35 Best Zoos in the U.S., Ranked

Who doesn't love the zoo? Americans, for one, absolutely love the zoo — so much so that there are more than 2,400 zoos in the United States.

35 Best Zoos in the U.S., Ranked

Who doesn't love the zoo? Americans, for one, absolutely love the zoo — so much so that there are more than 2,400 zoos in the United States. And what's not to love? Zoos and animal parks offer unique learning experiences to encounter magnificent creatures from all over the world. Plus, zoos often are integral in raising money and awareness on animal issues, including conservation and care.

When it comes to visiting the best zoos in America, it can be daunting to know where to start. Of course, there are the obvious heavy-hitters, from the San Diego Zoo in California to the Bronx Zoo in New York. But, while these zoos might be some of the best known in the country, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the "best," according to reviews on TripAdvisor.

So, what exactly are the best zoos or animal parks in the country? Read on to see where your favorites rank and which ones are close to where you live.

35. Pittsburgh Zoo, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of a handful of zoo-aquarium combos in the U.S. It was founded more than 100 years ago and opened its doors in 1898.

Since then, it has been renovated and expanded to include amazing exhibits like its African Savanna, Asian Forest, Tropical Forest and much more. The $17.4 million aquarium opened in 2000.

What to Expect

The zoo and aquarium have been in a constant state of evolution. The most recent additions were The Islands, which came in 2015. The 22,000-square-foot exhibit offers an immersive experience with waterfalls, ponds, crocodiles, siamangs, clouded leopards and even a beach area.

In 2017, the zoo opened Jungle Odyssey, which brought five new animal exhibits, including ocelots, a pygmy hippo, anteaters, fossas and capybaras.

34. Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Zoo was the brainchild of Robert E. Maytag, grandson of the founder of the Maytag appliance empire. And while his sudden, untimely death nearly quashed the zoo's plans, his wife, Nancy, stepped forward to bring the dream to fruition.

The zoo opened in 1962 and has since welcomed more than 43 million visitors. It is known for its conservation initiatives, involving the repopulation of Arabian oryx, Black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed garter snakes, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves and more.

What to Expect

Today, the zoo has more than 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented. Some of the most popular are the African lions, zebras, jaguars, Asian elephants and cheetahs.

The zoo offers a program for visitors to sponsor a zoo animal as well. You can adopt anything from a Sumatran tiger to a Bornean orangutan, Andean bear and flamingo, among many other animals.

33. Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, Indiana

What started as a 20-acre children's zoo back in the 1960s has transformed into one of the great zoos in America.

Over the years, it has gone through many transformations, and today, its most popular attractions include a world-class elephant exhibit, Dolphin Adventure Dome, Deserts Dome and an Oceans exhibit.

What to Expect

Roam from exhibits featuring the plains and deserts to forests and oceans.

And don't miss the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, which is one of the most important zoo exhibits in the world. It is a center for research into the cognitive abilities of great apes, a truly memorable experience.

32. Oakland Zoo, Oakland, California

The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 850 animals — and many are rescues. Founded in 1922, the zoo is committed to conservation and education. It is made up of several regions, including the African Savanna, Tropical Rainforest, Wild Australia and the California Trail, among others.

In 1991, the zoo was a pioneer in the "protected contract" method, which places barriers between zookeepers and elephants and uses persuasion through reward, rather than discipline. This is now a method that is used all over the world.

What to Expect

The newest addition to the zoo is the California Trail, and it is one of the zoo's crown jewels. Take the gondola up to the top of the trail to view the expansive habitat that was created for animals indigenous to California.

There is even a campground for a unique type of overnight with grizzly bears.

31. Alaska Zoo, Anchorage, Alaska

For more than 50 years, the Alaska Zoo has been committed to the conservation of Arctic and sub-Arctic species. Here, you'll be able to view different species that you'd never find naturally in the Lower 48.

Get up close and personal with Dall sheep and mountain goats, wolverine and river otters, flying squirrels and much more. You'll also be able to see beloved international species like Bactrian camels and Alpacas, Tibetan yaks, Muskoxes, harbor seals and red foxes.

What to Expect

One of the more unique opportunities at the Alaska Zoo is the animal encounters, which allows visitors to go behind the scenes with zookeepers for a meet-and-greet with animals.

Meet animals like polar bears, moose and mountain goats.

30. Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota

The Minnesota Zoo opened its doors in 1978. The expansive property sits on more than 485 acres in Apple Valley, Minnesota, not far from Minneapolis. The zoo today is home to more than 4,500 animals and 505 species. With an annual attendance of almost 1.3 million, it is one of the most popular zoos in the Midwest.

The Minnesota Zoo is committed to conservation and has partnered with groups to help preserve animals and resources like butterflies, bison, native mussels, tigers and Asian wild horses, among others.

What to Expect

With more than 500 species of animals, you can expect a diverse experience at the Minnesota Zoo.

You can expect to get up close and personal with African penguins, tigers, leopards, camels, bears, caribou and lynx.

29. Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, Missouri

Opened in 1909, the Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals. It is spread over 202 acres, 95 of which are dedicated to African animals.

Other exhibits include Australia, the Tiger Trail, The Valley and the KidZone. The zoo even has a wonderful Orangutan Canopy exhibit where you can learn all about the lives and care of orangutans.

What to Expect

One of the coolest things at the Kansas City Zoo is its animal encounters. These experiences allow visitors to get up close to interact with animals and learn from the zookeepers who care for them.

Visitors will learn specifically about Aldabra tortoises, camels, penguins and rhinos.

28. Denver Zoo, Denver, Colorado

It all started with a black bear in 1896. Seriously. The Denver Zoo was founded at the end of the 19th century with the donation of a single American black bear. Today, the park is an 80-acre zoo with more than 4,000 animals across 613 species.

Discover exhibits like Bear Mountain and Primate Panorama. The zoo was also one of the first in America to use landscaped natural habitats rather than cages.

What to Expect

The zoo is heavy on research and conservation and supports more than 600 projects across 60 countries. It also has really interesting and unique exhibits, like the Stingray Cove Experience. Marvel at the 15,000-gallon tank that features 40 animals.

The Elephant Passage is also a wildly popular exhibit, as it is one of the most complex elephant habitats in North America across 10 acres of terrain.

27. Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the oldest in America. It was founded in the 1870s and had nearly 1,000 animals at that time.

Today, the zoo is known for its breeding programs for animals that are typically difficult to breed in captivity, like orangutans, chimpanzees and cheetahs.

What to Expect

The zoo sits on 42 acres and is now home to more than 1,300 animals. Other features of the zoo include a paddleboat lake, a children's zoo, a carousel and more.

Be sure to check out the lemurs, gorillas and gibbons.

26. Virginia Zoo, Norfolk, Virginia

More than a century old, the Virginia Zoo opened in 1901 as the Lafayette Zoological Park. Today, the park sits on 53 acres and has more than 700 animals across 150 species.

Its main exhibits include the Africa-Okavango Delta, Asia-Trail of the Tiger, Australia Walkabout, North America and World of Reptiles.

What to Expect

Get your fix of tigers, wallabies and red pandas. The zoo even has a Zoo Train that zips past the exhibits, so you can make the most of your time.

One of the zoo’s main attractions is the Animal Wellness Campus, where visitors can learn about caring for animals and rehabilitating them.

25. Dallas Zoo, Dallas, Texas

Spread across more than 100 acres, the Dallas Zoo is located about three miles from downtown Dallas in Marsalis Park.

Established in 1888 with just a couple of deer and some mountain lions, the zoo has grown today to have more than 2,000 animals from more than 400 species.

What to Expect

The major attractions at the Dallas Zoo include the Gorilla Research Center, Chimpanzee Forest, Koala Walkabout, Penguin Cove and a two-acre Endangered Tiger Habitat, where visitors can observe Malayan tigers.

While visiting the zoo, guests can hop aboard the monorail for a guided Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari, which sails past five exhibits that can only be seen from this vantage point.

24. Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas

Spanning more than 50 acres, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals across 900 species.

But more than just a wide diversity of wildlife, the Houston Zoo is known for supporting many conservation projects, both in Texas, and around the world. The zoo supports 49 wildlife conservation projects in 27 countries and is one of the most visited zoos in the U.S.

What to Expect

The zoo works with a number of endangered species, from the Texas sea turtle to the Galapagos tortoise, African lion and Bornean orangutan.

The zoo is adjoined to the Kip Aquarium, which has more than 200 marine species as well.

23. Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, D.C.

Just a few miles north of downtown Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute dates back to 1889 when it was founded by former President Grover Cleveland.

Today, it remains admission-free and is heralded for its more than 2,000 animals across 400 species. In fact, about 40 of these species are on the endangered list.

What to Expect

The zoo is most famous for the giant pandas that were gifted to the U.S. from China in the 1970s. The indoor-outdoor panda habitat features multimedia learning stations about pandas and conservation initiatives.

If you can't make it in person, the zoo prides itself on its many webcams within habitats around the park. From the comfort of your couch, you can take a journey to visit pandas, lions, cheetahs, elephants and even naked mole-rats.

22. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington

If ever there were a zoo dreamed up by millennials, Woodland Park Zoo would be it.

Sure, the zoo has plenty of animals to see, with more than 1,100 across 300 species. But the zoo has also tailored its activities to attract kids and their hip parents, with events like the annual Brew at the Zoo beer tasting.

What to Expect

The Woodland Park Zoo was founded in 1899 and attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.

During the holidays the zoo puts on its WildLights event. The summer months bring ZooTunes, a music festival and fundraiser for the zoo to support educational programs, conservation programs and animal care.

21. The Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York

Located in the northernmost borough of New York City, the Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world at 265 acres.

The zoo opened in 1899 with just 22 exhibits, but today, visitors will get to experience wildlife from all seven continents, visiting more than 4,000 animals from more than 600 species.

What to Expect

Its most important exhibits today are the Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Madagascar! and Tiger Mountain. The Zoo Center has Komodo dragons as well.

Families love the Nature Trek, which has a web of bridges, balancing beams and obstacles. For adults, there is also an aerial ropes course and a zipline.

20. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois

Brookfield Zoo is the Chicago area's largest zoo, home to 2,300 animals from 450 species across 216 acres.

The zoo first opened in 1934 and was the first zoo in America to host giant pandas. It was also the first zoo to open an indoor rainforest habitat.

What to Expect

Today, the zoo is famous for its penguin experience that features a talk with zookeepers. Its other notable exhibits include Big Cats, the Australia House and Fragile Desert.

During the holidays, the zoo comes alive with a splash of celebration. The Holiday Magic event includes a Community Tree Trim.

19. Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, Texas

The Fort Worth Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1909. Today, the zoo has more than 540 species across several iconic exhibits.

Travel from the African Savanna to the majestic tigers of Asia, or jump into the Australian Outback or experience Flamingo Bay.

What to Expect

The zoo includes a Museum Living Art (MOLA), which takes visitors up close to the most exotic and endangered species in the world. The facility spans 30,000 square feet of space with more than 5,700 animals, including North America's largest saltwater crocodile.

For families, there is also the Texas Wild! Petting Corral, a carousel and a laser target gallery.

18. Zoo Miami, Miami, Florida

Its official name is the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, but everyone in the Sunshine State knows it as Zoo Miami. It's the oldest and largest zoo in Florida, having been founded in 1948 and spanning 750 acres.

Today, it has more than 3,000 animals across more than 100 exhibits.

What to Expect

What's really special about this zoo is that there are more than 3 miles of trails between each exhibit.

It's also the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S., which means animals from Asia, Australia and Africa can comfortably live in outdoor exhibits.

17. Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Located in the Adventure District of Oklahoma City (could you imagine a better neighborhood for a wildlife experience?), Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden spans 119 acres and is home to more than 1,99 animals across 512 species.

What to Expect

One of its most popular exhibits is the Great EscApe exhibit, home to three outdoor yards, a waterfall, pools and a barn. These provide the playground for gorillas, orangutans and several chimpanzees. A Cat Forest/Lion Overlook contains African lions, snow leopards and tigers.

The zoo is great for families, thanks to its Children's Zoo, which offers a playscape for kids to meet goats, monkeys and flamingos.

16. Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, Florida

Anyone who has ever dreamed of a safari drive through the African savanna is in for a real treat at Lion Country Safari in Florida. This is the only park in Florida where visitors can see more than 1,000 animals from a vehicle.

Embark on the 4-mile-long journey past animals from six continents. Highlights include lions (of course), zebras and rhinos.

What to Expect

The 600-acre park also includes a separate walk-through Safari World, which adds an amusement park, animal presentations, a petting zoo, waterpark and more.

Guests can also sign up for Exclusive Animal Encounters, such as a painting experience with giraffes or one that involves feeding flamingos.

15. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in America. It opened in 1868 and has changed, grown and flourished with the city around it.

The 35-acre zoo is one of the only free zoos in the country, home to more than 1,100 animals across nearly 200 species.

What to Expect

Popular animals at this zoo include polar bears, big cats, reptiles and primates, highlighted in exhibits such as the Kovler Lion House, Nature Boardwalk, Kovler Sea Lion Pool, Regenstein Center for African Apes and more.

In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo has more than 1,200 plant species, which provide habitat for birds, frogs, fish and turtles. The zoo even has a Burr Oak tree that is actually older than the city.

14. Bear Country USA, Rapid City, South Dakota

Tourists visit Rapid City for Mount Rushmore, but what they discover is so much more. Case in point: Bear Country USA.

This drive-through wildlife park is open from April through November and offers visitors the opportunity to encounter black bears, mountain lions, elk and reindeer, to name a few.

What to Expect

Bear Country USA has 20 species of North American mammals that freely roam the 250 acres.

A wildlife walk area has other activities as well, including everything from a gift shop and educational exhibits to face painting for kids.

13. Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee

In the heart of Memphis' Midtown neighborhood sits a petite-sized zoo packed with wildlife. The 70-acre zoo is teeming with primates, cats and pandas. In fact, there are more than 3,500 animals across 500 species.

The zoo was opened in April 1906 with 19 major exhibits, including Primate Canyon, Cat Country, Dragon's Lair, Zambezi River Hippo Camp and Northwest Passage. A tram makes it easy for visitors to see as many exhibits as you want across the miles of exhibits.

What to Expect

In addition to exhibits the zoo has a long list of activities, like Wine for Rhinos and Beer for Bears.

Families love the Breakfast with the Keepers, which features talks and activities to help educate families about the lives of orangutans and gorillas.

12. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is known for its world-famous sites and attractions, one of which is none other than the Audubon Zoo.

One of 10 Audubon Nature Institutes in America, the Audubon Zoo has a variety of animals across many natural habitats. The zoo spans more than 58 acres and has more than 2,000 animals.

What to Expect

One such habitat is the Louisiana Swamp exhibit. Here visitors will learn about Native American conservation techniques that were adopted by the regional Cajuns. Animals that live here include black bears, river otters, raccoons, copperheads and, of course, alligators.

Other exhibits include the Asia Exhibit, which has elephants, orangutans and a tiger, while the Jaguar Jungle has a rainforest habitat with jaguars, sloths, macaws and anteaters.

11. Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cincinnati Zoo has been delighting visitors since 1875. It started on just over 65 acres and has expanded to include 75.

Today, animal lovers come from all over the world to see its nearly 2,000 animals.

What to Expect

The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the first zoos to develop a successful breeding program, which was the first to breed California sea lions, in addition to other endangered animals like Sumatran rhinos, Malayan tigers, Masai giraffes and South African cheetahs.

Other top activities include a Penguin Parade and a children's zoo.

10. San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California

If you've heard of only one zoo in the United States, it is likely the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals across 650 species.

What's special about the San Diego Zoo is that it was the first zoo to introduce the idea of open-air enclosures that resemble species' natural habitats.

What to Expect

The zoo is massive, so the best way to get the full picture is to ride a guided tour bus or by taking the Skyfari gondola that offers an aerial view over most exhibits. The top attractions are Monkey Trails and Forest Tales as well as the Panda Trek, which has three giant pandas.

The San Diego Zoo also has a Safari Park, located north of the city and spanning 1,800 acres. Ride the Africa Tram or take a tour of Walkabout Australia.

9. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado

What started as a private animal collection for philanthropist Spencer Penrose has evolved into the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, an animal park located just outside of Colorado Springs.

The animal park enjoys a unique location on the side of a mountain and is home to more than 30 species of endangered animals. In fact, guests can get up close and personal with many of them through activities like the giraffe-feeding experience.

What to Expect

Visitors would be remiss to skip the Mountaineer Sky Ride, a gondola-type experience that soars over exhibits, offering a unique, bird's eye perspective.

In addition to animals, travelers can explore artifacts like the engine of the Mountaineer Train that used to shuttle guests of the historic The Broadmoor to and from the zoo.

8. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs, California

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a top attraction of Palm Springs for more than five decades.

Here, visitors will find native Californian desert plants as they meander hiking trails that weave around Eisenhower Peak and the Coachella Valley.

What to Expect

The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals that thrive within a harsh, desert environment. Think African wild dogs, Amur leopards, wallabies, bobcats and cheetahs.

Visitors can also take part in the many attractions, like giraffe-feeding, demonstrations, private tours and a petting zoo.

7. The Wilds, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cumberland, Ohio

One of the newer zoos in America, The Wilds is probably one of the most impressive. It was founded in 1984 when the Central Ohio Coal Company gave 10,000 acres of land to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Not only that, TV host Jack Hanna helped develop the land into the sprawling preserve it is today, which is an addition to the already existing zoo and aquarium.

What to Expect

Today, the adults-only preserve is home to an amazing array of animals, from Banteng cows to African Painted Dogs, Bactrian camels, cheetahs, zebras, rhinos and wild horses. Visitors can book a horseback ride or a zipline safari.

For those who really want to embrace their wild side, though, adults can reserve private yurts at the Nomad Ridge camp.

6. Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, Florida

About 60 miles from Orlando's world-famous theme parks is the Brevard Zoo, a family-fun animal and wildlife preserve that spreads across 75 acres.

There are more than 900 animals who call the zoo home, and the staff prides itself on animal wellness.

What to Expect

In addition to viewing the animals, visitors can participate in educational seminars to take their knowledge deeper. Unique experiences include train rides, ziplining and giraffe feedings.

Guests can also sign up for kayak tours to see Expedition Africa's rhinoceros and lemurs.

5. Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Camp Verde, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona, has been drawing affluent and spiritual travelers for decades. But wildlife lovers have a reason to campout in this tourism capital as well.

About 30 miles south is a 104-acre wildlife park inspired by epic African safaris.

What to Expect

Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Cape Verde gives visitors an animal map that helps them navigate the park's dirt roads, whether on foot or via the complimentary shuttle.

Along the way, visitors will be delighted by various experiences, from the Tiger Splash exhibit to the Predator Feed, Giant Snake Show and the African Bush Safari.

4. Safari West, Santa Rosa, California

Come to Santa Rosa for the wine, but stay for the wildlife.

Santa Rosa's Safari West natural preserve brings visitors to explore the 1,000 animals from more than 90 species.

What to Expect

Guests can sign up for a three-hour guided safari, or visitors can really immerse themselves in the experience by booking a fixed canvas tent for an overnight campout in the park.

The best part? The experience is completed with several wines from the Sonoma County region.

3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona

So much more than a zoo, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum also includes a botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium and an art gallery.

It is a multi-disciplinary, multipurpose wildlife and culture experience and one that is not to be missed when visiting the Tucson area.

What to Expect

The 100-acre park is known for its endangered species, like the Mexican gray wolves and thick-billed parrots, but it is also known for being nearly entirely outdoors. Eighty-five percent of the facility is outdoors, and animal habitats feature invisible fencing to give a truly seamless experience. Popular exhibits also include the Raptor Free Flight demonstration and hummingbird exhibit.

Pack comfortable shoes to walk the 2 miles of walking trails that weave in and out of 56,000 different types of plants.

2. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska

One of the foremost zoos for animal research and conservation, the Henry Doorly Zoo is home to an impressive 17,000 animals from 962 species.

It's praised for having the largest cat complex in North America as well as its Kingdom of the Night swamp — the largest indoor swamp in the world.

What to Expect

Add to those an impressive indoor rainforest and a Desert Dome, and it's possible to roam the entire world within this one Midwestern zoo.

There is even an aquarium, where visitors can get a unique perspective on marine life from the 70-foot shark tunnel. Other activities include rope bridges, a steam-powered train and a Skyfari that soars over the 160-acre park.

1. St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri

Spread over 90 acres in St. Louis' Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is one of the leaders in conservation, research and education.

The zoo is teeming with wildlife, home to more than 18,700 animals that represent around 600 species. That’s why it is rated the No. 1 zoo in America from TripAdvisor users.

What to Expect

The zoo opened as part of the World's Fair in 1904, after which the city purchased it in order to expand it as part of the city's attractions. Some of the more popular animals include red pandas, primates, hippos and penguins. Plus, there is a 4D movie theater and railroad.

Other popular exhibits include its Caribbean Cove, which has rays, stingrays, bamboo sharks and bonehead sharks. A children's zoo has educational sections, a transparent slide through the otter pool and many other animals.