This list serves as a jumping off point for your travels around American zoos. Recall that different zoos are better in different areas. When making your decision, take into account your interests, your desire to interact with animals, and any available educational programs. There are a ton of wonderful zoos in the USA that support conservation initiatives and provide thrilling interactions with magnificent wildlife. Whatever your desire—seeing a lively panda or a beautiful lion up close—there’s the ideal zoo experience just waiting for you. Here is a carefully prepared list of the Top 10 Best Zoos in the USA for 2024 to help you plan your next travel:
Top 10 Best Zoos In The USA Ranked 2024 List
1.Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
No ordinary zoo, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is located in the city center. This vast wonderland, often listed among the world’s greatest zoos, offers an amazing experience for all ages. The Henry Doorly Zoo’s exquisitely constructed interior displays offer a wide range of ecosystems. Visit the Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert, full of cacti, succulents, and desert animals. Experience the Lied Jungle, North America’s largest indoor rainforest, with a thrilling gondola ride into the treetops. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
2.Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo, affectionately referred to as “America’s Free Zoo,” provides a special fusion of thrilling animal experiences with an emphasis on cost. What makes this zoo such a great place to visit is as follows: The Saint Louis Zoo’s free general entrance is one of its main attractions. The zoo, which is supported by public subsidies, gives people from all walks of life the chance to experience the wonders of the animal realm. This makes it an excellent option for tourists on a tight budget or with family.
3. Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction for anybody who are passionate about both nature and animals, and it is located in the Queen City of Cincinnati. This historic institution was established in 1875, making it not only the sixth-oldest zoo in the United States but also a pioneer in the fields of innovation, aesthetics, and, most importantly, conservation. With over 1,800 animals representing more than 500 different species, the Cincinnati Zoo offers a safe sanctuary for these creatures. Explore Gorilla World, a habitat that has been painstakingly built to provide visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Participating in the interactive cheetah encounter will allow you to experience the thrill of watching the astonishing speed of the cheetah. Be enthralled by the gracefulness of snow leopards or the hilarious antics of meerkats for an experience that is less stressful.
4. San Diego Zoo
The expansive grounds, engaging exhibits, and steadfast dedication to conservation make the San Diego Zoo—a name synonymous with wildlife exploration—an inviting destination for tourists. For wildlife lovers of all ages, this iconic California zoo—consistently rated among the best in the world—offers an incredible experience. When it comes to the idea of outdoor, cage-free exhibitions, the San Diego Zoo leads the way. The zoo painstakingly recreates natural environments in place of conventional enclosures, giving animals more freedom to move about. See graceful tigers sauntering through verdant surroundings along the Tiger Trail, or watch amusing primates swinging through the wooded Monkey Trails. This immersive method encourages a closer bond between guests and the amazing animals on exhibit.
5. Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is a beloved institution that offers a unique mix of local flair and exciting animal experiences. It is located in the heart of New Orleans’s lively culture. The Audubon Zoo has been around since 1884 and is both a historic landmark and a living museum. It is regularly ranked as one of the best zoos in the country.
The past of the Audubon Zoo is linked to the history of the city. The zoo is in the beautiful Audubon Park, and it has had animal shows there since the 1884 World’s Fair. As you walk, you can enjoy the shade of old oak trees—some of them have been there for more than a hundred years—and look at the Art Nouveau buildings that are still there. Having this historic background gives your study of the different animals a bit of charm. Audubon Zoo is an American zoo located in New Orleans, Louisiana.
6. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Imagine a zoo with stunning mountain views and thrilling animal interactions. Colorado Springs’ award-winning Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is magical. It combines wildlife discovery and stunning surroundings and is consistently named among North America’s greatest zoos. North America’s highest zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, at 6,714 feet high. The zoo can accommodate more animals than lowland zoos due to its cooler environment. Visit the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit to see bighorn sheep, cougars, and bald eagles. Meet playful penguins in their freezing world or snow leopards in the crisp mountain air to travel the world virtually.
7. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary in Chicago. One of the few free zoos in North America, this 1868 relic is a favorite with kids and budget-conscious travelers. Beyond its free entry, Lincoln Park Zoo offers fascinating animal interactions, lush landscape, and conservation.
Lincoln Park Zoo is proud of its free entrance policy, which allows everyone to experience animal wonders. It’s popular for school field trips, family outings, and wildlife walks due to its accessibility. The zoo cares for its animals and has several educational exhibits despite being free.
8. Zoo Miami
Imagine a tropical zoo with year-round sunshine and different animal encounters. Zoo Miami is a vast wildlife paradise near Miami, Florida. Its unique blend of open-air exhibits, startling number of species, and focus on presenting animals in their natural habitats makes it one of the top US zoos. Zoo Miami has the distinction of being the only continental US tropical zoo. This allows more creatures to thrive in warm Florida. Explore vast environments with animals from the African plains to the Amazon jungle. Come see stately lions and frisky zebras in wide enclosures or colorful exotic birds in walk-through aviaries.
9. Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo at Hermann Park is a colorful animal world hideaway. A wide assortment of animals, creative exhibits, and a strong dedication to conservation make this centennial zoo one of the greatest in the US. If you live in Texas or are traveling, the Houston Zoo will give your family a unique experience. The Houston Zoo began with Earl, a bison, in 1922. More than 8,000 animals from 900 species live in the zoo. Experience global travel with professionally planned exhibits. Explore the Texas Wetlands’ rich vegetation, home to alligators, otters, and other wild animals. A recent addition to the zoo’s changing terrain, South America’s Pantanal and the Galápagos Islands exhibit features colorful birds and entertaining animals.
10. Memphis Zoo
Memphis Zoo, located on the Mississippi River, offers a thrilling animal experience for all ages. This 1906-founded museum has a varied animal collection, innovative exhibitions, and a clean, friendly, and instructive atmosphere. In the heart of Tennessee, the Memphis Zoo offers an amazing experience with stately lions and lively pandas.
Over 4,500 animals from 500 species live in Memphis Zoo. Experience global travel with professionally planned exhibits. Visit CHINA, the zoo’s largest exhibit, to see giant pandas, red pandas, and other unique local animals. Visit Cat Country, where lions, tigers, and cheetahs roam lush enclosures. Visit the amazing PREHISTORIC PLAINS exhibit, which recreates gigantic prehistoric beasts. The Memphis Zoo is a zoo in Midtown, Memphis, Tennessee, United States.