The 6 Best Zoos in the U.S.

These zoos offer fantastic chances to visit and discover more about a wide variety of animals.

Oakland Zoo: Oakland, California

Located roughly 20 miles east of San Francisco's downtown, the Oakland Zoo is widely acknowledged as a pioneer in the fields of animal welfare, rescue, and conservation. The Oakland Zoo established the "protected contact" approach of animal care in 1991.

Smithsonian's National Zoo ,Washington, D.C.

The National Zoo was established in 1889 by President Grover Cleveland and is located in Rock Creek Park, roughly two miles northwest of Washington, D.C.'s downtown.

Alaska SeaLife Center: Seward, Alaska

People may observe sea lions, seals, king crabs, horned puffins, big Pacific octopuses, and more at Alaska SeaLife Center, where they can also learn more about the significance of the marine ecosystem.

Saint Louis Zoo: St. Louis

The free Saint Louis Zoo, one of the best things to do in St. Louis, is committed to conservation and research. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums granted the facility the Worldwide Conservation Award in 2022 in recognition of its research and operations in the Galápagos Islands.

Fort Worth Zoo: Fort Worth, Texas

The Fort Worth Zoo is the oldest operating zoo in Texas, having been educating visitors since 1909. One of the few zoos in the United States with resident bonobos, one of the four great ape species, and two species of rhinoceros is this one in Fort Worth.

Bronx Zoo: New York City

The largest urban zoo in the United States is the Bronx Zoo in New York City, which spans 265 acres and is home to over 700 species. Prioritize visiting must-see sites like the Wild Asia Monorail and the Congo Gorilla Forest because it's difficult to see the entire property in a single day.