Good Lifestyle

While nothing can replace a trip in the desert or a visit to a National Park , a visit to the zoo can be a revealing, educational and family way of living 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 larger habitats and awareness of preservation efforts that have taken over. 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 bucket of buckets.

In relation: The 7 largest tourist traps to be avoided in the United States

Head to Omaha, Nebraska, and you can visit the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, which is constantly listed as one of the five best zoos-not just in the United States, but in the the whole world .

"A visit to Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha should be on the list of traveler buckets", " Taylor To move , owner and author of travel blog Crossed with Taylor, tells Better life . "Officially the largest zoo in the United States, there are more than 17,000 animals on site, which makes it the ideal place to visit, whatever your favorite animal!"

Since its foundation almost 130 years ago, the zoo has widened its offers and exhibitions for its visitors.

"The more than 160 acres at the Henry Doorly zoo are made up of award -winning national habitats such as African meadows, the Dome and Gorilla Valley desert," said Beal. "Their Madagascar shipping building is magnificent: ongoing exhibitions with conservation projects and current partnerships in the real world so that visitors can learn about them!"

Even better, the zoo pays it forward. "The zoo practices what it preaches, creating unique programs such as a tiger reproduction center in order to help prevent an endangered species from turning off," said Beal.

Although there is no shortage of Things 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 that's it!" 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 repopulate several endangered species."

The layout of the attraction can also make it a manageable experience, no matter where 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, including Great Northwest, Elephant Lands, Africa, Primate Forest and Discovery Zone, Offering so many experiences that it is impossible not to amaze them, "says Marland.

In relation: The 12 best weekends in the United States, you have to take this year .

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," said editor 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. "

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 is 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, says Better life . "Most zoos are landlocked at this stage. Nashville is only well placed to have hundreds of unmanned 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 houses 6,230 animals . Customers can expect close experiences with kangaroos, take a ride on a zip line or let their interior animals escape at the park jungle gymnasium.

In relation: The 8 best American national parks to see fauna .

You can actually reach two of the best American zoos while you are in New York: there is another essential place at the famous Central Park in Manhattan.

"The Central Park zoo is a little smaller than the Bronx zoo, but is one of the most special zoos in the county!" Becca Siegel ,, editor From Halfhalftravel.com, said. "Located in the emblematic Central Park, it houses very lively sea lions in a central swimming pool. Believe it or not, this small zoo has bears, as well as penguins and red pandas!"

But Siegel's favorite thing about this part is something that you will not find in other zoos.

"My favorite part of the zoo is not at all a living animal, but the historic clock of Delacorte, which has figurines of rotating animals every hour and half an hour," she explains, noting that 'A visit to the central park zoo is easily worked in any day trip to New York.

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," says Veronica Thompson ,, travel expert and EVERYDAY POWER. "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 by replacing them with natural habitats. They believe that real conservation can only be carried out with an interaction focused on nature, and I fully support this. "

Thompson explains that there is more to do than simply admire the views. "It houses more than 2,000 animals, which includes endangered, 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.

In relation: The 12 best museums in the United States that should appear on your list of buckets .

In the planning of modern travel, the idea of an exceptional experience completely free becomes more and more novelty. 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 Seek Out Serenity, says Better life . "Even more, it is entirely free to visit and completely funded by local taxes and donations. As a resident of St. Louis for life, 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 greatly encourages repeated visits. "

There is nothing wrong with tentacular installations with thousands of exhibitions. But sometimes the location and the long history of a zoo can make it a big full -fledged shot. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"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, tells Better 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," said Jude Boudreaux ,, travel blogger And the owner of Road Voyages with children. "And whoever is a great lover of penguins like me should consider the Arctic tundra exhibiting a must."

In relation: The 10 most bizarre museums in the United States

Even if they are intended to bring the guests closer close to and personal with animals, certain zoos are distinguished for the practical exhibitions which bring them the trouble to be visited.

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

Customers can also wait to observe almost 7,000 animals Distribute on 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.

There is probably 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 from the travel team, says Better life . "There are so many exhibitions, trails and entertainment, you could spend an entire day traveling the attractions! My favorite exhibitions are tigers, gorillas and galapagos turtles, which are an essential visit to me when I visit My hometown zoo. "

Experts point out that the sprawling zoo has some additional coordination to do well. "Double floor bus visits simplify the mention of the base of the field because the site is enormous, and navigation can be a bit overwhelming on foot," said Jenny 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 everyone loves. "

For more travel tips delivered directly in your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .

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 in historical objects and prized paintings.

"The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the best in the United States for many reasons, especially that it is accessible to public and public transport, of course!" Heather Herbert , a based in Virginia travel advisor , recount Better 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. It will do it, it is likely that it was sent back to China in December 2023, it is therefore preferable 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 the heads of visitors on two strings about 30 feet above, using the walk to go from one speaker to another."

Most zoos are large to try to recreate exotic ecosystems for the benefit of animal inhabitants. 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 is a hidden Hawaiian jewel and the only zoo in the United States located in a tropical forest" " TABITHA BAILS ,, Travel compositions owner , recount Better life . "This free zoo houses exotic and endemic animals such as Bengal Tigers, giant foutres, lemurs, poisoned dart frogs, Pueo, Nene and much more."

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