Top 10 Zoos in the U.S. 2023
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
As an animal lover, there’s nothing better than spending a day at the zoo. But with so many zoos to choose from in the U.S., it can be hard to decide which ones are worth visiting. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top 10 zoos in the U.S. for 2023. These zoos offer a unique and unforgettable experience for animal lovers of all ages.
Top 10 Zoos in the U.S. 2023
- San Diego Zoo
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Bronx Zoo
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- St. Louis Zoo
- Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Memphis Zoo
- Denver Zoo
These zoos were chosen based on their animal exhibits, conservation efforts, and overall visitor experience.
San Diego Zoo
My personal favorite zoo on this list is the San Diego Zoo. With over 3,700 animals and 650 species, there’s always something new and exciting to see. I especially love the Panda Trek exhibit, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with giant pandas. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to preserving endangered species.
According to a recent survey, 95% of visitors said they would recommend the San Diego Zoo to a friend. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular zoos in the U.S.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Another zoo that’s worth visiting is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This zoo is unique because it combines animal exhibits with Disney’s signature storytelling. I love the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, which takes visitors on a tour of the African savanna. It’s like going on a real-life safari!
According to a recent study, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has over 2,000 animals and is home to 300 species. The zoo also has a strong conservation program and is dedicated to protecting wildlife around the world.
Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S. and has over 4,000 animals. One of the things that sets this zoo apart is its Butterfly Garden exhibit, which allows visitors to walk through a garden filled with hundreds of butterflies. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to preserving wildlife in New York and around the world.
According to a recent survey, 90% of visitors said they enjoyed their experience at the Bronx Zoo. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the New York area.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is located in Washington D.C. and is home to over 2,700 animals. One of the things I love about this zoo is its Giant Panda exhibit, which is home to Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to protecting wildlife around the world.
According to a recent study, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has over 390 species and is dedicated to scientific research and conservation. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the D.C. area.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 17,000 animals and is one of the best zoos in the Midwest. I love the Desert Dome exhibit, which allows visitors to explore the world’s deserts and see animals like meerkats, camels, and fennec foxes. The zoo also has a great aquarium and is home to over 900 species of marine life.
According to a recent survey, 96% of visitors said they enjoyed their experience at the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Midwest.
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and is home to over 18,000 animals. One of the things that sets this zoo apart is its Sea Lion Sound exhibit, which allows visitors to see sea lions up close and even watch them swim underwater. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to protecting endangered species.
According to a recent study, the St. Louis Zoo is home to over 700 species and has a strong commitment to conservation and animal welfare. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the St. Louis area.
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is located in the heart of Chicago and is home to over 1,100 animals. One of the things I love about this zoo is its Regenstein Center for African Apes exhibit, which allows visitors to see gorillas, chimpanzees, and mandrills up close. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to preserving wildlife in Illinois and around the world.
According to a recent survey, 92% of visitors said they enjoyed their experience at the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Chicago area.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and is home to over 1,300 animals. One of the things that sets this zoo apart is its Zoo360 animal exploration trail, which allows visitors to see animals like big cats, primates, and apes from a unique perspective. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to protecting wildlife in Pennsylvania and around the world.
According to a recent study, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to over 40 endangered species and has a strong commitment to conservation and animal welfare. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Philadelphia area.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is home to over 4,500 animals and is one of the best zoos in the South. One of the things I love about this zoo is its Northwest Passage exhibit, which allows visitors to see polar bears, sea lions, and other arctic animals up close. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to protecting wildlife in Tennessee and around the world.
According to a recent survey, 95% of visitors said they enjoyed their experience at the Memphis Zoo. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the South.
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and is one of the best zoos in the West. One of the things that sets this zoo apart is its Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit, which is home to the largest bull elephant herd in North America. The zoo also has a great conservation program and is dedicated to protecting wildlife in Colorado and around the world.
According to a recent study, the Denver Zoo is home to over 600 species and has a strong commitment to conservation and animal welfare. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the West.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit a zoo?
The best time of year to visit a zoo is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the animals are more active.
What should I wear to the zoo?
You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. It’s also a good idea to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Can I bring food into the zoo?
Most zoos allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s a good idea to check the zoo’s website or call ahead to see what their policy is.
Are zoos ethical?
There is some debate over whether or not zoos are ethical. However, many zoos have strong conservation programs and are dedicated to protecting endangered species.