Zoos have been a popular attraction for families and animal lovers for generations. They provide a unique opportunity to see various animals up close, and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts. Add to your travel bucket lists these best and biggest zoos in the world.
Biggest Zoos in the World
It’s hard to come up with a definitive list of the biggest zoos in the world. Is it based on the land area or the number of species? We searched online and here’s the list of (possibly) the biggest zoos in the world.
- Moscow Zoo, Russia: Moscow Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Europe, housing over 6,000 animals representing over 900 species.
- Toronto Zoo, Canada: Toronto Zoo is a large zoo that covers an area of over 710 acres and houses over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.
- San Diego Zoo, USA: San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned zoo that covers an area of over 100 acres and is home to over 3,700 animals representing over 650 species.
- Berlin Zoo, Germany: Berlin Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Europe and is home to over 20,000 animals representing over 1,400 species.
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, USA: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a large zoo that covers an area of over 580 acres and is home to over 9,000 animals representing over 700 species.
- Beijing Zoo, China: Beijing Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia and is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 450 species.
- Henry Doorly Zoo, USA: Henry Doorly Zoo is a large zoo that covers an area of over 130 acres and is home to over 17,000 animals representing over 960 species.
- London Zoo, UK: London Zoo is a well-known zoo that covers an area of over 36 acres and is home to over 17,000 animals representing over 755 species.
- Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Austria: Tiergarten Schönbrunn is one of the oldest zoos in the world and is home to over 700 species of animals.
- Zoo de Vincennes, France: Zoo de Vincennes is a large zoo that covers an area of over 16 acres and is home to over 1,200 animals representing over 200 species.
Best Zoos in the World
Now, what’s more important? The biggest or the best zoos in the world? For us, what matters more is the variety of species, the quality of attractions, and the overall experience. So, here are the best zoos in the world which offer amazing experiences for visitors of all ages:
San Diego Zoo, California, US
The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned zoo that is home to over 3,700 animals from over 650 species. The zoo is set in a lush, tropical environment that provides the perfect habitat for many of its inhabitants. The zoo is famous for its successful breeding programs, and has helped to save many endangered species from extinction. Some of the popular attractions include the Giant Panda Research Station, the Gorilla Tropics exhibit, and the Elephant Odyssey exhibit. The zoo also offers a Skyfari aerial tram that provides stunning views of the park, and a Children’s Zoo where kids can interact with farm animals, primates, and reptiles.
Zürich Zoo, Switzerland
Zürich Zoo is one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious zoos. It is home to over 400 species of animals and is renowned for its commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The zoo features several unique habitats that mimic the natural environments of the animals, including a rainforest, savanna, and Arctic tundra. The zoo is also known for its elephant exhibit, which offers a large indoor and outdoor habitat for the elephants to roam and play. The zoo also offers a playground, a petting zoo, and a train ride for children to enjoy.
Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo, located in Mandai, Singapore, is considered one of the best zoos in the world due to its innovative design, diverse collection of species, and commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The zoo is known for its open and naturalistic habitats, which allow animals to roam freely and behave as they would in the wild. It is home to over 300 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species, and has several unique attractions, such as the Fragile Forest, which is a walk-through aviary, and the Rainforest Kidzworld, which is a children’s play area featuring animal-themed attractions.
Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska, USA
Henry Doorly Zoo, located in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, is widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the world. It is known for its extensive collection of species, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The zoo is home to over 17,000 animals representing over 960 species, including many rare and endangered species, and has several unique attractions, such as the Kingdom of the Night exhibit, which features a nocturnal habitat for animals, and the Lied Jungle, which is one of the largest indoor rainforest exhibits in the world.
Melbourne Zoo, Australia
Melbourne Zoo, located in Parkville, Melbourne, Australia, is considered one of the best zoos in the world due to its diverse collection of species, well-designed habitats, and commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The zoo is home to over 320 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species, and has several unique attractions, such as the Gorilla Rainforest, which provides a natural and spacious habitat for gorillas, and the Australian Trail, which showcases the diverse fauna of Australia.
Berlin Zoo, Germany
Berlin Zoo, also known as the Zoological Garden Berlin, is located in Berlin, Germany. It is considered one of the best zoos in the world due to its extensive collection of species, well-designed habitats, and commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The zoo is home to over 20,000 animals representing over 1,400 species, making it one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the world. Berlin Zoo has several unique attractions, such as the Elephant Park, which is a spacious outdoor habitat for elephants, and the Polar World exhibit, which showcases the Arctic and Antarctic environments.
Tokyo Zoo, Japan
Ueno Zoo, also known as Tokyo Zoo, is located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most well-known zoos in Japan, having opened in 1882. The zoo is considered one of the best in the world due to its diverse collection of species, well-maintained facilities, and commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Ueno Zoo is home to over 400 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species. It has several unique attractions, such as the giant panda exhibit, which is highly popular among visitors.
London Zoo, England
London Zoo, located in Regent’s Park, London, is one of the oldest scientific zoos in the world, having opened in 1828. It is also considered one of the best zoos in the world due to its rich history, diverse collection of species, and commitment to conservation and animal welfare. The zoo houses over 19,000 animals representing over 755 species, including many endangered species, and has several unique attractions such as the Zoo’s aquarium, Butterfly Paradise, and Penguin Beach.
