Have you ever visited these zoos?
We all are curious about the animals that roam this earth and for good reasons. All of them are incredible, but unfortunately, we are not able to see them in our day-to-day lives. This is why zoos were invented. People were curious about the wonders of this world, and now we all are able to witness the lives of lions or orangutans.
However, not all zoos are created equal, and most of us are aware of this. We all know the stories about the horror zoos that keep animals in bad conditions, but this is not the case here. These are some good examples of places where animals are treated right.
Many activists view zoos as prisons, and this is why it is so important to document before you decide to support a business. Hopefully, we are here to present you with the best and most beautiful zoos in the US. Here animals live a good life, and you have the chance to observe them up close.
To assist you in determining the greatest and most ethical zoos, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums offers a list of AZA-accredited facilities that provide exceptional animal care and a brighter future for all living things.
Houston Zoo, Texas
This place spans across 55 acres within Hermann Park and hosts over 6000 animals that are part of over 900 species. This is one of the most beautiful zoos in the United States, and each year two million visitors enter through its gates.
Maybe the biggest attraction of the Houston Zoo is the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. This is the perfect place where you can go if you want to observe the elephants taking advantage of a huge 160,000-gallon pool. Also, if you ever dreamt of feeding the giraffes, you can do this here at the Giraffe Feeding Platform.
But besides all of these memorable experiences, it is very important to know that the Houston Zoo is all about wildlife preservation. A part of the price of every ticket sold supports nearly 50 wildlife conservation projects worldwide.
In 2023, they unveiled their Galápagos Islands exhibit, and this was one of the biggest exhibits of its kind, and the most important thing is that this is how species such as Humboldt penguins, California sea lions, and Galápagos tortoises are presented to this world.
San Diego Zoo, California
Spanning an area of over 100 acres, this is one of the biggest zoos in the US and is home to over 12,000 animals. Maybe the best thing about this place is its pioneering approach to animal care. This zoo offers its residents big and spacious open-air habitats that are trying to mimic the natural environments. The San Diego Zoo enclosures are very different compared to the normal enclosures you imagine seeing in a regular zoo.
Many visitors claim that their favorite thing about this place is how easy it is to immerse yourself in the ecosystem. You can take a walk among the birds, or you can hop on the Skyfari aerial tram to get a better look at the whole zoo.
One essential piece of information about the San Diego Zoo is that it is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums. This is clear proof that they are making active efforts towards animal care and conservation.
Even more, they tried to reintroduce various species into the wild. For example, in 2024 five Hawaiian crows, known as ‘alalā, were released into Maui forests after being declared extinct in the wild in 2002. This is a big achievement that shows us how responsible zoos can make the world a better place.
Denver Zoo, Colorado
Located in City Park, Denver, Colorado, and occupying 84 acres, the Denver Zoo is by far one of the most famous zoos in the world. What makes this zoo different is their belief that the animals that live there are the “ambassadors for their wild counterparts all over the world.” All of the residents are basically the connection between the visitors and the wildlife.
Here you can see Siberian tigers lounging lazily on branches or visit the two bat caves where you can observe the bats enjoying their meal. This close-up approach is a unique opportunity to take a glimpse into the lives of these animals.
What we admire the most about the Denver Zoo is that they are deeply committed to conservation efforts both locally and globally. Since 1996, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has supported over 600 conservation initiatives in over sixty nations on six continents.
Locally, the zoo has been part of initiatives like the Colorado Pika Project. This was a project that was meant to observe, monitor, and conserve the pika population in the alpine region of Colorado.
Furthermore, the zoo has played an important role in the protection of the American bison, working with a variety of groups to rebuild and preserve bison populations throughout Colorado.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Ohio
Established in 1875, this is the second oldest zoo in the United States! Also, this is where you can find over 1,800 animals and a mesmerizing collection of over 3,000 plant species.
One of the most well-known residents of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the famous Fiona the Nile hippopotamus. She was born prematurely on January 24, 2017, and the zoo’s staff was there to offer her all the care and love she needed to recover and grow into a healthy hippopotamus.
Also, the zoo plays an important role when it comes to promoting conservation of the wildlife and education about the biggest threats. Initiatives such as promoting sustainable palm oil consumption, pollinator protection, and mobile phone recycling. These are all actions aimed at reducing the global environmental impacts of our actions.
In October 2024, the zoo revealed the largest habitat they have on its domain, the Elephant Trek. This is an environment tailored to suit the needs of a multi-generational herd of Asian elephants.
Oregon Zoo, Portland
Located just three miles west of downtown Portland, the Oregon Zoo is one of the most accessible zoos out there and a place you must visit if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Here you can see 2,500 animals representing over 215 species, and the best part is that the zoo skillfully replicates diverse ecosystems such as the African savanna and Arctic tundra, offering an almost natural habitat for its inhabitants.
The Oregon Zoo also cherishes the conservation of wildlife and, because of this, participates in more collaborative efforts to restore populations of various endangered native species, including the California condor, Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, Oregon silverspot butterfly, and western pond turtles.
Besides the species recovery programs, Oregon Zoo also raises awareness about the impact of lead ammunition on wildlife. This is actually a big problem because it can poison the scavenging animals like eagles and condors when they eat the carcasses of the animals that were hunted down with the lead ammunition.
Next time you go on an adventure and decide to visit one of these zoos, these pocket binoculars might be exactly what you are looking for. They are compact and perfect if you want to be able to observe the wildlife better.
You should also read: Funny Wildlife Habits: Exploring 10 Amusing Quirks of Our Wild Neighbors
