TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The best zoos in the U.S. embody a profound balance between recreation, education, and conservation, transforming the traditional zoo experience into a sanctuary of purpose and compassion. More than attractions, they operate as pillars of environmental management, advancing research, rescuing endangered species, and rehabilitating fragile ecosystems. In doing so, these institutions inspire future generations to cherish and protect one of the world’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
Read on to take a journey through some of America's most inspiring wildlife sanctuaries and discover what makes them the best zoos in the U.S.
List of the Best Zoos in the U.S.
According to lists published by U.S. News and Travel & Leisure, some of the best zoos in the U.S. are located in Minnesota, California, Texas, and other states. See the full list of contenders below.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida
As one of the most captivating wildlife-themed destinations in the world, Disney’s Animal Kingdom seamlessly intertwines the enchantment of storytelling with the authenticity of nature. Spanning over 580 acres, this vast zoological park transcends the boundaries of a typical theme park, offering visitors an immersive journey through landscapes that evoke distant continents and cinematic wonder.
Home to more than 2,000 animals representing 300 species, Disney’s Animal Kingdom serves as the cornerstone of conservation and care. Within its verdant realms, guests can witness majestic tigers prowling through bamboo forests, lions basking beneath the sun, and gorillas navigating lush jungles.
2. Oakland Zoo, California
Widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the U.S., since its founding in 1922, the Oakland Zoo has become a pioneering force in zoological advancement. This 100-acre sanctuary is particularly renowned for developing the groundbreaking “protected contact” method of elephant husbandry in 1991, which replaces coercion with positive reinforcement, fostering trust and mutual respect between keepers and animals.
Housing more than 850 native and exotic species, the Oakland Zoo allows visitors to journey through expansive landscapes where African lions roam, American alligators bask, and grizzly bears amble through open terrain.
3. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Minnesota
Nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory stands as a cherished institution where nature, education, and community converge in harmony. This beloved destination is open to visitors year-round and free of charge. It draws more than two million guests annually and embodies accessibility and inclusion at the core of its mission. Its devoted team of experts ensures the well-being of both plants and animals, fostering a sustainable environment that balances education with ethical care.
4. San Diego Zoo, California
Celebrated as one of the best zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is a living laboratory of conservation, where each visit directly contributes to global preservation efforts, thanks to a portion of every ticket supporting critical initiatives that safeguard biodiversity across continents.
Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums, this century-old institution has redefined the modern zoological experience by replacing traditional enclosures with open-air, naturalistic habitats that mirror the wild. Here, guests can wander through vast aviaries alive with vibrant birdlife or glide above the grounds on the Skyfari aerial tram, gaining sweeping views of elephants, big cats, and lush ecosystems below.
5. Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C
Tucked within the leafy expanse of Rock Creek Park, just a short distance from the heart of Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to roar with purpose and pride as one of the best zoos in the U.S. For more than a century, this historic sanctuary has evolved into a world-renowned center for wildlife research and conservation.
Within the 160-acre playgrounds, guests are invited to wander through immersive exhibits housing more than 2,200 animals, including orangutans, Andean bears, California sea lions, and wallabies.
6. Houston Zoo, Texas
The Houston Zoo is not merely a place of wonder, but as a vital force in safeguarding the future of wildlife. With every ticket sold, visitors directly contribute to more than 30 global wildlife conservation initiatives, transforming leisure into lasting impact.
Behind the scenes, the institution leads pioneering efforts to protect and restore endangered native species, including the elusive Houston toad and the Attwater’s prairie chicken, both symbols of Texas’s fragile ecological heritage. Through a combination of advanced veterinary science, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the zoo has evolved into a beacon of hope for species teetering on the brink of extinction.
7. Bronx Zoo, New York City
With its seamless union of research, recreation, and environmental advocacy, the Bronx Zoo continues to earn its reputation as one of the best zoos in the U.S. Nestled within New York City’s bustling borough yet worlds away in spirit, this 265-acre sanctuary invites visitors to traverse continents without ever leaving the city.
As the flagship institution of the Wildlife Conservation Society, it operates one of the most advanced zoological hospitals in the world and spearheads efforts to protect endangered wildlife across continents, from reintroducing American bison to the western plains to safeguarding Kihansi spray toads in Tanzania.
8. Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri
Located within the sprawling Forest Park, this world-class institution is home to more than 16,000 animals representing approximately 450 species, all thriving within thoughtfully designed habitats that mirror their natural environments. In 2022, the zoo’s far-reaching efforts earned it the Worldwide Conservation Award from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, recognizing its groundbreaking work in the Galápagos Islands.
It's acclaimed WildCare Institute spearheads initiatives to combat poaching, habitat destruction, and disease, while the Institute for Conservation Medicine investigates the intricate links between animal, human, and environmental health.
9. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Nebraska
Spanning 160 acres of immersive landscapes, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium pushes the boundaries of what a zoo can be, embodying a cutting-edge research facility, a conservation stronghold, and exhilarating adventure. Here, visitors find themselves face to face with Indian rhinos, red pandas, and Amur tigers, while snow leopards stalk through habitats that echo the dramatic heights of the Himalayas.
Imagine stepping into a glass bubble within Hubbard Gorilla Valley, where powerful silverbacks roam just beyond arm’s reach, or drifting through a 70-foot shark tunnel, surrounded by a mesmerizing ballet of marine life.
10. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
As part of the Audubon Nature Institute’s network of world-class attractions, the Audubon Zoo invites visitors to traverse habitats that range from a flamingo-filled lagoon to an expansive African savanna, where you can come face-to-face with lions, safely separated by glass.
Beyond its picturesque enclosures and family-friendly attractions, including the five-story Monkey Hill, complete with slides, wading pools, and bronze lion sculptures, the Audubon Zoo carries a powerful conservation mission. Through programs like the Coastal Wildlife Network, it works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals and sea turtles affected by the Gulf’s fragile ecosystem.
In a world increasingly defined by urban sprawl and environmental uncertainty, the best zoos in the U.S. stand as sanctuaries of hope. In their care, every encounter becomes a quiet promise to protect the wild wonders that make our world extraordinary.
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