People may have mixed opinions on zoos, but they've been a fun family pastime for years. Adults and children alike are curious about the many different species in our world, and it is through zoos and aquariums that we actually get to visit them up close. Whilst there are excellent zoos and no lack of bad eggs in the bunch, paying a visit to those that go above and beyond whilst working hard in the world of animal conservation can truly be an enriching and educational experience.

With increased awareness about animal conservation and the humane treatment of animals in captivity, many zoos are providing ideal habitats for animals to thrive in, while promoting awareness and understanding about what we need to do to help support our animal populations. Check out the largest zoos in the US, which are also the biggest zoos in America, all offering a fun-filled trip for visitors of all ages.

UPDATE: 2023/07/10 12:20 EST BY REENA JAIN

The 17 Largest Zoos In The US Are A Must See For Animal Lovers

This list has been expanded with two more of the largest zoos in the US, which offer a fantastic opportunity to view a wide variety of animal species and learn about their lives and significance.

17 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland
AJHalliwell at the English-language WikipediaCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, USA

With a total area of 183 acres, this zoo in Cleveland is among the largest zoos in America. More than 3,000 animals belonging to over 600 different species live here in numerous different zones, such as Australian Adventure, Northern Wilderness Trek, The Primate, etc. Animals are kept in distinct zones according to their species to keep them close to their original environments. Some of the zoos famous residents are Timmy the Gorilla and Aldabra Tortoises, to name a few. The zoo's educational and conservation initiatives also make them stand out among other largest zoos.

  • Area: 183 acres
  • Where: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109
  • Hours: Daily.10 a.m to 3 p.m.

16 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Image by VIT DUCKEN from Pixabay
Wolf in Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, USA

Ranked Fourth Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo houses over 750 animals from 150 species. Spread on 140 acres of lush land in Colorado Springs, this zoo is unquestionably the ideal spot to experience the wonders of the natural world from close. From witnessing diverse animals and attending animal shows to riding the carousel and enjoying the Mountaineer Sky Ride, this zoo offers plenty of fun and educational experiences through exhibits, events, and attractions.

  • Area: 140 acres
  • Where: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Hours: Daily.10 a.m to 3 p.m.

15 Zoo Miami

Miami Zoo
Image by Edo Emmerig from Pixabay
Flamingos in Miami Zoo

Zoo Miami, located in Miami, Florida, is the fifth-largest zoo in the US and the biggest in Florida, spanning over 750 acres. It is home to over 3,000 animals, representing over 500 different species from Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This zoo is also the only subtropical zoo in the United States, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with Komodo dragons, tree kangaroos, and over 40 endangered species. Animals in the zoo are classified by geographical region and placed in replicated areas that are as close to their natural habitats as possible.

  • Area: 750 acres
  • Where: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
  • Hours: Daily.10 a.m to 3 p.m.

14 Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari, U.S.
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Roaming zebras in the Lion Country Safari, Florida, United States

Lion Country Safari, one of the largest zoos in the US, is a safari and amusement park spread across 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Florida. It opened in 1967 and is home to over 900 animals from six continents, including lions, ostriches, and zebras. It is a drive-through safari park that offers American families an experience similar to an African game park. It is thought to be the country's first cageless zoo, where animals roam freely, and visitors watch them through a caged safari vehicle. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has accredited the park, and USA Travel Guide has named it one of the top three zoos in the country.

  • Area: 600 acres
  • Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470
  • Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

13 Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City Zoo, United States
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A penguin in the Kansas City Zoo, United States

The Kansas City Zoo is one of the most popular in the USA thanks to its incredible Australian and African sections. Over 1,700 animals call the zoo home and are grouped according to their habitat zone - which are comprised of ecosystems and creatures from all across the globe. Some of the most highly spoken of areas include the orangutan zone and the penguin area, with the latter being where animal fans can observe these funny little birds waddling around on land and gliding through the water.

  • Area: 202 acres
  • Where: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132
  • Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

12 Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles Zoo, U.S.
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Beautiful flamingoes in the Los Angeles Zoo, United States

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens has been open since 1966, and it works hard through its various program to educate the public about animal conservation and care. The zoo cares for over 2,100 different animals, representing 270 species. More than 58 of those species are endangered, and the zoo's mission statement states their desire to create an environment for recreation and discovery, in hopes that through discovery, people develop an appreciation for all wildlife.

There are many things to do when visiting the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, including giraffe feedings, mingling with flamingos, and behind-the-scenes tours where you get to see and appreciate all the work and effort that goes into caring for the animals!

  • Area: 133 acres
  • Where: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
  • Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Related: 10 Zoos From Around The World Worth Planning A Whole Trip For

11 Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens

Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, Columbia
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Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, Columbia, America

Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens is known as South Carolina's favorite spot for families to visit, and there are so many awesome activities to take part in when you are there. Their botanical gardens alone are stunning, and they are recognized as being one of the best botanical gardens in the nation. They even offer a children's garden, where kids can take part in a dinosaur dig! The zoo has over 2,000 animals to see in addition to their beautiful gardens, and the even have day camps for kids, summer night movies at the zoo, and specialized tours around the zoo.

Disney incorporates its magic throughout the park - which is undoubtedly in the ranks of the world's best zoos - with amazing animal displays, live shows that you can attend, and thrilling rides that take you throughout the park, all the while seeing animals up close and personal. They even offer an archaeological experience for kids in The Boneyard, where kids can go and pretend to be archeologists digging for bones.

  • Area: 170 acres
  • Where: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC 29210, USA
  • Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10 Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Florida
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Florida, USA

Disney is known for many things, especially their amazing theme parks throughout the world. These places truly are magical to experience, and Disney's Animal Kingdom is no different. It is by far the largest of all the Disney theme parks and among the biggest zoos in America at over 580 acres, and it is home to a variety of animals and plants.

Disney incorporates its magic throughout the park - which is undoubtedly in the ranks of the world's best zoos - with amazing animal displays, live shows that you can attend, and thrilling rides that take you throughout the park, all the while seeing animals up close and personal. They even offer an archeological experience for kids in The Boneyard, where kids can go and pretend to be archeologists digging for bones.

  • Area: 580 acres
  • Where: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  • Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9 Dallas Zoo

Dallas Zoo, U.S.
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An elephant roaming in the Dallas Zoo, America

Texas's Dallas Zoo was established in 1888, which means it's the oldest zoo in Texas, and moreover, one of the oldest on the planet. The zoo hosts an abundance of rare species, with a consistent increase in the numbers of animals housed within its diverse habitats over the years. Among some of the most noteworthy critters to observe are Malayan tigers, Sumatran tigers, and pandas, whilst an array of environments such as streams and trees provide an oasis for myriads of creatures - including various kinds of monkeys.

  • Area: 106 acres
  • Where: 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203, United States
  • Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m.

8 Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo, U.S.
Photo by Chris Buchanan on Unsplash
A lion relaxing in the Brookfield Zoo, United States

Brookfield Zoo was originally known as Chicago Zoological Park, and it was founded in 1934 on its 216 acres. This zoo is famous for their open-air, unbarred enclosures which provides a much more pleasant habitat for the animals living there. The zoo is home to over 2,300 animals, which includes the black rhinoceros, wombats, kangaroos, ibex, and baboons.

There are wonderful things to see and do at the Brookfield Zoo. They offer incredible dolphin shows at the Seven Seas exhibit. In fact, the Brookfield Zoo was the first zoo to create a dolphinarium. Visitors can also experience three continents at once when they visit Tropic World, a combination of animals from the three major rainforest habitats of Africa, Asia, and South America.

  • Area: 215 acres
  • Where: 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
  • Hours: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7 Smithsonian's National Zoo

A tiger in the Smithsonian's National Zoo
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A tiger relaxing in the Smithsonian's National Zoo, United States

One of the things that is amazing about the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is that it is completely free to enter! There is no admission charge and the zoo is open 364 days every year. As one of the oldest zoos in the United States, the zoo has been in operation since 1889, and it belongs to Smithsonian Institution, the world's biggest research and museum complex.

The zoos primary goal is to educate the public about various animals and proper conservation. So, while the zoo is meant to be an enjoyable, family experience, there is also the underlying goal to promote awareness and education about animals and their needs. This zoo is home to 2,700 animals that represent almost 400 different species.

  • Area: 163 acres
  • Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008
  • Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Hours vary depending on the season)

6 Pittsburgh Zoo

Pittsburgh Zoo, U.S.
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A giant elephant in Pittsburgh Zoo, U.S.

Pittsburgh Zoo in Pennsylvania accommodates thousands of animals, among which include rare species like fascinating Amur leopards, Amur tigers, Komodo dragons and red dragons. Apart from rarely seen creatures, what makes this zoo stand out especially is its interactive exhibits that are always a hit with kids.

There are various different exhibits and activities on offer at the zoo in which children can learn about its critters, and enjoy intimate close encounters with them. In particular, the burrowing animals species exhibit is an enriching experience that allows little ones to admire such species from a close distance.

  • Area: 77 acres
  • Where: 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
  • Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. (Hours vary with season)

5 San Diego Zoo

A giant panda in San Diego Zoo
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A giant panda in San Diego Zoo, U.S.

The San Diego Zoo is a well-known zoo in California, and it is certainly a popular tourist attraction in the area. It is home to 4,000 animals that represent 800 species! What makes the San Diego Zoo so popular is that it has one of the biggest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world, including the giant panda, clouded leopard, and Galápagos tortoise.

They have wonderful upgraded experiences at the zoo that you can choose to do as well, like the early morning cheetah experience, the behind-the-scenes tour, and the sunrise surprise stroll, where visitors can stroll through the zoo with experienced zoo educators before it is open to the public.

  • Area: 100 acres
  • Where: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
  • Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (opening hours vary with season)

4 Bronx Zoo

A beautiful bird in Bronx Zoo, NY, United States
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A beautiful bird in Bronx Zoo, NY, United States

Open since 1899, the Bronx Zoo is the classic urban zoo in the country, sitting on 265 acres of land just a few miles away from Yankee Stadium. With 10,000 animals, more than 700 species, there is lots to see! Due to the size of the zoo, there is a Zoo Shuttle that you can buy tickets for, in order to cover more of the zoo in one day.

There are many free exhibits that are included in your admission to the zoo, including African Plains, Himalayan Highlands, and Tiger Mountain. There are also additional experiences that you can purchase once you are there, and those are the Children's Zoo and the Wild Asia Monorail.

  • Area: 265 acres
  • Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460
  • Hours: April 1 - November 4: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Weekends & Holidays: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; November 5 to March 29: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3 Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo, USA
Image by SeaReeds from Pixabay 
A black bear in the Minnesota Zoo, United States

The Minnesota Zoo was originally called the Minnesota Zoological Garden when it first opened its doors in 1978 and has since changed to Minnesota Zoo. It is home to more than 4,500 animals, and it is the first zoo to have ever arranged its animals based on their ideal environments (rather than by species). The zoo also promotes conservation and awareness through its many educational programs.

Some of the fun activities that people can experience at the zoo include group overnight packages that you can arrange, guided tours with an experienced zookeeper, backstage passes to view the behind-the-scenes action at the zoo, and family zoo adventures that caters to young children and their guardians and provide lots of fun for everyone to do.

  • Area: 485 acres
  • Where: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA
  • Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Ohio
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A Big Cat at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Powell, Ohio, United States

In terms of acreage, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is by far one of the largest zoos in America at 582 acres. This enormous attraction offers visitors an 18-hole golf course, a water park, and an amusement park. There are over 10,000 animals that call this zoo home, representing close to 600 species.

This zoo is also famous for its well-loved zookeeper Jack Hanna, known as "Jungle Jack", who has been on countless television programs over the years promoting animal awareness and conservation and even has his own successful television show. Between the famous zookeeper, tons of attractions, and thousands of animals, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is sure to be a memorable experience!

  • Area: 580 acres
  • Where: 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, US
  • Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Opening hours vary depending on the season)

Related: 10 Things People Do In Zoos That Annoy The Staff

1 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha

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Aquarium tunnel at the Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, US

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium first opened its doors in 1894 as Riverview Park, and since then has remained the top attraction in Nebraska, and has been named one of the best zoos in the world. With over 160 acres of land, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium are home to a variety of animals, with many of them rare and endangered. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium is by far one of the best, and the zoo's infamous Desert Dome provides visitors with a glimpse into a real desert ecosystem under the world's largest geodesic dome.

There are trams that run throughout the zoo to take visitors from one attraction to another. It also offers many wonderful educational programs for visitors to attend, to learn more about the amazing animals that live there.

  • Area: 160 acres
  • Where: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
  • Hours: April 1 - October 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November 1 - March 31:10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Next: These Are The World’s Best Zoos To Visit In 2022