20 of the Best Zoos Around The World

Zoos are the best places to see your favorite animals and learn all about how they live in their natural habitat. Plus, they’re a great outing for families, couples and solo adventurers alike! Zoos can be controversial, but the ones on our list are fan favorites because of not only the opportunities they provide for people to interact with wildlife, but because they are champions of animal conservation and protection.

ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa, Florida is known for their work protecting endangered animals and their David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. The zoo is almost 100 years old and is home to more than 1,300 animals. This is a great place to check out wildlife native to Florida.

St. Louis Zoo

Since 1910, the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri has been welcoming guests free of charge. They have more than 16,000 animals that are right at home in a 1,300-acre forest plus additional habitats. The zoo also has an on-site Endangered Species Research Center and a reproductive program to help support endangered species.

Australia Zoo

Visit the Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Australia where the late Steve Irwin did some of his best work. The park is now more than 50 years old and spans more than 700 acres of land. In addition to the zoo and the lodge, there is an animal hospital and animal rescue center.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

You can visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., for free and explore their 163 acres that feature everything from moles to lions. This zoo is a leader in worldwide conservation efforts and has recently seen the return of its giant pandas, which is reason enough alone to visit!