In this article, we discuss the 5 Best Zoos in the US. If you want to read our detailed analysis of these zoos, go directly to the 20 Best Zoos in the US.
5. Zoo Miami
Total Animals in the Zoo: 3000
Annual Visitors: 1 million
The largest and one of the oldest zoos in the state of Florida, Miami Zoo began operations in 1948. It was voted as one of the top 10 zoos in the US by the public in a poll by USA Today. It is the only tropical zoo in the United States and is home to over 3000 animals, which belong to over 500 unique species, all of which are displayed to the public in 100 different exhibits. Some of its most popular exhibits include Mission Everglade, which exhibits the native fauna of the Everglade region, the Asian Riverlife Experience, and the Amazon and Beyond, both of which are simulated habitats for a variety of animals.
4. San Diego Zoo
Total Animals in the Zoo: 3700
Annual Visitors: 4 million
The San Diego Zoo began operations in 1916 and lead the trend for open-air exhibits in zoos. Their cageless designs that replicate the animals’ natural habitats were revolutionary and have subsequently been replicated in many zoos across the country. The San Diego Zoo is home to over 3700 animals consisting of over 650 different species. It receives over 4 million visitors annually. The zoo is also famous for successfully breeding giant pandas, a notoriously difficult task that it has successfully managed for decades.
3. Bronx Zoo
Total Animals in the Zoo: 4000
Annual Visitors: 2.15 million
Located in the state of New York, the Bronx Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States that is located in a city. Beginning operations as far back as 1899, it is also one of the oldest zoos in the country. The zoo is home to over 4000 animals and over 600 unique species. The zoo is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society and has been active in conservation efforts since 1905. Its most popular exhibits, each of which shows different animals and species in their habitats, include Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Jungle World, Madagascar, African Plains, and Tiger Mountain.
2. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Total Animals in the Zoo: 17,000
Annual Visitors: 2 million
Ranked as one of the top 5 Zoos in the world by TripAdvisor Inc (NASDAQ: TRIP), the Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the leading zoos engaged in research and conservation efforts. It has been in operation since 1894 and is frequented by over 2 million visitors annually. It is home to an astounding 962 unique species of animals. Some of its popular exhibits include Kingdoms of the Night, the Lied Jungle, and the Desert Dome.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Total Animals in the Zoo: 2,000
Annual Visitors: 13.89 million
Walt Disney Co’s (NYSE: DIS) zoological theme park deviates from the traditional setup of a zoo and actually includes exhibits based on its movies. These include Pandora (based on the movie Avatar), Rafiki’s Planet Watch (based on The Lion King), and Discovery Island (based on A Bug’s Life). Interestingly, the theme park is actually accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. And that means they have met the required standards for research and conservation just as a regular zoo would. The theme park has assisted in the conservation of the white rhinoceros species of Uganda, and eight of them have been born at the Animal Kingdom and subsequently reintroduced to Uganda.
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