10 Best Zoos in America

Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information

• The San Diego Zoo is the most popular zoo in America with over 3.2 million visitors per year.
• The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States with over 265 acres of park land.
• The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska is home to the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America.
• The National Zoo in Washington D.C. is one of only four zoos in the United States to have giant pandas.
• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio was voted the best zoo in America by USA Today in 2020.
• The Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River and is home to over 1,800 animals.
• The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals and has been voted one of the top zoos in America by Parents magazine.
• The Memphis Zoo is home to the only pair of breeding giant pandas in the United States.
• The Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in America and is home to over 1,300 animals.
• The Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome.

1. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned zoo located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It is home to over 3,500 animals and over 650 species and subspecies. The zoo is known for its innovative animal habitats and conservation efforts. The San Diego Zoo is also home to the Safari Park, which is a separate facility located about 35 miles north of the zoo.

I visited the San Diego Zoo last summer and was blown away by the variety of animals and exhibits. My favorite exhibit was the Giant Panda Research Station where I was able to see pandas up close and learn about the conservation efforts being made to save the species. I also enjoyed the African Plains exhibit where I saw elephants, giraffes, and rhinos roaming freely in their natural habitat.

2. Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is located in the Bronx borough of New York City and is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. It is home to over 8,000 animals and over 600 species. The zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society and is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs.

I visited the Bronx Zoo last fall and was impressed by the size of the zoo and the variety of animals. My favorite exhibit was the Congo Gorilla Forest where I was able to see gorillas up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. I also enjoyed the Butterfly Garden where I saw hundreds of colorful butterflies flying around me.

3. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is located in Omaha, Nebraska and is known for its innovative exhibits and conservation efforts. It is home to over 17,000 animals and over 962 species. The zoo is also home to the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America.

I visited the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium last spring and was amazed by the size of the zoo and the variety of animals. My favorite exhibit was the Desert Dome where I was able to see animals like meerkats, camels, and hyenas living in a simulated desert environment. I also enjoyed the Lied Jungle where I saw animals like orangutans, gibbons, and pygmy hippos living in a simulated rainforest environment.

4. National Zoo

The National Zoo is located in Washington D.C. and is operated by the Smithsonian Institution. It is home to over 2,700 animals and over 390 species. The zoo is known for its giant pandas, which are one of only four zoos in the United States to have them.

I visited the National Zoo last summer and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the Giant Panda Habitat where I was able to see giant pandas up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. I also enjoyed the American Trail exhibit where I saw animals like sea lions, beavers, and bald eagles.

5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Powell, Ohio and is home to over 10,000 animals and over 600 species. It is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs. The zoo was voted the best zoo in America by USA Today in 2020.

I visited the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium last summer and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the Heart of Africa exhibit where I was able to see animals like lions, zebras, and giraffes living in a simulated African savanna. I also enjoyed the Polar Frontier exhibit where I saw animals like polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer living in a simulated Arctic environment.

6. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is located in Portland, Oregon and is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. It is home to over 1,800 animals and over 232 species. The zoo is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs.

I visited the Oregon Zoo last summer and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the Elephant Lands exhibit where I was able to see elephants up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. I also enjoyed the Primate Forest exhibit where I saw animals like chimpanzees, orangutans, and lemurs.

7. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is located in Houston, Texas and is home to over 6,000 animals and over 900 species. It is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs and has been voted one of the top zoos in America by Parents magazine.

I visited the Houston Zoo last fall and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the Kipp Aquarium where I was able to see a variety of fish and other marine life. I also enjoyed the African Forest exhibit where I saw animals like chimps, rhinos, and giraffes.

8. Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo is located in Memphis, Tennessee and is home to over 3,500 animals and over 500 species. It is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs and is home to the only pair of breeding giant pandas in the United States.

I visited the Memphis Zoo last summer and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the China exhibit where I was able to see giant pandas up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. I also enjoyed the Cat Country exhibit where I saw animals like lions, tigers, and leopards.

9. Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the oldest zoo in America. It is home to over 1,300 animals and over 40 species. The zoo is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs.

I visited the Philadelphia Zoo last fall and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the Big Cat Falls exhibit where I was able to see big cats like lions, tigers, and jaguars up close. I also enjoyed the Zoo360 exhibit where I saw animals like monkeys, lemurs, and sloths moving across a network of outdoor trails.

10. Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo is located in Des Moines, Iowa and is home to over 800 animals and over 100 species. It is known for its conservation efforts and educational programs.

I visited the Blank Park Zoo last spring and was impressed by the variety of animals and the size of the zoo. My favorite exhibit was the Discovery Center where I saw animals like snakes, lizards, and turtles up close. I also enjoyed the African Boardwalk exhibit where I saw animals like zebras, giraffes, and ostriches.