Top 10 Ranked Zoos in the Nation
10. Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA
Audubon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and spans 58 acres in New Orleans, Louisiana. Situated in Uptown New Orleans, the name honors artist and naturalist John James Audubon. It opened its doors in 1914 but has been home to animal exhibits since the 1884 World’s Fair.
9. St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, MO
The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair is credited with the official opening of this site in 1910. The 90-acre space houses around 18,700 animals. Expansions began in 1921 with the Bear Pits, followed by various improvements to enhance animal care and the visitor experience.
8. The Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, OH
Located in the Avondale neighborhood, this is the second-oldest zoo in the United States. Founded in 1873 and officially opening in 1875, it now spans 75 acres and features 1,896 animals across 500 species. Before its creation, the grounds were used to control caterpillars by acquiring insect-eating birds.
7. San Diego Zoo in San Diego, CA
Housing over 12,000 animals, the San Diego Zoo sees 4 million visitors annually. It opened in 1916 after the exotic animal exhibition, formerly in its place, was abandoned in 1915. Covering 100 acres in Balboa Park, it is the most visited of its kind in the United States.
6. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, AL
Originally named Zooland Animal Park, it opened its doors in 1989 as a non-profit organization with 300 animals spread across 25 acres. The site features a reptile house, a petting area, and animal shows.
5. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in Denver, CO
This 80-acre campus is home to over 2,500 animals. Its mission is to provide the community with “intimate, inspiring, and informative first-hand encounters with the wonders of nature.” The organization operates as a non-profit, supported by memberships, park visits, and donations.
4. Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, IL
Opening in 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, Brookfield’s mission is to inspire people to protect wildlife and ecosystems. It was the first in the United States to house a panda, TSu-lin, and saw the first black rhino born in captivity.
3. San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, TX
Located in Brackenridge Park, this 57-acre site is home to over 750 species. Opening in 1914, it welcomes around 1 million visitors annually. Originally part of the Brackenridge Park and Golf Course, it once held bison, deer, monkeys, African lions, and bears.
2. Memphis Zoo in Memphis, TN
Located in Midtown Memphis, this site opened in 1906 and now houses 3,500 animals on 76 acres. It was established with $1,200 from the Memphis Park Commission, with the first building completed in 1907. Today, over $77 million has been invested in renovations and expansions.
1. North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC
Ranked the “Best Zoo” in the nation, this facility in Asheboro, North Carolina, houses 1,700 animals on 2,600 acres. It is one of only two state-supported zoos in the United States and is the world’s largest natural habitat site. It is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas, welcoming around 1 million visitors annually (as of 2023).
Click here to read more about North Carolina’s ‘Best Zoo’ title.