Switzerland The Basel Zoo is one of the major zoos of Central Europe and, thanks to Switzerland’s long-standing policy of neutrality, the least affected by the world wars. It is routinely counted among the top zoos in both Europe and the world, and is one of the most visited tourist sites in Switzerland. Although there are exhibits from all over the world, the focus is on … [Read more...]
SCHONBRUNNER ZOO
Austria The Schonbrunner Zoo in Vienna boasts the distinction of being the world’s oldest zoo. Founded in the mid-18th century on the grounds of the imperial palace, it began as a menagerie, the first such major collection of animals in Europe since Roman times. Thanks to its location at the Schonbrunn Palace, it is a highly prominent and popular facility. It is one of the … [Read more...]
BERLIN ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
Germany The Berlin Zoological Garden is the largest zoo in the world and the most visited zoo in Europe. It may also have one of the most gruesome histories of any zoo in the world thanks to the Second World War. Originally founded using animals donated from the menagerie of the Emperor of Prussia, the zoo as it exists today essentially dates from the second half of the 20th … [Read more...]
CHESTER ZOO
England The Chester Zoo in Cheshire is generally regarded as the top zoo in the British Isles (better than the London Zoo) and one of the finest zoos in Europe. Opened on the relatively late side, Chester was relatively modern from the outset, taking advantage of designs already pioneered in other zoos. It became famous in the years after World War II in which expansions … [Read more...]
SAN DIEGO ZOO
California The San Diego Zoo is arguably the most famous zoo anywhere. An outgrowth of an exhibit from the Panama-California International Exhibition, San Diego was for all intents and purposes the world’s first truly modern zoo. It pioneered the concept of cageless exhibits which has since become the standard at zoos everywhere. The San Diego Zoo has the largest zoological … [Read more...]
AUDUBON ZOO
Louisiana The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans is one of America’s smaller urban zoos, but popular because of the city’s connection to the world famous naturalist John James Audobon. Home to animal exhibits typical of mid-sized zoos, Audubon is famous for one unique habitat ecosystem, the Swamp Exhibit. This is arguably the world’s greatest showcase for wildlife of the … [Read more...]
HENRY DOORLY ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Nebraska The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the largest zoo in the Great Plains and the single most popular tourism attraction in the state of Nebraska. This jewel of a facility, relatively unknown outside of the American heartland, may be the country’s best kept zoological secret. It is home to some of the world’s largest enclosed ecosystems, including an indoor … [Read more...]
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Ohio The Columbus Zoo is one of the top, if lesser known, zoos in the United States. Although overshadowed by giants such as the San Diego Zoo and Bronx Zoo, the Columbus Zoo has been ranked in some surveys as the number one zoo in the United States. This is due in part to its association with world-famous zookeeper Jack Hanna. But it is also larger than most of its rivals, … [Read more...]
NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK
District of Columbia The National Zoological Park, or National Zoo, is a component of the Smithsonian Institution. The oldest zoo in the United States, the National Zoo is usually counted among the top five such urban animal parks in the country. It is also one of the most visited. In addition to the main zoological campus in Washington DC, the Smithsonian also runs a much … [Read more...]
BRONX ZOO
New York The Bronx Zoo is the largest zoo located entirely within a major city anywhere in the world, and has generally been regarded as one of the two top zoos in the United States since its inception. It is also one of the oldest major zoos in America, and one of the most important ecological attractions in the Northeast. Originally built with standard animal housing and … [Read more...]
