Zoos are immensely popular all around the world, bringing amazement and education to millions of visitors each year. Over 10,000 of these businesses exist worldwide, ranging in size from modest cages to the world’s largest.
In the United States, there are 384. We’ll look at the five major zoos in the United States and tell you when is the best time to visit them. A zoo’s size can be ranked in two ways: by acreage and by the number of animals it houses.
To make our list consistent, we will rank them according to the amount of animals they house. We’ll also provide intriguing facts and other information on what makes these man-made attractions so vital.
The Henry Doorly Zoo
Animals: 17,000
Species: 962
Size: 160 acres
First opened: 1894
The most popular feature is the Lied forest (America’s largest indoor forest).
The mission of the organization is: “To inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats.”
Fun fact: This zoo is home to the Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert. This is also the world’s biggest geodesic dome!
Location: 3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68107
Hours: Seasonal hours change; for the most up-to-date information, see the official website.
San Diego Zoo
Animals: 14,000
Species: 700
Size: 100 acres
First opened on December 11th, 1916
Most Popular Feature: Panda Canyon
The Mission Statement reads as follows: “Committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.”
A Kodiak bear dubbed “Caesar” was one of the first animals to visit this place.
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.
Hours vary depending on the season; visit the official website for current hours.
Bronx Zoo
It has around 10,000 animals and over 700 species
Size: 265 acres
First opened on November 8th, 1899
Most Popular Feature: Congo Gorilla Forest
Our slogan is: “Connect visitors to wildlife and inspire them to join our conservation work.”
Fun Fact: The first full-time animal hospital was established in 1916.
Location: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
There are more than 10,000 animals and 600 species.
Size: 580 acres
First opened: September 17th, 1927 (estimated)
Most popular feature: The Heart of Africa
Slogan: “To lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.”
Fun fact: From 1978 to 1993, wildlife star and zookeeper Jack Hanna served as director!
Location: 4850 W Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065
Hours change; consult the zoo’s official website for seasonal hours.
Minnesota Zoo
It has more than 4,300 animals
Species: 505
Size: 485 acres
First opened: May 22nd, 1978
Most popular feature: Discovery Bay
Slogan: “Connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.”
Fun fact: The first captive-born dolphin was born here
Location: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Best time to visit
Weekdays are the greatest time to visit zoos because they have less visitor traffic. A busy zoo is less enjoyable for both visitors and animals, and you’ll have a far better time visiting on quieter days. Furthermore, animals are more active in the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings.
Arrive visit the zoo early for the best chance of seeing well-rested and relaxed animals who are more likely to move around and interact with one another. There are additional benefits to visiting in the morning. On warmer days, animals are more active in the cooler hours of the morning. Many zoos feed their animals in the morning, so you have a better chance of seeing them eat!
If you can’t make it to the zoo in the morning, consider visiting in the late afternoon. The animals may be sleepy and reclusive, but foot traffic typically drops at the end of the day, giving you a greater opportunity to see the animals and exhibits.