15 Animal Sanctuaries And Zoos In The U.S. You Simply Must Visit If You're An Animal Enthusiast

Get your fix of the most amazing furry, scaly and spiky creatures America has to offer.

Jesse

• Published in Animals
• May 25, 2022

When we think of zoos, we often imagine old-fashioned, cramped enclosures where animals pace back and forth in frustration. But today's zoos are very different. They are large, naturalistic habitats that provide animals with everything they need to live happy, healthy lives.

Visitors also have the opportunity to get up-close with some of the world's most amazing creatures while learning about the efforts to conserve them.

The U.S. has been at the forefront of this zoo revolution, and today there are some truly incredible animal sanctuaries to be found across the country. Virtually every major city has a zoo within driving distance of its residential area, many of which are ranked among the best in the world.

Whether you're looking for lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!), or more exotic creatures like Komodo dragons and red pandas, you're sure to find them at one of these zoos. Many of them also go beyond to offer educational experiences, like behind-the-scenes tours, keeper talks, and personal encounters with some of the animals.

With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones are worth a visit. To help narrow it down, we've compiled a list of the 15 best zoos in the U.S. based on criteria like size, specie diversity, and visitor experience.

1. San Diego Zoo - Located in San Diego, California

It would be impossible to compile a list of the top zoos in America and exclude the world-famous San Diego Zoo. This animal sanctuary was established in 1916 and is situated in Balboa Park.

It is responsible for protecting over 650 distinct animal species. This includes the Amur leopard, which is the most critically endangered big cat on the planet.

Spanning 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo offers eight different geographical segments to explore. Indeed it feels like you're touring the world every time you visit.

2. St. Louis Zoo - Located in St. Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis Zoo attracts over 2.5 million visitors each year to observe 12,000 animals (500 different species) within Forest Park. While we love all six zones, the "Judy and Jerry Kent Family Sea Lion Sound" stands out as the best attraction.

This is an award-winning exhibit, featuring North America's first walk-through underwater tunnel in a sea lion habitat. Best of all, you don't need to pay a dime to be admitted into the zoo.

3. Lincoln Park Zoo - Located in Chicago, Illinois

The Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the country's oldest and most renowned zoos, was established in 1866 and is open to the public for FREE. This 35-acre Chicago landmark is home to more than 200 species of wildlife, including the endangered Asian small-clawed otter, the endangered African penguin, and the Guam Kingfisher, which is extinct in the wild.

Check out the Helen Brach Primate House, where beautiful colobus monkeys and Francois' langurs swing from vines. Two other popular attractions are the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove and the Farm-in-the-Zoo.

4. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium - Located in Columbus, Ohio

The non-profit Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, where Jack Hannah serves as Director Emeritus, is one of the best places in the U.S. to interact with amazing wildlife. This sanctuary sits on a whooping 580 acres, divided into seven sections, and is home to over 10,000 animals.

Within the Heart Of Africa section, you can prowl for lions, zebras, gazelles, and giraffes. Visit Asia Quest to see pythons, elephants, red pandas, and the critically endangered rhinos of the continent.

The pony rides and train rides in the North American section of the park are especially appealing to children.

5. Bronx Zoo - Located in New York City

Bronx Zoo is the closest thing to a real-life jungle, featuring magnificent African-like plains, gorilla forests, Himalayan highlands, and butterfly gardens, all home to thousands of wildlife. This animal sanctuary covers 265 acres, making it the country's largest metropolitan zoo.

Observe animals such as cheetahs, crocodiles, porcupines, lemurs, sloths, etc., while learning from zookeepers. Did we also mention that the zoo features a Bug Carousel where kids can ride different types of life-sized insects?

6. Smithsonian National Zoological Park - Located in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonian National Zoo, one of the country's oldest and most cherished zoos, offers free entrance to the public (and no, that's not why people adore this sanctuary so much).

The Zoological Park is home to 2,700 animals from over 390 different species, so whatever animal you're most passionate about is likely a resident of the park.

Get up close and personal with zebras, leopards, and endangered species like the Chinese three-striped box turtle.

7. Brookfield Zoo - Located in Brookfield, Illinois

The 216-acre Brookfield Zoo, located in the Chicago suburbs, is a hugely popular destination for families and animal lovers alike. What's on the agenda? Check out The Swamp, where you'll get to meet snapping turtles, alligators, and river otters.

Next, you can head out to Desert's Edge to take a peek at meerkats and naked mole rats. The Great Bear Wilderness is a must-see, as well.

One of our personal favorites at Brookfield Zoo? Feeding giraffes out of your palm with lush greens.

8. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - Located in St. Paul, Minnesota

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, operated by Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, offers a bewildering array of things to do, many of which are free of charge (though a donation is appreciated) and available all year round.

In addition to the aforementioned, you may encounter Arctic foxes, bison, cougars, giraffes, gorillas, orangutans, and penguins while on any one of the many excursions available.

There's also a beautiful water garden, an amusement park, and a pollinator exhibit inside a 2,500-square-foot greenhouse.

9. Denver Zoo - Located in Denver, Colorado

For more than a century, the Denver Zoo has been a leader in the development of naturalistic habitats for animals of all sizes. The foundation of this animal sanctuary was laid in 1918 with the gifting of a black bear cub to the mayor.

As of when this piece was written, all 3,500 residents of this Mile High City institution appear to be quite content. Thus showing the success of the strategy used in preserving the health and safety of the animals over the years.

In addition to that, we've heard that the new sloth exhibit and animal hospital are must-sees. So don't visit without checking them out.

10. Houston Zoo - Located in Houston, Texas

The Houston Zoo is the second most visited zoological park in the US, with an annual attendance of over two million visitors. Ticket purchases benefit 49 different wildlife conservation programs all throughout the world, which is quite impressive.

Tourists can engage animals in up-close interactions, such as oohing and aahing over enormous river otters from a birds-eye-view platform, tossing food to native alligators, taking selfies beside slowly moving sloths, and cuddling with fuzzy goats. 

11. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - Located in Cincinnati, Ohio

How exciting is it to come face to face with majestic beasts such as lions, tigers, and bears?

However, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has much more to offer than that. This Ohio landmark is home to diverse wildlife species, including aardvarks, black rhinos, cheetahs, flamingos, otters, snow leopards, etc.

So what should be at the top of your to-do list? It's a toss-up between meeting the popular hippo, Fiona, and making a beeline for the Gorilla World.

If you've got time and a few extra bucks, it's worth signing up for the Kangaroo Walkabout.

12. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is located in Pennsylvania's Highland Park and caters to over 4,000 mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and birds; many of which are endangered or threatened.

With 77 acres of land to explore, you won't have any trouble keeping yourself busy throughout the day. If you're unsure which exhibits to visit first, many tourists recommend the underwater polar bear and sea lion exhibits.

13. Philadelphia Zoo - Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Although they are not indigenous to the City of Brotherly Love, Amur leopards, gorillas, lions, and Caribbean flamingos can all be found residing in specially constructed habitats at the Philadelphia Zoo.

More than 1,500 creatures from all seven continents can be found in this venerable zoo. As a result, there is a great deal to see and do in the area.

Confused about how to allocate your time? Begin your journey at Big Cat Falls, then continue on to Bear Country and Bird Valley.

It's hard to deny that Zoo360 is one of the most innovative and exciting aspects of the park, allowing animals to traverse elevated mesh tracks.

14. Dallas Zoo - Located in Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Zoo, with its 106-acre footprint, is further proof that everything is bigger in the Lone Star State. It's hard to believe the staggering array of displays and activities that exists in this zoological park.

The 90-minute backstage safari, led by a zoologist, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn how to care for animals from the perspective of the zookeepers. It's also worthy to note that 100%  of the revenue goes towards the zoo's efforts to conserve the environment?

15. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium - Located in Omaha, Nebraska

Zoogoers of all ages can look forward to a fun-filled day at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. However, there is more to this world-class sanctuary than simply watching tigers, red pandas, Indian rhinos, porpoises, etc.

It is committed to conservation, research, and education. As a result, you can take comfort in the fact that your fun-filled outing contributed to the improvement of animal reproductive science and medicine.

If you’re looking for an amazing zoo to visit on your next vacation, any of the ones we’ve mentioned would be a great choice. With such a wide variety of wildlife and recreational activities, you’re sure to find an ideal family-friendly attraction. 

Also, the presence of knowledgeable staff members who are passionate about their work is an added advantage. Thus you can learn a lot about the creatures we share our planet with. 

What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Jesse