge traffic problems, food staffing issues, hard to find the exhibits, strange layout, etc. I’m still glad that I went because I got to see lots of critters I’d never seen before (my favorite was Pallas’s Cat), but it’s certainly not a top ten this year.)
I wonder if the panel considered the Columbus Zoo’s direct association with The Wilds? I would say that helps take the Cbus Zoo to the top.
http://www.thewilds.org/about/history.asp
2002 – Responding to financial pressures, the Wilds Board of Trustees initiated a major reorganization, including the development of a closer working relationship with the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.
Uh oh conservation love:
Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2)
The Wilds is a founding member of Conservation Centers for Species Survival, a group of large conservation facilities in North America dedicated to cooperative conservation and research for the advancement of species conservation. Other C2S2 founding partners are:
San Diego Wild Animal Park
———————–
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Since 2002, the Wilds and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have worked together very closely. In addition to collaborating on specific conservation projects, the two organizations have developed a formal relationship that allows for sharing of resources to strengthen both institutions.
——————————–
Can’t go to Africa, come to Ohio, ha.
Side Note:
I agree that the waterpark and golf course at the Columbus Zoo are extraneous. But that is the nature of summertime capitalism in a state that is the rollercoaster king and home to Muirfield and Firestone.
I”ve been to lots of zoos across the U.S. and the best one by far is the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. It’s not even on this list! It’s an amazing zoo, with the world’s largest indoor rainforest, largest indoor desert, and largest nocturnal exhibit. Best zoo in the world!!!! by contrast the Houston zoo and even the San Diego zoo are barely worth seeing
Thanks Audrey, we appreciate your fervor.
The Henry Doorly Zoo is a wonderful institution respected throughout the industry, and we love it. I really can’t explain why the voting committee didn’t get behind it at the time. However, it will be eligible next year as it was this year, and we wish them the best.
The Saint Louis Zoo should be in the top 10, if not #1. The park has been open since the 1910’s, Marlin Perkins (Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom) was curator, the park has 90 acres, historic and modern buildings (one dates back to the 1904 Worlds Fair) was one of the first to display animals in natural “grotto’s” not behind bars and is totaly free.
Seriously, was the St. Louis Zoo even considered in this top ten? It’s an amazing zoo! It has to be one of the largest free-admission zoos out there, but that isn’t what makes it impressive. They have done an amazing job in the last 10 years or so of really making it a must-see for zoo lovers.
Anyone ever been to the Henry Doorly zoo in Omaha, NE? It’s an awesome zoo and truly ranks up there w/ San Diego and Columbus. Has lots of animals in there natural habitat surroundings. It’s well worth a visit!!
sedgwick county zoo wichita ks is awsome:D
Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska is soooo much better than many of these! Really, one of the very best. This list is certainly more political than accurate or they would be on here and near the top. Now that they’ve got Rosenblatt (College World Series) old stadium, expect more and ever greater things to add to their current outstanding list.
Thanks for your comments Lizabeth. We’re glad you feel strongly about Henry Doorly. It’s certainly among the most controversial absentees, and the sheer number of readers that have come to its defense speaks for itself.
I can assure you that there is nothing political about this list. As an independent, non-profit service (we don’t even host ads), USA Travel Guide has nothing to gain by providing anything but our honest opinion.
We’ve been to Henry Doorly. We liked it, but it’s become obvious that we missed something. It is definitely on our list to revisit.
Thanks again for writing in.
I just wanted to say, as someone who lives in Dayton and therefore visits the Columbus and Cincinnati zoos regularly, that I am proud to see both zoos on the list. But after reading the list and the comments here, I feel like I must be crazy. I have always enjoyed the Cincinnati Zoo more than the one in Columbus. I feel like the exhibits are higher in quality and there are more unusual animals. And, of course, their endangered species program is fantastic. I might just be the only person to say this, but I will always choose to visit the Cincinnati Zoo over Columbus. (not slamming Columbus, by the way – it is great as well – I just absolutely LOVE Cincinnati)
I guess if water parks and gimmicks make a top zoo, this list is correct. But, if you go to a zoo for the exhibits and to learn about animals, then Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and it’s wildlife safari are by far and away at least a top 5 pick.
Columbus loves its zoo. I live in Nashville which has a very disappointing zoo. I would love to make it out to see the San Diego zoo sometime.
Why no mention of the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park? (San Diego Zooligical Society) The combination of the two parks, collections, displays & innovations are by far exceptional. The other important fact is that the weather in San Diego affords 365 days of comfortable natural access to the exhibits & animals. Another great bonus is the proximity of Sea World San Diego…& it’s fine collection of marine mamals.
Stan Yodz
I’d like to agree with a user above, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is yet another fine zoo in Ohio. c: I’m nineteen, and have gone there since I was probably an infant; I have only good memories at the Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest. It is currently expanding in several construction projects, and consistently has new exhibits on display. It also has the nation’s largest number of primates in a zoo.
Definitely would have made top twenty-five, without a doubt. :}
Been to 3 or 4 zoos around USA. St.louis definitely is one of the best. Excellently designed. Unlike Sandiego where you walk and walk and walk..seeing nothing this is a pretty good zoo. Very under-rated.
I have actually been to most of these Zoos and currently reside is a suburb of Columbus, and live 25 minutes away from the Columbus zoo, and although I have only been to the Columbus Zoo a couple of times I must agree I think it is great, but when I was younger I may have had a greater appreciation for these attractions (the opposite of what most would believe.) When I was younger my family were members of the New Orleans Zoo, and we attended there regularly (ok so not quite as much as the aquarium) but I absolutly loved the zoo, I have also been to the Cincinatti zoo, and I agree with Don, that the Cinnci zoo is just not that great. The Houston and San Diego zoo’s, I believe are just too vast to be enjoyed, they have cool features, but they are MASSIVE! there is no way you can see everything in the zoo in one day. But I do believe you and your team have put together a great list. Also there is a zoo in Colorado Springs that I kind of enjoyed. I wish I could recall the name (maybe Chyanne Ntl. Park and Zoo) but it seemed nice, well I liked it better than the Cincinatti zoo anyway. but I’m not downing your opinions. I’m just tossing mine out there.
St.louis is top 2 hands down.
I have to disagree with so many comments… my family lives in Cincinnati, and have been members of the Cincinnati Zoo for years. We are also frequent visitors of other zoos, and I can honestly say that we love our zoo best of all. My son has had the great pleasure of interacting with so many different animals with the zoo’s public outreach effort, and we have enjoyed so many wonderful times there. The exhibits are clean and well-planned, and the breadth of animals is amazing.
I think what some people notice is that you have to go through a pretty rough area to get there. But the zoo itself is great!
I have never been to these zoos but I have been to the Toledo Zoo and I think its a good one as well
The Toledo Zoo is in the technical rancking of the top zoo’s. It is very nice with a new childrens zoo that is very pro green and is wonderful in the christmas time with the Lights Before Christmas. I think that it should of been on there. I have been to the San Diego Zoo, but just because they have a wide variety of animals dosnt mean much. It is alot of walking to do just to see all of it, but at the Toledo Zoo, you can see all there animals and still have time to go do something fun with the kids in the children zoo.
oh my gosh i can not belivie that the phoenix zoo is one i live there
The fact that the Bronx Zoo was omitted calls into questions the validity of the list. Full disclosure..the only other zoo on the list I have been to is Lion Country Safari but it just does not compare to the Bronx Zoo in any argument.
Thanks, everyone, for writing in. We love to see people debate our list.
Kelly, thanks for your comment. Read through the list and you will find an army of readers who agree with you. Know that the Bronx Zoo did defend itself. I was contacted personally by the Zoo with an emphatic “What gives?!”
The Bronx Zoo was in the running like so many other fantastic institutions – Henry Doorly, St. Louis – but we stand by our list. The Bronx Zoo charms hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of guests every year, but it can’t possibly charm the all. As they say, you can’t please everyone.
Unfortunately, more than a few of those non-charmed we’re on our selection panel.
But we will be back. Readers comments have more than convinced us that another look is well in order. When we next compile this list, we hope we feel comfortable extending them the courtesy of joining it.
Thanks again.
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