Tuesday 1 October 2013


I fondly remember my childhood days when I would wait for a day when my parents would take me to visit the local zoo. I was always so excited and thrilled at the prospect of looking at wild animals and for some strange reason I had an absolute fascination for the tiger. I would gaze at the majestic tiger and admire its glossy yellow and black stripped skin. The tiger would in turn ignore me royally and go about his own business. Somewhere along the way, we stopped going to the zoo but I still miss my tiger and other wild animals that were there. But do take your children to the zoo and show them different wild animals. There are many zoos in America and you have a chance of seeing some Animals which you had not even heard of. Nothing beats the thrill of watching these wonderful animals and children will love seeing them.

10 Best Zoos in America

Here is a list of best Zoos in the United States that has a variety of animals.

San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California
The San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California is one of the largest zoos in the world with over 4000 animals and 800 different species. The animals are kept in a simulated natural habitat that is complete with its particular flora and fauna. It is very committed to wildlife conservation and protection and you can have a special tour of the zoo complete with fun activities, expert lectures, close animal encounters and even a sleepover at the zoo. An absolute must see animal is the giant panda bear which is one of the four in the world.

Columbus Zoo in Ohio
This zoo which was started in 1927 is home to over 5000 animals and birds. It is one of the most famous zoos and gets around 1.8 million visitors each year. The zoo owns around 580 acres of land and it also includes a water park, golf course and an amusement park.

Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix zoo in Arizona is the largest non-profit zoo and is much sought after for family vacations. It encompasses an area of 125 acre and has over 1200 different animals, birds and reptiles. The Phoenix zoo became famous because it housed an Asian elephant called Ruby.

Disney Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida
The Disney Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida houses more than 1700 animals in its 500 acre park, the exhibits are divided into seven sections within their natural habitats. The most notable feature of this zoo is that Kilimanjaro safari where you will get to experience a safari ride that takes you through the African Savannah. Some of zoo animals that you will see in this zoo are giraffes, hippos, ostriches and elephants.

Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas
Houston zoo is one of the top 10 best zoos in the United States that has modern facilities and houses over 1000 animals and birds in its natural surroundings. If you are planning a trip to the Houston zoo with your family, then you can book a private tour which will allow you to watch animals from close parameters.

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland
The Maryland zoo is home to over 2000 animals and is actively involved in conservation projects like Project Golden Frog and Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Program. It is also the third largest zoological park in United States.

Bronx Zoo in New York
The Bronx zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in New York and attracts many locals as well as tourists. The Bronx Zoo's attractions are exhibits such as Congo Gorilla Forest, the Wild Asia Monorail and Tiger Mountain which make it a must visit place.

Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska
The Henry Doorly Zoo located in Omaha, Nebraska originally started in 1894 and was named as Riverview Park zoo. When Margaret Hitchcock Doorly donated USD 750000 to the zoo in 1963, she stipulated that the zoo be renamed after her late husband Henry Doorly. Some of the most famous wildlife can be seen in this zoo including blue monkey, black howler monkey, pygmy hippopotamus, clouded leopard, ring-tailed lemur and scarlet macaw.

Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio
This is the second largest zoo in the United States and it opened in 1875. the Cincinati Zoos reptile house is the oldest existing zoo building in America and houses all exotic snake species including the king cobra, rattlesnake and python. Other attractions are Indian elephant, Masai giraffe, African penguins and Indian rhinoceros.

Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Philadelphia zoo is the first zoo in United States and is home to many endangered animals and birds. Notable among its exhibits are lowland gorillas, orangutans, gibbons, lemurs, snow leopards and jaguars.

List of Best Zoos in America

Besides the top 10 zoos, here is a list of the best zoos in United States.
  • Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
  • Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh
  • National Zoological Park, Washington D.C.
  • north Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro
  • Kansas City Zoo, Missouri
  • Milwaukee Country Zoological Gardens, Milwaukee
  • Memphis Zoo, Memphis
  • Lincoln Park zoo, Chicago
  • Dallas Zoo, Dallas
  • Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
  • Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis
  • Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Indiana
  • Lion County Safari, Florida
Most of the zoos in America do not have cages, but rely on keeping the animals in their natural habitat. This results in higher standards for animal as well as habitat care. Now that you know which are some of the best zoos in America, you can make a trip to some of these with your family.

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