Zoos are very popular around the world, providing wonder and education to millions of visitors a year. There are over 10,000 of these establishments around the globe, varying in size from small enclosures to the largest in the world. In the United States, there are over 400. We’re going to take a look at the 10 largest zoos in the United States and give you information on the best time to visit each. There are two different ways to rank the size of a zoo — by acreage and by the number of animals that live there. To keep our list cohesive, we will rank the zoos by the number of animals they house. We’ll also include fun facts and additional information about what makes these man-made attractions so important.
10. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Admission to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is always free.
- Animals: Over 2,200
- Species: 400
- Size: 163 acres
- First Opened: 1889
- Most Popular Feature: Rubenstein Family Panda Habitat
- Mission Statement: “We save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge, and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.”
- Fun Fact: The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world.
- Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
9. Riverbanks Zoo
The Riverbanks Botanical Garden displays over 5,700 species of native and non-native plant species.
- Animals: Over 3,000
- Species: 400
- Size: 170 acres
- First Opened: 1974
- Most Popular Feature: Giraffe Overlook
- Mission Statement: “To create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.”
- Fun Fact: The Riverbanks Botanical Garden is on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Location: 500 Wildlife Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29210
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
8. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals.
- Animals: Over 3,000
- Species: Over 600
- Size: 183 acres
- First Opened: 1882
- Most Popular Feature: Susie’s Bear Hollow
- Mission Statement: “To create compelling experiences that connect people with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world.”
- Fun Fact: The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to Terry and Tom, two tortoises over a century old.
- Location: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
- Hours: Hours vary, check the official Cleveland Metroparks Zoo website for seasonal hours.
7. Brookfield Zoo
The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago is home to over 3,400 animals.
- Animals: Over 3,400
- Species: Over 500
- Size: 216 acres
- First Opened: 1934
- Most Popular Feature: James and Elizabeth Branson Tropical Forests
- Mission Statement: “To inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature.”
- Fun Fact: The Brookfield Zoo was the first zoo in the U.S. to exhibit a giant panda. The year was 1937.
- Location: 8400 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513
- Hours: Hours vary, check the official Brookfield Zoo website for seasonal hours.
6. Minnesota Zoo
The penguins are just one of the popular attractions at the Minnesota Zoo.
- Animals: Over 4,400
- Species: 505
- Size: 485 acres
- First Opened: 1978
- Most Popular Feature: Discovery Bay
- Mission Statement: “Connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.”
- Fun Fact: The first captive-born dolphin was born at the Minnesota Zoo.
- Location: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily
5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo opened in 1927.
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- Animals: Over 10,000
- Species: Over 600
- Size: 580 acres
- First Opened: 1927
- Most Popular Feature: The Heart of Africa
- Mission Statement: “To lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.”
- Fun Fact: Wildlife celebrity and zookeeper Jack Hanna was the director from 1978 to 1993.
- Location: 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065
- Hours: Hours vary, check the official Columbus Zoo website for seasonal hours.
4. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is a wildlife oasis in the middle of America’s largest city.
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- Animals: Over 11,000
- Species: Over 700
- Size: 265 acres
- First Opened: 1899
- Most Popular Feature: Congo Gorilla Forest
- Mission Statement: “Connect visitors to wildlife and inspire them to join our conservation work.”
- Fun Fact: The Bronx Zoo established its full-time animal hospital in 1916, the first of its kind.
- Location: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
3. St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo has launched a conservation initiative to help support polar bear research.
©Tinnaporn Sathapornnanont/Shutterstock.com
- Animals: Over 12,000
- Species: Over 500
- Size: 90 acres
- First Opened: 1910
- Most Popular Feature: Penguin and Puffin Coast
- Mission Statement: “To conserve animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.”
- Fun Fact: More than 60 cheetah cubs have been born at the St. Louis Zoo’s Cheetah Breeding Center.
- Location: 1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
- Hours: Hours vary by season, check the official St. Louis Zoo website for current hours.
2. San Diego Zoo
The “Rex’s Roar” statue sits at the entrance to the San Diego Zoo.
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- Animals: Over 12,000
- Species: Over 680
- Size: 100 acres
- First Opened: 1916
- Most Popular Feature: Panda Canyon
- Mission Statement: “Committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.”
- Fun Fact: A Kodiak bear named “Caesar” was one of the first animals at this site.
- Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
- Hours: Hours vary by season, check the official San Diego Zoo website for current hours.
1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Desert Dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome.
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- Animals: 17,000
- Species: 962
- Size: 160 acres
- First Opened: 1894
- Most Popular Feature: Lied Jungle, America’s largest indoor jungle
- Mission Statement: “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 largest glazed geodesic dome.
- Location: 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68107
- Hours: Hours vary by season, check the official Henry Doorly Zoo website for current hours.
