The 60 Best Zoos in the World | 2024 (with Photos)

Discover the fascinating world of some of the best zoos on the planet, where exotic animals thrive and visitors of all ages are captivated by the wonders of wildlife.

From the renowned San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals, to the enchanting Singapore Zoo, a pioneer in open-concept exhibits, these top-tier institutions offer a memorable experience for everyone.

Dive into this Travel-Lingual guide to learn about the fascinating features of children's zoos, the importance of a national zoological garden, and how these zoos are working tirelessly to protect and increase their diverse populations.

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey.

Table of Contents

1. San Diego Zoo

2. Singapore Zoo

3. Bronx Zoo

4. Beijing Zoo

5. Toronto Zoo

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1. San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo, one of the best zoos in the world, is known for its giant pandas, animals native to the region, and successful programs for breeding.

With extensive conservation efforts and a vast array of creatures, it's a must-visit on any zoo trip.

2. Singapore Zoo

Zoo in Singapore boasts a naturalistic setting for its critically endangered species, such as the Asian elephants and pandas.

With that in mind, this zoo is focused on the conservation of wildlife and the welfare of animals, it offers visitors an immersive experience with its open-concept design and lush landscapes.

3. Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo, located in Bronx Park, is a famous zoo with one of the largest animal collections in the world.

The Bronx Zoo opened in 1899, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and is home to African elephants, snow leopards, and many other exotic creatures.

4. Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoo, often called the children's zoo, is known for its giant panda population and is one of the largest zoos in the world.

The Beijing Zoo also houses other endangered animals like lions and species that are endangered, while maintaining strong conservation and breeding programs.

This is what makes it one of the best zoos in the world.

5. Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is Canada's largest zoo, with a strong focus on conservation and education.

Home to polar bears, bush elephants, and other animals native to the region, Toronto Zoo is dedicated to providing the best possible care and habitats for the animals. It even has an animal hospital.

6. Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo, a beloved zoo in the UK, is home to many species that are endangered, such as the Asian elephants and rhinos.

With a strong focus on conservation and programs for breeding, Chester Zoo is actively involved in wildlife preservation efforts.

7. Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, offers stunning views of the harbor and is home to a wide variety of animals native to the region, including kangaroos and koalas.

The zoo is dedicated to conservation and education, with innovative programs like the Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

8. Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo, New Zealand's first zoo, is committed to the welfare of animals and conservation.

Visitors to Zoo in Wellington can see animals native to the region like the kiwi, as well as creatures such as pandas and bears while learning about the zoo's efforts to protect species that are endangered.

9. Berlin Zoological Garden

The Berlin Zoo, the most visited zoo in Germany, is home to a wide variety of species that are endangered, such as polar bears and giraffes.

The zoo is known for its world-class habitats and commitment to land animals.

10. Henry Doorly Zoo

Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, is often considered one of the best zoos in the world.

With a focus on the conservation of wildlife and education, the zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including leopards, lions, and elephants.

11. Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo, a renowned zoo in the Czech Republic, is committed to the conservation of species that are endangered and animal welfare.

Visitors can see rare species like bears and Przewalski's horses while learning about the zoo's extensive programs for breeding.

12. Vienna Zoo

Vienna Zoo, also known as Schönbrunn Zoo, is the world's oldest zoo, located within the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace grounds.

With its commitment to the welfare of animals and conservation, the zoo is home to a diverse range of species, including giant pandas and giraffes.

13. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (Pretoria Zoo)

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, or Pretoria Zoo, is committed to the conservation of wildlife.

Visitors can see a wide array of endangered animals, such as bush elephants and lions, as well as a variety of other creatures.

14. National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., part of the Smithsonian Institution, focuses on the conservation of wildlife and research.

Home to giant pandas, giraffes, and other species that are endangered, the zoo is dedicated to preserving biodiversity and educating visitors about the natural world.

15. London Zoo

Zoo in London, situated in Regent's Park, is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It boasts a strong commitment to the welfare of animals and conservation.

In addition to the animals, visitors to this zoo can enjoy a wonderful atmosphere.

16. Columbus Zoo

Columbus Zoo, located in Ohio, is known for its expansive habitats and diverse range of animals, including bears and elephants.

The zoo is committed to the conservation of wildlife and education, providing unique experiences for visitors of all ages.

17. Welsh Mountain Zoo

Welsh Mountain Zoo, nestled in the beautiful countryside of North Wales, is home to endangered species like leopards and pandas.

With a focus on the welfare of animals and conservation, the zoo offers a memorable experience with its spectacular views and intimate encounters.

18. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park in India is one of the biggest zoos in the world, with a wide variety of animals native to the region and species that are endangered.

The zoo is committed to the conservation of wildlife, programs for breeding, and providing a naturalistic environment for its inhabitants.

19. Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo, founded by the famous "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, focuses on the conservation of wildlife and education.

Home to a variety of native animals like koalas and kangaroos, as well as exotic species such as lions, the zoo offers thrilling animal encounters and interactive experiences.

20. St. Louis Zoo

St. Louis Zoo, located in Missouri, is renowned for its commitment to the welfare of animals and conservation.

Visitors can see a diverse range of animals, including grizzly bears, sea lions, and pandas while learning about the zoo's extensive conservation efforts.

21. Prague Zoological Garden

Prague Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their natural habitats.

The zoo houses a wide variety of animals, including bears and species that are endangered, and provides visitors with a unique and educational experience.

22. Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo, located near Chicago, is known for its immersive exhibits and commitment to the welfare of animals.

Home to a diverse range of species, including African bush elephants and grizzly bears, the zoo focuses on the education and conservation of wildlife.

23. Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo houses a wide variety of animals, including pandas, giraffes, and pandas.

The zoo is committed to the welfare of animals and conservation, offering visitors an educational and engaging experience.

24. Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, is home to a diverse range of animals, including pandas, leopards, and elephants.

With a strong focus on conservation and education, the zoo provides visitors with an unforgettable experience.

25. Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. Much like its US counterparts, it is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the welfare of animals.

With a wide variety of species, including African lions and sea lions, the zoo offers engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

26. Edinburgh Zoo

Zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland, is known for its commitment to the conservation of wildlife and research.

Home to the UK's only penguins and a variety of other species that are endangered, the zoo provides an unforgettable experience for visitors while supporting global conservation efforts.

27. Basel Zoo

Basel Zoo in Switzerland is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes and snow leopards.

With a strong focus on conservation and research, the zoo offers visitors an opportunity to learn about species that are endangered and their habitats.

28. Schönbrunn Zoo (Vienna)

Schönbrunn Zoo, located within the historic Schönbrunn Palace grounds in Vienna, is the world's oldest zoo.

Home to a diverse range of species, including pandas and bears, the zoo is dedicated to the welfare of animals, education, and conservation.

29. Berlin Zoo (Tierpark Berlin)

Berlin Zoo (Tierpark Berlin) is one of the largest zoos in the world, with a focus on the conservation of wildlife and education.

Home to a wide variety of species, including zebras and elephants, the zoo offers visitors an engaging experience in a beautiful park setting.

30. Artis Zoo (Amsterdam)

Artis Zoo in Amsterdam is not just considered one of the best zoos in the world but is also one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It is known for its commitment to the welfare of animals and conservation.

With a diverse range of animals, such as pandas and giraffes, visitors can learn about the natural world and the zoo's ongoing efforts to protect it.

31. Melbourne Zoo

Zoo in Melbourne in Australia is home to numerous animals native to the region, on the many achers that the zoo covers, it houses animals such as kangaroos and koalas, as well as exotic species like elephants.

Committed to the conservation of wildlife and the welfare of animals, the zoo offers visitors an opportunity to experience close encounters with a variety of species.

32. Yokohama Zoological Gardens (Zoorasia)

Yokohama Zoological Gardens (Zoorasia) in Japan is dedicated to the conservation of species that are endangered and the promotion of the welfare of animals.

Home to a diverse range of animals, including pandas and elephants, the zoo offers visitors an educational and memorable experience.

33. North Carolina Zoo

Zoo in North Carolina, focuses on conservation, education, and the welfare of animals.

With a wide variety of species, including bears and lions, the zoo provides visitors with an engaging experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered.

34. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is known for its commitment to the conservation of wildlife, research, and education.

Home to a diverse range of animals, including leopards and giraffes, the zoo offers visitors an unforgettable experience while supporting global conservation efforts.

35. Zoo de Beauval (France)

Zoo de Beauval in France is one of the most famous zoos in Europe, known for its extensive collection of species that are endangered and its commitment to conservation.

Home to animals like koalas and elephants, the zoo offers visitors an engaging and educational experience.

36. San Francisco Zoo

Zoo in San Francisco, situated on the Pacific coast, is home to a diverse range of animals, including grizzlies and zebras.

The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and education, providing visitors with an immersive experience and a connection to the natural world.

37. Dallas Zoo

Zoo in Dallas is also known for its commitment to conservation, research, and the welfare of animals.

With a diverse range of species, including elephants and leopards, the zoo offers visitors an engaging and educational experience.

38. Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, focuses on species that are endangered, the welfare of animals, and education.

Home to a variety of animals, including red pandas and African lions, the zoo provides visitors with an unforgettable experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered.

39. Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami, the largest zoo in Florida, is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants and giraffes.

With a focus on conservation, the zoo offers visitors an engaging experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered and their habitats.

That being said, one of the most unique aspects of this zoo is the reptile park.

40. Auckland Zoo

Much like many of the other zoos listed in this article, Auckland Zoo in New Zealand is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, the welfare of animals, and education.

Visitors can experience close encounters with native animals like the kiwi and exotic species such as zebras while learning about the zoo's efforts to protect species that are endangered.

41. Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo in Canada is known for its commitment to the conservation of wildlife, research, and education.

Home to a diverse range of animals, including leopards and elephants, the zoo offers visitors an unforgettable experience while supporting global conservation efforts.

42. National Zoological Park (Delhi, India)

National Zoological Park in Delhi, India, is home to a diverse range of animals, including native species and endangered animals.

The zoo focuses on conservation, breeding programs, and providing a naturalistic environment for its inhabitants.

43. Adelaide Zoo

The Adelaide Zoo in Australia is committed to the conservation of wildlife. It houses a wide variety of animals, including the world-famous giant pandas.

The zoo offers an exciting experience for visitors while also advocating for the safety of endangered animals and their natural habitats.

44. Sleeping Zoo (Bangkok, Thailand)

The Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, Thailand, is home to many different animals, from tigers to rare birds.

In fact, the zoo's population of animals is over 5000.

Sleeping Zoo's mission is to improve the lives of animals, protect species that are endangered, and provide an enjoyable experience for its visitors.

45. Leipzig's Zoological Gardens (Leipzig Zoo)

The Leipzig Zoo in Germany has a strong reputation for its dedication to wildlife preservation and animal care.

The zoo provides an exciting experience for visitors, who can learn about and help conserve species that are endangered like elephants and leopards.

46. Zoo of La Palmyre (France)

The French zoo La Palmyre is well-known for its dedication to conservation and its collection of rare species that are endangered.

The zoo is a fascinating place to learn about animals like lions and pandas.

47. Warsaw Zoo

Warsaw, Poland's zoo is well-known for its dedication to animal preservation and education.

The zoo provides an unforgettable experience for visitors and promotes the conservation of species that are endangered through its collection of animals, which includes giraffes and polar bears.

48. Park of the Animals in Zurich

The Zurich Zoo, located in Switzerland, is dedicated to wildlife preservation, scientific inquiry, and animal care.

The zoo supports global conservation efforts and provides an unforgettable experience for visitors by housing a wide variety of species, including leopards and elephants.

49. Whipsnade Zoo (United Kingdom)

One of the largest conservation parks in Europe, the Whipsnade Zoo in the United Kingdom is home to a wide range of animals, from lions to elephants.

When you visit the zoo, you'll get an unforgettable experience while also doing your part to save species that are endangered.

50. Taronga Zoo Sydney Australia

Taronga Zoo, located in Sydney, Australia, is one of the best zoos in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the iconic Sydney Harbour.

With over 4,000 animals representing more than 350 species, this renowned zoo is committed to wildlife conservation, research, and education. It even has a petting zoo.

51. Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)

Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, research, and the welfare of animals.

With a diverse range of animals, including pandas and lions, the zoo offers visitors an engaging experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered.

52. Pairi Daiza (Belgium)

Pairi Daiza in Belgium is a unique zoological park that combines the conservation of wildlife with immersive cultural experiences.

Home to a diverse range of animals, including giraffes and leopards, the zoo offers visitors a memorable and educational experience.

53. ZooParc de Beauval (France)

ZooParc de Beauval in France is renowned for its extensive collection of species that are endangered and its commitment to conservation.

Home to animals like pandas and elephants, the zoo offers visitors an engaging and educational experience.

54. Lisbon Zoo

Lisbon Zoo in Portugal is known for its commitment to the welfare of animals and conservation.

Home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes and zebras, the zoo provides visitors with an immersive experience while promoting the protection of endangered species.

55. Franklin Park Zoo (Boston)

Franklin Park Zoo in Boston is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, the welfare of animals, and education.

Home to a variety of animals, including pandas and lions, the zoo offers visitors an unforgettable experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered.

56. Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo, located in Portland, is committed to the welfare of animals, conservation, and education.

With a diverse range of species, including elephants and zebras, the zoo provides visitors with an engaging experience while supporting global conservation efforts.

57. Al Ain Zoo (United Arab Emirates)

Al Ain Zoo in the United Arab Emirates is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions and native species of the Arabian Peninsula.

Focused on conservation, the zoo offers visitors an engaging and educational experience while promoting the protection of endangered species.

58. Tama Zoological Park (Tokyo)

Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo, Japan, houses a diverse range of animals, including elephants and pandas.

The zoo is dedicated to the welfare of animals, conservation, and providing visitors with an engaging experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered.

59. Rio de Janeiro Zoo

Rio de Janeiro Zoo in Brazil focuses on the conservation of wildlife, animal welfare, and education.

Home to a variety of animals, including native species and endangered animals, the zoo offers visitors an engaging experience while promoting the protection of endangered species.

60. Antwerp Zoo (Belgium)

Zoo in Antwerp in Belgium, one of the oldest zoos in the world, is home to a wide variety of animals, including red pandas and zebras.

The zoo is dedicated to conservation and education, providing visitors with a unique experience while promoting the protection of species that are endangered and their habitats.

FAQs about the best zoos in the world

Let's go through a couple of the most common questions people have about the best zoos in the world.

What is the number 1 zoo in the world?

While it is difficult to definitively declare a single zoo as number 1 in the world, the Singapore Zoo is often considered one of the top contenders due to its innovative open-concept exhibits, diverse collection of exotic animals, and commitment to conservation efforts.

Other highly-regarded zoos include San Diego Zoo, London Zoo, and Berlin Zoological Garden.

What is the number 1 zoo in America?

The San Diego Zoo in California is frequently recognized as the number 1 zoo in America, thanks to its impressive variety of animals, exceptional conservation efforts, and engaging exhibits.

Summing Up: 60 Best Zoos in the World

In this article, we’ve explored some of the world's best zoos, highlighting the exceptional features and conservation efforts of institutions such as the San Diego Zoo, Singapore Zoo, and others.

These zoos showcase animals, innovative exhibits, and children's zoos while contributing to the zoological gardens' missions to protect and preserve wild animals.

Plan your visit to one of these amazing zoos and experience the wonders of wildlife firsthand.