List of Top 10 Best Zoos In The World

The best time to visit this zoo is during the autumn shoulder season, from March to May. Here, you can explore endangered species native to New Zealand, including Sumatran tigers and the diminutive sun bear. The 32-acre compound is also home to delightful creatures such as lemurs, meerkats, and lions. For more insights, attend zookeeper talks covering everything from kiwis to chimpanzees.

A visit between April and October offers the chance to shop in the pedestrian marketplace and dine at sunny sidewalk cafés. Home to over 5,000 animals from 460 different species, this zoo houses Canadian natives like moose, wood bison, and grizzlies. For added fun, book a camel ride or pet a stingray. If the weather turns, head to the indoor enclosures to meet nimble spider monkeys.

Named the World's Best Zoo in 2014, this establishment also contends for USA Today's 10Best and Best Zoo Exhibit. Take in the African Grasslands exhibit from the aerial Skylift or explore sprawling gardens and habitat exhibits. Visit the Susan and Scott Aquarium to see sea turtles and sharks circling overhead. Be sure to check out the Antarctica and Desert Dome exhibits, and delight in the colourful fish and coral reefs of the Amazon.

The Pretoria Zoo, the largest in the country, enjoys high acclaim globally. Its African Savannah watering hole lets you view cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and elephants in their natural habitat. Consider supporting the zoo's conservation efforts by adopting an animal through their "Adopt a Wild Child" program, which helps protect endangered species.

The San Diego Zoo is a renowned institution that offers an immersive experience for visitors. Home to over 3,700 animals from more than 650 species, it focuses on conservation and education. You can explore diverse exhibits, such as the Monkey Trails, Panda Trek, and Elephant Odyssey, offering insights into various ecosystems and their inhabitants. Don't miss the innovative Skyfari aerial tram, which provides a bird's eye view of the zoo's sprawling grounds.

Situated in the heart of New York City, the Bronx Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the United States. With over 6,000 animals spread across 265 acres, this zoo emphasizes conservation and education, particularly for endangered species. Highlights include the Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, and the Madagascar exhibit, where visitors can witness unique wildlife in carefully recreated environments. Additionally, the zoo’s numerous interactive exhibits offer memorable encounters for all ages.

Founded in 1906, the Beijing Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. It houses more than 450 species and 14,500 animals, including many native to China, such as the giant panda. The zoo's gardens offer serene landscapes, featuring traditional Chinese architecture, including pavilions and temples, enhancing the visitor experience. Check out the Big Cat House, which is home to leopards, tigers, and lions, or visit the Rare Animal House, which showcases pandas, red pandas, and the elusive snow leopard.

Dating back to 1752, this stunning zoo is at its most spectacular from April to October. The summer months, particularly June through August, are the busiest. For five consecutive years, this remarkable zoo has been honoured as Europe's best. Here, you'll find critically endangered giraffes, orangutans, and African elephants, along with a charming pair of giant pandas and their adorable cubs that are sure to steal your heart.

Nestled in the lush Mandai rainforest, the Singapore Zoo offers a vibrant wildlife conservatory experience. This zoo is home to a successful endangered species breeding program, and its walk-through exhibits allow for interactive encounters. Be sure to explore the Fragile Forest, where you can intimately connect with flying foxes and mouse deer.

This free-admission zoo spent two years on USA Today's 10Best list, and it's easy to see why. Home to over 16,000 animals, including many rare and endangered species, the zoo focuses on conservation, research, and education. Visit the Wild Zone to interact with ornery orangutans, grumpy grizzly bears, muscle-bound gorillas, and prancing penguins. Families can enjoy the children's zoo, conservation carousel, and stingray exhibit at Caribbean Cove.