The San Diego Zoo is celebrated as the best zoo in the ranking of the Best Zoos in the U.S., renowned for its exceptional variety of animal species and commitment to wildlife conservation. Following closely are Zoo Miami, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and Parrot Mountain & Gardens. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 best zoos in the U.S., detailing their location, area (acres), key features, additional facts, and interesting insights about each.
10 Best Zoos in the US
1. San Diego Zoo
2. Zoo Miami
3. McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
5. Parrot Mountain & Gardens
6. Lincoln Park Zoo
7. St. Louis Zoo
8. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
9. Bearizona Wildlife Park
10. Bronx Zoo
1. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, California, spans an area of 100 acres and is renowned for having the largest variety of animal species in a zoo. It is home to over 3,700 animals representing 650 different species, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike.
| Location | Balboa Park, California |
| Area (Acres) | 100 |
| Key Feature | Largest variety of animal species in a zoo. |
| Additional Fact | Home to over 3,700 animals from 650 species. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, the San Diego Zoo is recognized as the 1st Best Zoo in the US.
2. Zoo Miami
The Zoo Miami, located in Miami, Florida, covers an expansive area of 750 acres and is notable for being the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S.. It houses more than 3,000 animals and 1,200 plant species, providing a unique experience for visitors interested in diverse wildlife and botany.
| Location | Miami, Florida |
| Area (Acres) | 750 |
| Key Feature | Only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S. |
| Additional Fact | Houses more than 3,000 animals and 1,200 plants. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, Zoo Miami is recognized as the 2nd Best Zoo in the US.
3. McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a small yet impactful facility covering 5 acres. It specializes in big cats and wildlife conservation, offering personalized tours that allow visitors to have memorable encounters with various animals.
| Location | West Palm Beach, Florida |
| Area (Acres) | 5 |
| Key Feature | Specializes in big cats and wildlife conservation. |
| Additional Fact | Offers personalized tours with animal encounters. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as the 3rd Best Zoo in the US.
4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located in Escondido, California, spans an impressive 1,800 acres and features open-range enclosures and immersive safari experiences. This park allows visitors to enjoy encounters with animals in a more natural setting, showcasing wildlife in a way that emphasizes their habitat.
| Location | Escondido, California |
| Area (Acres) | 1,800 |
| Key Feature | Open-range enclosures and immersive safari experiences. |
| Additional Fact | Features safari experiences with animals roaming free. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is recognized as the 4th Best Zoo in the US.
5. Parrot Mountain & Gardens
Parrot Mountain & Gardens, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, covers 4 acres and focuses on colorful tropical birds and lush gardens. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of exotic birds, including many talking parrots, creating a vibrant and interactive experience for visitors.
| Location | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| Area (Acres) | 4 |
| Key Feature | Focus on colorful tropical birds and lush gardens. |
| Additional Fact | Home to hundreds of exotic birds, including talking parrots. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, Parrot Mountain & Gardens is recognized as the 5th Best Zoo in the US.
6. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, Illinois, occupies 35 acres and is known for its free admission and urban setting that showcases a diverse range of animals. Founded in 1868, it stands as one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., making it a historic landmark as well as a popular attraction.
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Area (Acres) | 35 |
| Key Feature | Free admission and urban setting with diverse animals. |
| Additional Fact | One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., founded in 1868. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, the Lincoln Park Zoo is recognized as the 6th Best Zoo in the US.
7. St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo, located in St. Louis, Missouri, spans 90 acres and is celebrated for its world-class exhibits and free admission policy. It is particularly known for its Penguin & Puffin Coast exhibit, attracting visitors with its engaging and educational displays.
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Area (Acres) | 90 |
| Key Feature | World-class exhibits and free admission. |
| Additional Fact | Known for its Penguin & Puffin Coast exhibit. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, the St. Louis Zoo is recognized as the 7th Best Zoo in the US.
8. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, located in Omaha, Nebraska, covers 130 acres and is known for having the largest indoor rainforest and desert dome in the U.S.. It features the world’s largest indoor desert and a 7-acre aquarium, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Area (Acres) | 130 |
| Key Feature | Largest indoor rainforest and desert dome in the U.S. |
| Additional Fact | Features the world’s largest indoor desert and a 7-acre aquarium. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is recognized as the 8th Best Zoo in the US.
9. Bearizona Wildlife Park
Bearizona Wildlife Park, located in Williams, Arizona, spans 160 acres and offers a drive-through wildlife park experience featuring native species. It specializes in North American wildlife such as bears, wolves, and bison, allowing guests to observe these animals in a naturalistic setting.
| Location | Williams, Arizona |
| Area (Acres) | 160 |
| Key Feature | Drive-through wildlife park with native species. |
| Additional Fact | Specializes in North American wildlife such as bears, wolves, and bison. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, Bearizona Wildlife Park is recognized as the 9th Best Zoo in the US.
10. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo, located in New York City, New York, covers 265 acres and is a historic zoo known for its renowned conservation programs. It is home to over 6,000 animals representing 700 species, making it one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world.
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Area (Acres) | 265 |
| Key Feature | Historic zoo with renowned conservation programs. |
| Additional Fact | Home to over 6,000 animals from 700 species. |
In the ranking of the Best Zoos in the US in 2024, the Bronx Zoo is recognized as the 10th Best Zoo in the US.
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