Zoos are great places to learn about animals from all over the world, observe their behavior, and appreciate their beauty. In the United States, there are numerous zoos that offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages. USA TODAY 10Best has compiled a list of the top 10 best zoos in the country, based on a panel of experts and reader votes, and we will explore them in this article.
Top 10 Best Zoos in USA – USA TODAY 10Best
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- St. Louis Zoo
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- San Diego Zoo
- Memphis Zoo
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Bronx Zoo in New York City
- Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon
1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
This zoo is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and is known for its outstanding exhibits, such as the Desert Dome, the largest indoor desert in the world, and the Lied Jungle, the largest indoor rainforest in North America. It also features a huge aquarium, a butterfly and insect pavilion, and a gorilla valley among others.
2. St. Louis Zoo
This zoo is situated in St. Louis, Missouri, and is one of the largest free zoos in the world. It has over 16,000 animals from 600 species, and offers various attractions, such as a sea lion show, a penguin parade, and a 4-D theater. It is also known for its conservation efforts and research programs.
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado
This zoo has been voted the #1 zoo in North America by USA TODAY 10Best readers in 2018 and 2019. It is located on a mountainside and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding areas. It is home to over 800 animals from 200 species, and has unique exhibits, such as the African Rift Valley and the Encounter Africa area.
4. Fort Worth Zoo
This zoo is situated in Fort Worth, Texas, and has been named the #1 zoo in the nation by USA TODAY 10Best in 2017. It has over 7,000 animals from 540 species, and features attractions like a Texas Wild! exhibit, a Australian Outback area, and a Museum of Living Art.
5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This zoo is located in Columbus, Ohio, and is home to over 10,000 animals from 600 species. It has a diverse range of exhibits, such as the Heart of Africa, the North America region, and the Australia and the Islands area. It also has a huge aquarium and a Zoombezi Bay water park.
6. San Diego Zoo
This zoo is located in San Diego, California, and is one of the most popular zoos in the world. It has over 3,500 animals from 650 species, and offers unique experiences, such as the Panda Trek, the Polar Bear Plunge, and the Elephant Odyssey. It is also known for its conservation efforts and research programs.
7. Memphis Zoo
This zoo is situated in Memphis, Tennessee, and has been voted the #1 zoo in the country by TripAdvisor users in 2019. It has over 4,500 animals from 500 species, and features exhibits like the China area, the Cat Country, and the Primate Canyon. It also has a Teton Trek exhibit that simulates the environment of Yellowstone National Park.
8. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
This zoo is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has a history of over 140 years. It has over 2,000 animals from 500 species, and is known for its breeding programs for endangered species, such as the black rhino and the Sumatran rhino. It also has a botanical garden with over 3,000 plant species.
9. Bronx Zoo in New York City
This zoo is situated in the Bronx borough of New York City, and is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world. It has over 6,000 animals from 600 species, and features exhibits like the African Plains, the Himalayan Highlands, and the World of Reptiles. It also has a Children’s Zoo and a Bug Carousel.
10. Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon
This zoo is located in Portland, Oregon, and is known for its eco-friendly practices and sustainability efforts. It has over 2,600 animals from 215 species, and features exhibits like the Great Northwest, the Africa Rainforest, and the Predators of the Serengeti. It also has a train ride and a summer concert series.
Zoos offer a fun and educational experience for families and individuals alike. The top 10 best zoos in the United States, according to USA TODAY 10Best, are each unique in their own way, and offer a diverse range of animal exhibits and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a mountain-side adventure or a metropolitan escape, there’s a zoo on this list that will satisfy your curiosity and love for wildlife.
