Zoos may be met with a variety of reactions from visitors, but there’s no denying that going to one as a family is always a good experience. Zoos and aquariums provide people of all ages the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals and plants from across the globe, satisfying the natural curiosity that people of all ages have about the wide variety of species that inhabit our planet.
So, let’s have a look at the top 10 biggest zoos in USA:
1. The Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo has been available to the public since 1966, and throughout its many programmes, they make a concerted effort to teach visitors about the need of protecting and caring for animals.
Why is Los Angeles Zoo so popular?
The zoo provides care for nearly 2,200 unique animals, which together represent 270 distinct species. More than 58 of those species are considered to be endangered, and the goal statement for the zoo claims that they want to provide an environment for pleasure and discovery in the hopes that people can gain a respect for all forms of wildlife via the process of discovery.
Must-see attractions in the Los Angeles Zoo
When you go to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you can participate in a variety of activities, such as feeding the giraffes, mingling with the flamingos, and going on behind-the-scenes tours, which give you the opportunity to see and appreciate all of the hard work and effort that is put into taking care of the animals!
Total expenses
The price for the adult is around $22 whereas the ticket for a child is around $17.
2. Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens
It is well known that Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens is South Carolina’s most popular destination for families to visit, and while you are there, you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of exciting activities.
Why Riverbanks Zoo is so popular?
The botanical gardens on their own are a sight to see, and they are widely acknowledged to be among the very greatest botanical gardens in the country.
They also have a children’s garden with a dino dig for youngsters to participate in. In addition to the stunning gardens, the zoo is home to over 2,000 different species of animals, and it also hosts day camps for children, summer movies under the stars at the zoo, and guided tours that focus on certain areas of the zoo.
Must-see attractions in Riverbanks Zoo
Another thing that makes the Riverbanks Zoo so excellent is that it has fully embraced the environmental movement. For example, the zoo runs on solar power, has a stringent programme for picking up waste, and has facilities that save water.
Total expenses in Riverbanks Zoo
14 dollars for adults 11 dollars for kids.
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney is famous for many reasons, but mainly for the magnificent theme parks that they have located all over the globe. Disney Animal Kingdom Park is amongst the most famous zoos in America.
Why is Disney Animal Kingdom Park so popular?
The experience of being in these locations is extremely amazing, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not an exception to this rule. With an area of over 580 acres, it is not only the most extensive of the Disney theme parks but also the most diverse in terms of the flora and fauna that can be found there.
Must-see attractions in Disney Animal Kingdom Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a wide variety of animals, but it is much more than a simple zoo. The thrills of Disney’s Animal Kingdom include encounters with roaring lions, a huge Yeti lurking on towering Mount Everest, one-of-a-kind jungle treks, and scary dinosaurs.
Total expenses in Disney Animal Kingdom Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom tickets are around $109 to $159.
4. Brookfield Zoo
The 216 acres that today make up Brookfield Zoo were formerly part of what was known as the Chicago Zoological Park when it opened in 1934. This zoo is well-known for its open-air cages that do not have any bars on them, which provide a much more comfortable environment for the animals that live there.
Why is Brookfield Zoo so popular?
There are around 2,000 creatures that call the zoo their home, some of which include the black rhinoceros, wombats, kangaroos, ibex, and baboons.
At the Brookfield Zoo, there are many beautiful sights and activities to take part in. At the Seven Seas exhibit, they put on some of the most fantastic dolphin presentations.
Must-see attractions in Brookfield Zoo
When guests go to Tropic World, they will see creatures that are native to the primary rainforest environments of South America, Africa, and Asia all under one roof. This will provide them the opportunity to tour three continents in one trip.
Total expenses in Brookfield Zoo
Price of the ticket is $24.95 for those 12 and up, $19.95 for those 65 and over, $17.95 for those 3-11, and $0 for those 2 and under.
5. Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The fact that the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute do not charge any admission fees is only one of the many reasons why this Largest zoo in the US is so remarkable.
Why is Smithsonian National Zoo so popular?
The zoo is open every single day of the year for 365 days without charging any kind of entry fee. The Smithsonian Institution is the largest research and museum complex in the world, and the National Zoo in Washington, DC is a part of it. The National Zoo was established in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States.
Must-see attractions in Smithsonian National Zoo
Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Bei Bei are some of the National Zoo’s most well-known inhabitants. There are indoor and outdoor vantage points to see these three on the Asia Trail at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.
Total expenses in Smithsonian National Zoo
The zoo itself does not charge an entrance price, but the $25 parking fee may be better spent on a day out. Both the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park Metro stops are within walking distance of the zoo. Also, feel free to bring a picnic to eat at one of the park’s many rest stops.
6. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a renowned zoo in the state of California, and it is undeniably one of the most visited tourist attractions in the neighborhood. There are 4,000 different creatures there, representing 800 different species.
Why is San Diego Zoo so popular?
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the world since it is home to one of the most extensive collections of rare and endangered species in the whole globe. Some of the creatures that can be found there include the giant panda, clouded leopard, and Galápagos tortoise.
Must-see attractions in San Diego Zoo
They have wonderful upgraded experiences at the zoo that you can choose to do as well, such as the early morning cheetah experience, the behind-the-scenes tour, and the sunrise surprise stroll, in which visitors can stroll through the zoo with experienced zoo educators before it is opened to the public.
Total expenses in San Diego Zoo
The price of the San Diego zoo is around $67.
7. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo has been in operation since 1899 and is now the biggest urban zoo in the United States. It is located on 265 acres of land and is just a few miles away from Yankee Stadium.
Why is Bronx Zoo so popular?
There are more than 6,000 different species, so there is a lot to look at! Because of the expansive nature of the zoo, there is a Zoo Shuttle service for which you may purchase tickets in order to see more of the zoo in a single visit.
Must-see attractions in Bronx Zoo
African Plains, Himalayan Highlands, and Tiger Mountain are just a few of the numerous free exhibits that are included in the price of your entrance to the zoo. Once you are there, you will have the opportunity to buy additional experiences, such as the Children’s Zoo and the Wild Asia Monorail.
Total expenses in Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo Tickets, which include all exhibits, begin at $31.95 and goes up to $41.95.
8. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
At 582 acres, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not only one of the biggest in the nation but also one of the largest in the whole world. Visitors may enjoy a round of golf, a day at the water park, and a day at the amusement park when they stop by this vast attraction.
Why is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium so popular?
This zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals, representing close to 600 different species, and they all live in harmony. This zoo is particularly well-known for its beloved zookeeper, Jack Hanna, commonly known as “Jungle Jack.” Over the years, he has been on several television shows to advocate for animal awareness and conservation, and he even has his own popular television show.
Must-see attractions in Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is guaranteed to provide visitors with an experience that they will never forget thanks to the renowned zookeeper, the abundance of activities, and the tens of thousands of animals that are housed there.
Total expenses in Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
There is a charge of $49.99 for each ticket.
9. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Since it originally opened its doors in 1894 as Riverview Park, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium has not only been the most popular tourist destination in Nebraska but has also been recognised as being among the very finest zoos in the whole world.
Why is Henry Doorly Zoo so popular?
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and spans more than 160 acres of land. It is home to a wide range of creatures, many of which are uncommon and endangered.
Must-see attractions in Henry Doorly Zoo
The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium is by far one of the greatest, and the zoo’s renown Desert Dome gives visitors a view into a true desert environment beneath the world’s biggest geodesic dome. Both of these attractions can be found at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Total expenses in Henry Doorly Zoo
Ticket Fees and Pricing is around $12.95
10. Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo, which spans 106 acres and is the state’s biggest zoological attraction, provides an array of activities that are not only enjoyable but also instructive and amusing for the entire family.
Why is Dallas Zoo so popular?
Guests get the opportunity to see a number of endangered species and gain knowledge about a range of conservation programmes that the Dallas Zoo supports in order to fulfill the zoo’s objective of fostering a love for nature and protecting animals.
Must-see attractions in Dallas Zoo
Backstage passes to see what goes on behind the scenes at the zoo, guided tours with an experienced zookeeper, group overnight packages that can be arranged, family zoo adventures that are geared toward young children and their guardians and provide lots of fun for everyone.
Total expenses in Dallas Zoo
Prices for admission to the zoo may vary anywhere from $12 to $17 per person, depending on the time of year.
Conclusion
The zoo is equipped with trams, which operate continuously in order to transport tourists from one attraction to another. In addition to this, it has a plethora of fantastic educational programmes that guests may participate in to get a deeper understanding of the extraordinary creatures that call this location home.
