The 10 best zoos in the United States to add to your bucket list

Make your filling of animal meetings with these options from one ocean to another.


While nothing can replace a tripin the desert or a visit to aNational Park, a visit to the zoo can be a revealing, educational and family way to discover the animal kingdom. In addition to providing the possibility of seeing rare species which are almost impossible to see in nature in the United States, the experience of the modern zoo has also become more human. Today, the emphasis is placed on the recreation of greater habitats and awareness of preservation efforts that have taken absolute priority. Fortunately, there are many options from one ocean to another for anyone looking to feel narrower with animals. Read the rest to see which zoos of American experts say that you should add to your list of buckets.

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1
The Oregon zoo (Portland, Oregon)

A sign inside the Oregon Zoo that says The Great Northwest
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Although there is no shortage ofThings to do around Portland, the city always stands out to provide a world class zoo to visitors and residents.

"The Oregon zoo, located just two kilometers from the city center of Portland, is more than a simple family tourist attraction - although this is certainly that!"Adam Marland,,Travel photographer and blogger From us to dream of traveling, explains. "This important place protects 64 acres of greenery, is home to more than 2,500 animals and participates in conservation efforts to help repaint several endangered species."

The layout of the attraction can also make it a manageable experience, regardless of the time you have in your schedule. "For visitors, a day at the Oregon zoo is much more than a quick walk by certain sleeping creatures. The zoo is separated into five distinct ecosystems, notably Great Northwest, Elephant Lands, Africa, Primate Forest and Discovery Zone, Offering so many experiences that it is impossible not to amaze them, "says Marland.

2
The Bronx Zoo (New York, New York)

A family walking through the Bronx Zoo near a statue of a rhinoceros
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There is very little that New York is not doing big. Experts say that the most notable local zoo in Big Apple is no exception.

"By far, the Bronx zoo is my favorite place to send families," saideditor Tomika Anderson. "Not only is it endless with hundreds and hundreds of exhibitions, but it is unique in what it is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States and among the largest in the world. And its Animals are not only relegated to the cages: they are able to prosper in their natural habitat in many cases, with enclosures extending into the luxuriant Bronx Park and Bronx River, which flows directly to the zoo. "

3
The Nashville zoo in Grassmere (Nashville, Tennessee)

A tiger standing in an enclosure at the Nashville Zoo
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Fortunately, the best zoos in the United States have taken the opportunity to modernize in recent decades - and not only for the benefit of human spectators.

"The Nashville zoo has been quietly built in the past 10 to 15 years, which is an exciting phenomenon for many zoos", "Nick Mueller,,travel expert and operations director in Hawaiianislands.com, saysBetter life. "Most zoos are landlocked at this stage. Nashville is only well placed to have hundreds of unlikely land acres, which gives them the opportunity to build world class exhibitions for their animals."

Only six miles by car from the city center, the installation of 188 acres houses6,230 animals. You can expect close experiences with kangaroos, take a ride on a zip line or let their interior animals escape at the park jungle gymnasium.

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4
The San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco, California)

A koala sitting in a tree at the San Francisco Zoo
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For many people, the public relationship with zoos had an urgent need to ride. And in some large cities, local operations have been able to keep their inhabitants most important and healthy.

"For me, the San Francisco zoo is easily the best," saysVeronica Thompson,,travel expert and EVERYDAY POWER operations chief. "Before, I was not a fan of great zoos because my childhood memory to visit them understands my deep pity for animals that are inside the cages. But in San Francisco, they reorganized their zoo by removing from Small enclosures and replacing them with natural habitats. They believe that real conservation can only be carried out with a nature focused on nature, and I totally support that. "

Thompson explains that there is more to do than simply admire the views. "It houses more than 2,000 animals, which includes disappearance, rescued and exotic animals. They also have conservation and well-being programs that constantly welcome volunteers, so if you want to give a helping hand, So you can easily do it, "she adds.

5
The Saint-Louis zoo (St. Louis, Missouri)

Two hippos resting in the water at the St. Louis Zoo
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In the planning of modern travel, the idea of ​​a completely free exceptional experience becomes more and more new. However, some cities have hierarchies while keeping their exhibitions open to the public at no cost.

"The Saint-Louis zoo is undoubtedly one of the best in the country, housing more than 500 different animal species and unique exhibitions, such as the" Sea Lion Sound "" ""Carly Brown,,travel blogger and owner of Seeder Out Serenity, saysBetter life. "Even more, it is completely free to visit and entirely funded by local taxes and donations. As a life resident of Saint-Louis, this fact alone claims first place in my opinion, because there is very Few free zoos in the United States. - And in my opinion, none of which holds a candle for its size and its renowned, which sees three million people a year and strongly encourages repeated visits. "

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6
Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, Illinois)

Lincoln Park Zoo cursed places in america
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There is nothing wrong with tentacular installations with thousands of exhibitions. But sometimes the location and long history of a zoo can make it a big full -fledged striker.

"Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is completely free, a rarity with regard to zoos across the country", "Agnes Groonwald,,travel blogger and creator of REG travel, tellsBetter life. "Although it is not as tall as the Brookfield zoo in the suburbs of Chicago, it is delivered with the historic weight of being one of the oldest zoos on the continent - it was founded in 1868! And in Cause of its location, once you have finished checking the animals, you will also be close to some of the best views in the city. "

Other experts point out that the fascinating variety of animals brings guests back. "We liked to see the baby lion this summer, and the red panda was something we had never seen before," saidJude Boudreaux,,travel blogger and owner of travel with children. "And whoever is a great lover of penguins like me should consider the Arctic tundra exhibiting a must."

7
Fort Worth Zoo (Fort Worth, Texas)

A komodo dragon at the Fort Worth Zoo
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Even if they are intended to bring the guests closer to animals, certain zoos are distinguished for the practical exhibitions which deserve to be visited.

"Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas, is a must for animal lovers," saidtravel blogger and the owner of integrated dreams,Mélanie Hartmann. "They offer the possibility of feeding giraffes from a balcony, live daily shows with unique animals that are generally not exposed, a children's zoo and an immersive children's playground with learning opportunities additional and living animals to find out more. "

Customers may also look forward to observing almost7,000 animals Extended to an easy -to -navigate arrangement. Habitats include Elephant Springs, African Savanna and even the Museum of Living Art (Mola), a award -winning herpetarium of 30,000 square feet.

8
San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)

An entrance sign for the San Diego Zoo
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There is undoubtedly no zoo in the United States with more name recognition than the most famous attraction in San Diego. But experts say that in addition to its impressive size, the organization is also up to its ecological mission.

"The San Diego Zoo should appear on the list of everyone's buckets because it is one of the biggest zoos in the world which is also famous for its" "" conservation efforts "Brittanie Harbick,,co-host Podcast Squad Travel, saysBetter life. "There are so many exhibitions, trails and entertainment, you could spend an entire day traveling the attractions! My favorite exhibitions are the tigers, the gorillas and the galapagos, which are an essential visit to me when I Visit my birthplace zoo. "

Experts point out that the sprawling zoo takes some additional coordination to do well. "Double floor bus visits simplify the configuration of the land because the site is enormous, and navigation can be a bit overwhelming on foot," saidJenny Ly,,travel blogger And the founder of Go Wanderly. "The 2.5-acted elephant housing, African rocks have its penguin population and the Australian Outback Koalas are some of the most popular animal attractions. And the beautiful red pandas are also a site that everything The world loves. "

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9
The Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)

A lion statue at the entrance of the Smithsonian National Zoo
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A trip to the national capital offers full access to some of the best museums and monuments around the world. Fortunately for animal lovers, this does not stop at historical objects and primitive paintings.

"The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the best in the United States for many reasons, including that it is accessible to public and public transport, of course!"Heather Herbert, a based in Virginietravel advisor, recountBetter life. "Then there are also the pandas! There are only three domestic zoos with them, and not only the national zoo, but we have a pandemic panda: Xiao Qi Ji, a small from the panda, was born in 2020. He will do it, it is likely that he was returned to China in December 2023, so it is better to visit him soon, "she advises.

But there are still many other animal inhabitants to observe. "In my opinion, the orangutan walk is one of the characteristics of the coolest zoo and animal enrichment activities," adds Herbert. "The primates skillfully climb on the heads of visitors on two strings about 30 feet above, using the walk to go from one speaker to another."

10
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (Hilo, Hawaii)

A macaw parrot sitting on a branch in the rainforest
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Most zoos do a lot of trouble to try to recreate exotic ecosystems for the benefit of animal residents. But there is a unique operation that uses nature itself to provide an authentic habitat.

"The Zoo and the Panaewa tropical forest gardens in Hilo are a hidden Hawaiian jewel and the only zoo in the United States located in a tropical forest" "TABITHA BAILS,,Owner of travel compositions, recountBetter life. "This free zoo is home to exotic and endemic animals such as Bengal Tigers, giant anti-a intakes, lemurs, poisoned dart frogs, Pueo, Nene and much more."

While the siteonly extend 12 acres, it still welcomes a children's zoo for young guests and many educational events throughout the year.


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