Whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or on your own, a trip to the Zoo is always a good idea. Whether you’re a fan of animals or simply interested, the Zoo is a world unto itself, where diverse natural settings seem to dwell in perfect harmony. On every continent, there are zoos dedicated to the preservation of endangered kinds of animals and the pleasure and education of visitors.
Some of the world’s largest zoos house hundreds of the world’s rarest terrestrial animals. These complexes are impressive not just because of their size but also because of the number of well-protected animals surrounded by humans. Here is the list of the Biggest Zoos Around the world.
15. Welsh Mountain Zoo (Welsh town of Colwyn Bay)
Wiles’ oldest Zoo, known as the Welsh Mountain Zoo, was created in 1963, making it the country’s first. This charming North Wales Zoo sits on 37 acres of lush greenery, with views of Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains. Compared to a regular zoo, this Zoo seems more like a nature conservation park.
Welsh Mountain Zoo has welcomed more than 8 million visitors since it opened in 2002. More than 140 kinds of animals, including otters and Humboldt penguins, will be on display for you to see. Its primary goal is to conserve the creatures and promote public awareness of their plight, but it also serves as a tourist attraction.
14. Schönbrunn Zoo (Vienna, Austria)
The Oldest Zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, was founded in 1752. The Zoo has made a name for itself as a resource for wildlife preservation and education during the last 260 years. Located on the grounds of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, it’s also full of stunning architecture.
First elephant birth in captivity and first natural insemination birth of a panda in Europe are only two of the many notable firsts at this Zoo. You’ll be able to view enormous pandas, monkeys, penguins, elephants, and much more while exploring the beautiful grounds.
Visitors may learn about the animals via regular talks and feeding demonstrations. Excursions, including backstage access and evening tours, are available. If you’re looking for something to keep you occupied while you’re there, this Zoo is the place to be!
13. Zoological Gardens National (Pretoria, South Africa)
The National Zoo in South Africa may not be the most well-known Zoo on our list, but it is a world-renowned research Centre and is noted for its excellent breeding operations. As a result of the initiatives’ success, most of the animals you see in the park were born here! At this Zoo, you’ll witness a wide variety of species.
According to pretoriazoo: 3117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens of 202 bird species, 3871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species make up the total. The Zoo has golf carts that you can hire by the hour, so you don’t have to trek the entire 210 acres. Night tours and sleepovers are available if you’re searching for a more immersive experience.
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12. “Zoorasia” in the Yokohama Zoological Gardens (Yokohama, Japan)
The goal of the Yokahama Zoo is to bring people and the environment together. The Asian Tropical Forest, Central Asian Highland, Oceanian Grassland, Japanese Countryside, African Tropical Rainforest, and Amazon Jungle are just a few of the many habitats that make up the Zoo’s extensive collection.
To provide the greatest possible living conditions for the animals, the displays are created to resemble the natural habitat of the species they represent. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to get a real-world education! To top it all off, visitors to the Zoo are educated on the importance of environmental preservation and conservation, contributing to making this one of the greatest zoos on Earth.
11. The Zoo in Wellington (Wellington, New Zealand)
This Zoo was New Zealand’s first, and it’s been taking care of the local fauna since that time in 1906. Toit Cabo Zero certified the Zoo as a not-for-profit charitable trust since 2003. This signifies that the Zoo makes an effort to minimize its negative influence on the environment. Visit the Wellington Zoo’s website to learn more.
Many endangered species that are endemic to the area may be found in the Zoo, which is stretched across 32 acres and has many of them. The tiniest bear species, the Sun bear, may be seen, as can Red Pandas, Brown Capuchins, and more. Veterinary treatment, staff care, and enrichment activities are all top priorities of Wellington Zoo, which is dedicated to the welfare of its animals.
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10. The Zoo in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA)
On July 1, 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo, the country’s first Zoo, opened its doors. The Zoo’s 1,300 creatures, many of which are threatened or extinct, may now be seen in state-of-the-art displays that mimic their natural habitat.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Pennsylvania Zoo each year, making it a top tourist destination in the state. The Zoo’s mission is to share its love of animals and the natural world with visitors.
For the first time, the Zoo provides Zoo360. This ground-breaking animal exploration trail experience utilizes see-through mesh routes to enable animals to traverse the Zoo’s grounds and above them freely.
9. The Zoo of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Zoo London was the first in Britain to keep a koala, and it was the first to house giant pandas and penguins anywhere in the globe. Edinburgh Zoo’s mission is to actively engage in endangered species breeding programs and conservation efforts all over the globe, not only for the benefit of the park’s many visitors.
The chimpanzee enclosure at this world-class Zoo has even received the endorsement of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. When the penguins are released from their confinement and allowed to roam freely with their caretakers, the famous penguin parade will be staged for visitors’ enjoyment. Many visitors like the daily presentations and excursions at this Zoo, and there is no lack of creatures to see and things to learn.
8. Zoo of the City of St. Louis (St Louis, Missouri, U.S.)
One of the best free attractions in the United States is the St. Louis Zoo. With over 13,000 creatures (many of which are threatened or extinct), it’s easy to see why so many people return to them time and time again.
Animal welfare and conservation are top priorities at the Saint Louis Zoo, which prioritizes the well-being of its residents. Saint Louis Zoo’s mission statement may be found on its website. Visitors may enjoy 90 acres of animal displays, activities, retail shopping, and food, making it a great day out for the entire family. The Zoo gets over 3 million visitors each year.
7. Zoo Australia (Queensland, Australia)
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this Zoo if you ever find yourself in Australia. There are almost 1000 acres of beautiful exhibits at the Australia Zoo in Queensland, Australia.
Terri Irwin, Steve Irwin’s wife, owns the Zoo, a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association. They have committed their efforts to commemorate Steve by ensuring that his legacy continues via the work of Bindi, Terri, and Robert Irwin (Steve and Terri Irwin’s children).
“Conservation via exhilarating teaching” is the purpose of the Irwin family at the Australia Zoo. It’s possible to get up and personal with various animals at the Australia Zoo, from kangaroos and wallabies to tigers and elephants.
6. The National Zoo of the Smithsonian Institution (Washington DC, USA)
With 1,800 animals and free entry, this is one of America’s oldest zoos. For this reason, these creatures are not only carefully cared for but are also the subject of a lot of scientific investigation.
Researchers from Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institution work with other organizations to investigate elephant herpes virus and conservation efforts for amphibians.
It’s also notable because around one-fifth of the animals are endangered or vulnerable; this was one of the earliest zoological institutions to begin a scientific study.
There are many animals to see here, including apes, Asian elephants, and large cats. There are guided tours available at this national Zoo, which allows visitors to see elephants in their natural habitat in a state-of-the-art facility.
There are 364 days of the year in which this wonderful Zoo is open and free to enter. The Zoo also emphasizes animal care.
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5. Zoo Chester (Chester, England)
In addition to being one of the world’s most popular animal attractions, Chester Zoo is also one of the U.K.’s most prominent zoos and one of the greatest in the world! This is mainly due to the organization’s long-term dedication to building a conservation plan for African species and its concentration on research and education. Zoo visitors are drawn in by its impressive array of animals, exhibitions, and natural beauty.
Giraffes and their closest surviving cousins, the Okapi, both endangered, are the focus of Chester Zoo’s efforts. Depending on Chester’s success, you may even have a chance to view some of Chester’s offspring.
4. The Korkeasaari Zoo is located in Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland)
Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki, Finland’s biggest Zoo, has more than 2,000 animals. This Zoo is situated on an island in the Baltic Sea sets it apart from others. A local boat or bus service is available from May through September to go to the island.
Visitors to the Korkeasaari Zoo may experience personally how the Zoo prioritizes biodiversity conservation. Their goal is to instill in visitors a sense of responsibility for the environment and an understanding of the impact human actions may have on the natural world. Also, the goal of being carbon-neutral by 2030 is a goal of the Zoo.
All the while, you’ll be able to see and learn about a wide range of animals, including Amur tigers and snow leopards, in their natural habitat.
3. The Zoo in Basel (Basel, Switzerland)
While Basel Zoo may not be well known, if you want to see one of the top zoos in the world, you must come. With more than 1.8 million tourists each year, Switzerland’s most popular tourist destination.
The Basel Zoo devotes a substantial portion of its time and resources to care for its animals. Basel Zoo has become a pioneer in the field because of its devotion when it comes to endangered species. It’s not uncommon to see hippos in their natural habitats, as well as the endangered rhinoceros.
You can quickly go around the whole Zoo since there are many open areas for the animals and the park isn’t too enormous. Anyone who lives in or visits Switzerland should take advantage of this opportunity!
2. The Toronto Zoological Garden (Toronto, Canada)
Toronto Zoo is the biggest in Canada and one of the world’s largest zoos at 710 acres. The Toronto Zoo, which houses more than 16,000 species, continues to grow and provide natural habitats for these creatures. As part of its conservation efforts, this Zoo collaborates with other zoos around the globe. It has been most successful in a captive breeding program and even reintroducing several species.
You may have an incredible time here, but you should bear in mind that you will be walking a lot. There are giraffes, gorillas, enormous pandas, nocturnal species, and even a komodo dragon in the animal kingdom. The park has a wide variety of restaurants, picnic spots, and kid-friendly attractions, as well as many behind-the-scenes experiences.
1. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Nebraska, USA)
In light of the conservation, research, and experience that visitors receive, it’s no wonder that this Zoo has remained at the top of Trip Advisor’s ranking of the finest zoos worldwide. More than just a world-class facility, the Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the finest examples of its kind in the whole country.
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, is known across the globe as a pioneer in conservation and research, and its impressive displays support this claim.
You may find one of the world’s most extensive nighttime displays and a swamp here, as well as one of the most extensive indoor rainforests in the world. This Zoo has it all. The tide pool touch tank is a big hit with visitors, allowing them to get up and personal with marine life.
The world’s second-largest free-flight aviary may potentially be a treat for you! This Zoo is the best globally because of its exhibits, feedings, teaching, conservation, and research efforts.
Conclusion:
These Zoos are impressive not just because of their size but also because of the number of well-protected species that are housed therein. Although it is important to be aware of the environmental impact that zoos have, they do provide an amazing opportunity for visitors to learn about endangered species.
Although it is important to be aware of the environmental impact that zoos have, they do provide an amazing opportunity for visitors to learn about endangered species.
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