Visiting a zoo is a one-of-a-kind experience if you look closer. They not only preserve various species but also educate us about the animals’ habitat, their way of living, food etc. Many zoos across the world attract a large number of tourists and at the same time are a fun place for kids to learn too. They can be compared based on the size of the land or the number of animals they protect and nurture, but the largest zoos in the world shall only be visited to know the reason behind their status. So, find out where to go on your next trip by taking a look at these astonishing galactic zoos and the adorable animals they shelter. These best zoos in the world are giving you a chance to observe and understand nature and wildlife from close proximity.
Top 33 Largest Zoos In The World
Here’s a list of the biggest zoos in the world for the animal lover in you! They give you a chance to witness and admire the greatness of nature. Not just that, you will also have so much exploring the attractions inside these zoos that are meant to give you a whole-world experience. Find some of the best zoos in the world in this listing and visit some of these on your next trip!
- National Zoological Gardens Of Africa – Encircling Natural Habitat
- London Zoo – World’s Oldest Scientific Zoo
- San Diego Zoo – Breed Giant Panda
- The Bronx Zoo – Among The Oldest Metropolitan Zoos
- Henry Doorly Zoo – World’s Largest Indoor Desert
- Columbus Zoo And Aquarium – A Non-Profit Zoo
- Toronto Zoo – Canada’s Largest Zoo
- Moscow Zoo – Among The Oldest European Zoos
- Beijing Zoo – Largest Animal Collection In China
- Berlin Zoological Garden – Germany’s Oldest Zoo
- Dallas Zoo – A Throne Of A Place
- Hogle Zoo – Animals From Diverse Ecosystems
- Como Zoo – Known For Its Architecture
- Philadelphia Zoo – Among The First Zoos In The US
- Oakland Zoo – With A Large Veterinary Hospital
- Chester Zoo – Catch The Rarest Animals
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park – To Educate About Wildlife
- Riverbanks Zoo – Botanical Garden And More
- Los Angeles Zoo – Feed Flamingo And Giraffe
- Saint Louis Zoo – Innovative In Wildlife Conservation
- Jacksonville Zoo – Preserving Fauna And Flora
- Detroit Zoo – A Fauna Extravagance
- Memphis Zoo – For Some Jurassic Adventures
- North Carolina Zoo – For A Wildlife Experience
- National Zoological Park, Delhi – A Powerhouse Of Endangered Animals
- Brookfield Zoo – For The Love Of Dolphins
- Mysore Zoo – A Home For Green Anacondas
- Nehru Zoological Park – Open For Animal Adoption
- Assam State Zoo And Botanical Garden – An Abode For White Tigers
- Indira Gandhi Zoological Park – India’s Third Largest Zoo
- Zoo Miami – Curate A Special Tour
- Nandankanan Zoological Park – Spot Reptiles
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park – India’s Largest Zoo
1. National Zoological Gardens Of Africa – With Natural Habitats
South Africa is known for its rich wildlife and this is a world famous zoo located here. Located in a natural habitat, with a land area of about 210 acres in Pretoria, South Africa, this place is the national zoo of South Africa. Its uniqueness lie in the planning involved in the structure of the zoo. One part comprises mainly of flat lands while the other is a slightly hilly one and these parts are separated by the Apies river flowing through the zoo! Here you get to see the rich wildlife of South Africa. It gets more interesting with the wide range of species housed by the zoo and a total number of animals to be around 9,000. This is one of the most loved largest zoos in the world.
Location: 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Timings: 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Entry Fee: Starting from INR 530 per adult
Tips: Hire an AC van and take a comfortable tour in the zoo
Best time to visit: All year round
Famous For: Largest collections of antelope in the world.
Must Read: 18 Places You Need To Visit For The Best Wildlife Experience In India
2. London Zoo – World’s Oldest Scientific Zoo
London Zoo is not just among the world’s biggest zoos it is the world’s oldest scientific zoo established in 1828, exclusively for scientific research. This zoo is also not far behind in the conservation efforts as the recent program introduced here was that of ‘Tiger SOS’ which intends to raise funds to save the Sumatran Tiger. Opened to general public in 1847, this animal abode accommodates 16,000 animals in just 36 acres of land. This is one of the biggest zoos in the world!
Location: London NW1 4RY, UK
Timings: 10 AM to 5.30 PM
Entry Fee: Starting from INR 2,200 per adult through online booking as charges may vary at the entrance gate
Tips: Check for the website of zoo to know the events and special show timings
Best time to visit: In winters till 4 PM
Famous For: Scientific Zoo; Polar bear, Gorillas,Orangutans, Western lowland gorilla, Giant panda
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3. San Diego Zoo – Breed Giant Panda
Saint Diego Zoo is one of the biggest zoo in the world which is known for its conservation efforts. Located in California, one of the rare zoos to accommodate and breed giant panda, it is believed that San Diego is one of the best and largest zoos in the world. With a total land area of approximately 100 acres, it houses several species and subspecies of animals. This zoo is not only active in preserving and conservational efforts with respect to the wildlife here, but also ensures an open-air exhibit for each animal with an aim to eventually release the animals into the wild in future. You can combine your visit to this zoo with any of your group tour in USA.
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 4000 Approx per adult and INR 3,000 per child for a day
Tips: Take the map of the park and you must arrive early. Wear comfortable shoes!
Best time to visit: When the weather is pleasant especially in the morning when the crowd is less
Famous For: Conservation efforts, Endangered species breeding programs; koalas, hippopotamuses, tigers, giraffes, gorillas
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4. The Bronx Zoo – Among The Oldest Metropolitan Zoos
The Bronx Zoo is one of the world’s largest zoo which is popular for its award winning exhibitions. Get prepared to be amazed at one of the world’s oldest metropolitan zoos located in the New York city. Displaying natural habitats of the animals, this zoo has a total land area of about 265 acres housing around 4000 animals of different species. Being the largest zoo in the USA, Bronx has no shortage of tourists as it receives over 2 million visitors every year and now we know why this place is a must visit for every animal-lover.
Location: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Mon-Fri); 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Sat, Sun)
Entry Fee: INR 1700 per adult and INR 1,000 per child for a day
Tips: You must check that animals are available for viewing or not. Wear sports shoes for a comfortable walk.
Best time to visit: From March 31st to November 3rd when the animals are outside and can be seen.
Famous For: Award-winning exhibitions like Himalayan Highlands, Jungle World, Baboon Reserve
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5. Henry Doorly Zoo – World’s Largest Indoor Desert
Henry Doorly Zoo being one of the world largest zoo is famous for desert dome and indoor deserts. Housing around 17,000 animals and considered to be one of the largest zoos in the world, Henry Doorly Zoo located in Nebraska was originally built in 1864. It is also known to have the largest cat complex in the world and world’s largest indoor desert. One can witness the spectacular glazed geodesic dome here which is also said to be the largest in the world. These unique and extraordinary features make Henry Doorly Zoo one of the most famous zoos in the world.
Location: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, USA
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1,400 for adults and INR 950 per child for a day
Tips: Don’t visit on weekends due to the rush. Carry some snacks with you.
Best time to visit: Open all year round except Christmas day
Famous For: Desert Dome , indoor deserts; Kingdoms of the Night, a nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp; glazed geodesic dome; the Lied Jungle, indoor rainforests
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6. Columbus Zoo And Aquarium – A Non-Profit Zoo
Assigned the status of number 1 zoo in the United States on many occasions, it’s a must visit for the diverse attractions that it offers on its 530 acres of land, besides housing the 7,000 animals. It is yet another zoo with applaudable efforts in conservation and protection of wildlife, raising approximately 3 million for 70 projects. What’s more notable about this place is that it is a non-profit zoo working towards protecting the fauna for good.
Location: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1,000 per adult and INR 700 per child approximately
Tips: Arrive on time as the zoo is big enough and will require a couple of hours.
Best time to visit: From mid-August until mid-May
Famous For: Bear Exhibit; the Surfin Safari, Giraffe Feeding, Discovery Reef Diver; western lowland gorilla, white handed gibbon
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7. Toronto Zoo – Canada’s Largest Zoo
Visit the largest zoo in Canada with a land area of about 710 acres and incredible space to house more than 5000 animals in here. That’s right, the Toronto Zoo, opened in 1974, is a popular attraction amongst tourists of all ages and even has categories for animals belonging to different regions all over the world and the same can be seen from separate levels in the zoo! This is one of the best places to visit in Toronto.
Location: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Timings: 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM (Mon-Fri); 9.30 AM to 6 PM (Sat, Sun)
Entry Fee: Starting from INR 1,700 per adult and INR 1,000 per child for a day
Tips: Avoid parking. Buy something from the gift shop and plan a route for you.
Best time to visit: In the Fall season, mid-day or afternoon is good when it’s not too hot. People must go in the morning hours
Famous For: White-headed vulture, African lion, Ostrich, White rhinoceros, River hippopotamus, African Penguin, Spotted hyena
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8. Moscow Zoo – Among The Oldest European Zoos
Why visit the Moscow Zoo? Well, being one of the oldest zoos in Europe, largest zoo in Russia, and home to 6000 animals, this zoo is an outstanding example of development with time. This is one of the biggest zoos in the world! With a renovation in 1990s, the zoo has extended land area making room for a separate aquarium and a sea lion exhibit. It also has different attractions meant only for kids and has a footbridge connecting the opposite parts of the zoo. For the best experience, plan your visit during summers in Moscow.
Location: Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, 1, Moskva, Russia, 123242
Timings: 7.30 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fee: Varying charges depending upon the day
Tips: Book tickets well in advance. Carry a camera.
Best time to visit: People can visit between 7:30 AM in the morning till 8:00 PM in the evening
Famous For: Bears, large cats, elephants, penguin, giraffes; Dolphin aquarium
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9. Beijing Zoo – Largest Animal Collection In China
This is one of the top zoos in the world. The Beijing Zoo holds a great significance for the Chinese folk and it was founded in 1906 during the rule of Qing dynasty. This zoo houses over 950 species of animals and is known to have the largest collection of animals in China. While six million people come to visit this place every year, one can see rare animals like, Chinese Great Salamander, Giant pandas, and South China Tigers. This place is surely in the top list of awesome things to do in Beijing. This is certainly amongst the world’s largest zoo.
Location: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, DongWuYuan, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100037
Timings: 7.30 AM to 6 PM (Apr-Oct); 7.30 AM to 5 PM (Nov-Mar)
Entry Fee: Starting from INR 200 per adult for a day
Tips: You must surely take time to visit the panda house and aquarium which are the highlights of the zoo.
Best time to visit: To see the pandas the best time is considered after 3 o’clock in the afternoon when they are lazy
Famous For: South China tiger; Golden snub-nosed monkey; Giant panda; Red panda
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10. Berlin Zoological Garden – Germany’s Oldest Zoo
In a mere 86 acres of land, the Berlin Zoological Garden houses a grand number of animals, that is, around 18,662. The zoo’s efforts towards conservation and preservation of wildlife are also commendable as they tie up with universities for the same and raise funds. Being the oldest zoo in Germany, most visited in Europe, and the most popular one worldwide, one has to see it inside out to believe the grand stature it holds. The place is also known to offer the best safaris in Germany!
Location: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
Timings: 9 AM to 6.30 PM
Entry Fee: Starting from INR 1,300 per adult
Tips: You must carry your own food with you.
Best time to visit: From January to December. However, the timing varies for every month.
Famous For: Regular animal feeding; The polar bear, The giant panda
Suggested Read: 17 Best Zoos In India That Every Wildlife Enthusiast Must Add To Their Travel Bucket List
11. Dallas Zoo – A Throne Of A Place
The Dallas Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world with an area of around 106 acres, over 2,100 animals, 406 species and 700 volunteers to guide you. A world in itself, the zoo is very popular among the tourists, locals and considered one of the best places to visit in Dallas. The zoo is 20 years old and hails multiple attractions within including the monorail ride, the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari and the T-Rex Express. There is an animal-themed merry-go-round Carousel that is a major point of interest among the kids. What’s more is that you find shopping and dining facilities inside the zoo.
Location: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, United States
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: INR 800 to 1200
Tips: Feed the animals you will love. Enjoy a meal at picnic ridge.
Best time to visit: In springtime, people can visit and even in April at the time of National Zoo lover’s day.
Famous For: Giraffe feedings; Endangered Species Carousel; Africa Adventure Safari
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12. Hogle Zoo – Animals From Diverse Ecosystems
Found in the state of Utah, Hogle Zoo acquires only 42 acres of land and houses around 800 animals from 249 different species. You will find apes, elephants, giraffes, and tigers in this zoo. If you are planning a visit to Utah then do not forget to explore this place with your family and kids. Indeed, a visit to this zoo would one of the most fascinating things to do in Utah.
Location: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Ranges from INR 1,000 to 1,500
Tips: Do not go on free zoo days as it will be over crowded. Get the show timings before entering.
Best time to visit: From March 1st to October 31st. However, time may vary.
Famous For: Giraffe feeding; Amur tiger, largest big endangered Asian cat, Elephant Encounter exhibit (featuring African elephants and white rhinos)
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13. Como Zoo – Known For Its Architecture
Well-appreciated for its architecture and idea, Como Zoo is among the best things to do in Minnesota. Founded in the year 1897, the zoo houses 1,700 animals in only 17 acres of land. Moreover, you can also admire 66 different species of animals here. They have recently revamped the place and expanded the polar bear and ape sections. The admission to this zoo is free as it is dependent on charitable donations and state funding.
Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Tips: Bring a camera for sure and arrive early to avoid rush.
Best time to visit: From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at any time of the year.
Famous For: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory; Gorilla program; Polar bear program
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14. Philadelphia Zoo – Among The First Zoos In The US
Sprawled in an area of 42 acres, Philadelphia Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world 2023 that is visited by several animal lovers. Established in the year 1874, this zoo is now home to around 2,440 animals of 340 species. If you too are an animal lover and want to explore different species of animals then head to the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania. Visiting this awesome zoo is surely amongst the best things to do in Pennsylvania.
Location: Zoological Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1500 per person
Tips: Visit during off peak hours to get the best experience.
Best time to visit: In early morning hours or visit after 2 o’clock in the afternoon when the rush is minimum.
Famous For: Southern white rhinoceros; Sloth bear; Amur tiger
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15. Oakland Zoo – With A Large Veterinary Hospital
Oakland Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world as it houses animals in their natural habitats. Spread in an area of 100 acres, this zoo hosts around 660 animals. Moreover, they established a 17,000 square foot veterinary hospital which is one of the largest hospitals in Northern California. This place is amongst the largest zoological park in the world. The zoo is located in proximity to the popular trekking trails in Northern California.
Location: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 4.30 PM (Tues-Fri), 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM (Sat-Mon)
Entry Fee: INR 1500 (Children & Senior Citizens), INR 1900 (Adults)
Tips: Carry a stroll with you. Get some snacks to eat as well.
Best time to visit: The week days 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On weekends 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Famous For: Elephant care program; Veterinary hospital
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16. Chester Zoo – Catch The Rarest Animals
The Chester Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world located in Cheshire, England. Spanning an area of 125 acres and inaugurated by the George Mottershead family in 1931, it’s one of the largest in England. In terms of animal count, this is the largest zoo in the world with over 21,000 animals across 500 or more species. You can also find animals on the verge of extinction – the rarest of the rare. Some great things to do include a boat trip on Lazy River, dine at the restaurants, picnic at numerous spots and enjoy a monorail ride.
Location: Chester CH2 1EU, United Kingdom
Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1500 to 1900
Tips: Arrive at least 20 minutes before the zoo opens. It is helpful in parking.
Best time to visit: Winters is the perfect time to visit the zoo
Famous For: George the giraffe; Jubilee the elephant
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17. Smithsonian National Zoological Park – To Educate About Wildlife
Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the United States that acquires an area of 164 acres and houses more than 2,000 animals of 400 separate species. As the aim of this zoo is to promote and educate wildlife conservation among as many people as possible, there is no fees required to explore this zoo. This is amongst the world’s largest zoo. In fact, this is one of the best places to visit in Washington D.C.
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Tips: Don’t use parking as it is quite expensive. Skip the food in the zoo.
Best time to visit: The fall season when the days are cooler and pandas are seen.
Famous For: Exhibits like Birdhouse, Amazonia, Giant Panda Habitat, Asia Trail
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18. Riverbanks Zoo – Botanical Garden And More
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina is quite popular for its enormous collection of wildlife. The zoo also comprises an interesting aquarium and stunning botanical garden offering the best adventurous experiences in Columbia. Riverbanks Zoo is sprawling over 170 acres of land and welcomes nearly 1 million visitors every year. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular largest zoos in the world. Riverbanks Zoo is certainly one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
Location: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, United States
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 3500
Tips: Take a map at the entrance gate. Pets are not permitted in the park.
Best time to visit: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and it’s better to arrive before 11:00 AM
Famous For: Birdhouse; African elephants, gorillas, koalas
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19. Los Angeles Zoo – Feed Flamingo And Giraffe
Los Angeles is quite popular for its zoo known as Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It was inaugurated in the year 1966 and has been welcoming visitors from across the world since its inception. This zoo in Los Angeles is home to nearly 1100 animals of over 250 species.
Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 3200
Tips: You must check the show timings before entering the zoo. Hire zoo shuttle if required.
Best time to visit: Week days are good but on weekends full bird shows and condor play is also organised there.
Famous For: Elephant care demonstrations, Seal demonstrations, Campfire stories; Giraffe feeding, Flamingo Mingle, Safari Shuttle
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20. Saint Louis Zoo – Innovative In Wildlife Conservation
Saint Louis Zoo was officially opened in 1910 with the formation of the Zoological Society Of St. Louis. The zoo was formed with the mission to connect people to animals. It houses over 17,000 animals including several rare and endangered species. A specialty of this zoo is that it uses a variety of innovative methods for wildlife conservation and animal management. Spread across 90 acres, Saint Louse Zoo features vivid animal habitats, animal exhibits, attractions, dining and shopping spaces.
Location: Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Entry is free, though you would be charged for some attractions
Tips: See the penguin and sea lions first if you have less time. Bring an umbrella with you.
Best time to visit: Early morning is great to see the animals along with a visit to Children’s zoo.
Famous For: Penguin & Puffin Coast; Hippo Harbor; Sea Lion Sound
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21. Jacksonville Zoo – Preserving Fauna And Flora
Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens is home to over 2,000 animals, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, warthogs, jaguars, cheetahs, tapirs, howler monkeys, giant otters, fish, and tropical birds. This zoo in Florida is located near River Trout. Spanning an area of about 117 acres, this place envelopes about 1000 plant species too. Jacksonville Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the world and it protects a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Location: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1500 – INR 2050 (Free for children aged 2 or below)
Tips: Don’t carry any packed food as they don’t permit inside the zoo.
Best time to visit: In winters when animals feel more active than in summers
Famous For: Jaguars; Wild Florida exhibit, Land of the Tiger exhibit, Trout River dock
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22. Detroit Zoo – A Fauna Extravagance
Get ready to have face-to-face encounters with some of the most exotic animals and enjoy a great time at the massive 125 acre Detroit Zoo. The zoo is located 2 miles north of the Detroit city in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, Michigan and is one of the largest zoos in the world. Expect to find over 2,000 animals ranging from 230 or above species including penguins, zebra, aardvarks and much more. Exploring this might be one of the best things to do in Detroit, as your scope for exploration does not stop with animal viewing. Some attractions that you can tend to while exploring the zoo are the Rackham Fountain, the simulator ride, carousel ride and a 4D theater.
Location: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: INR 700 to 1500
Tips: Pack some snacks along with sunscreen and cover your head with hats to protect from peacocks.
Best time to visit: Mid October to April when the weather is pleasant.
Famous For: Arctic Ring of Life; Great Apes of Harambee; Penguinarium and Butterfly Garden
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23. Memphis Zoo – For Some Jurassic Adventures
Memphis Zoo in the United States was established in April 1906. There are more than 4,500 animals belonging over 500 different species. African Veldt, Cat Country, and Dragon’s Lair are some of the zones at the park. Some of the animals that you would find here are African Elephant, Bongo, Zebra, Grant’s Gazelle, Southern White Rhino. Give a kick start to your wonderful vacation by visiting one of the biggest zoos in the world. The park hosts several activities and events for the visitors. There are some special Jurassic adventures too.
Location: 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112, United States
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 900 – INR 1300
Tips: You must check the website to see what’s special for that day. Must visit with family.
Best time to visit: Month of December when the weather is cooler
Famous For: Giraffes; Elephants; Rhinos
Suggested Read: 5 Stunning Places To Visit Near Singapore Zoo For Unlimited Fun
24. North Carolina Zoo – For A Wildlife Experience
Sprawled across an area of 5.548 km², North Carolina Zoo is situated in North Carolina and is considered the biggest zoo in North America. Therefore, exploring this zoo at its best usually takes more than a day. It is one of the largest zoos in the world. This zoo is home to more than 1800 diverse animals. Some of the common animals that can be spotted here are addra gazelle, African elephant, African lion, Arctic fox, American alligator, beaded lizard, blue-tongued skink, black bear, bongo, chimpanzee.
Location: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, United States
Timings: April to October: 9 AM – 5 PM, November to March: 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: INR 800 – INR 1121
Tips: Plan to arrive early on holidays.
Famous For: Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden; Acacia Station Giraffe Deck; Endangered Species Carousel
Best time to visit: April to May
25. National Zoological Park, Delhi – A Powerhouse Of Endangered Animals
National Zoological Park in Delhi covers an area of 176 acres and is home to more than 1350 animals. Some of the endangered and vulnerable species such as royal Bengal tiger and one horned Indian rhinoceros can be spotted here. The zoo has beautiful pathways to facilitate long walks. Note that the option of exploring the park in a battery operated vehicle is also available.
Location: Mathura Rd, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 1st April to 15th October: 9AM to 4:30PM, 16th October to 31st March: 9:30AM to 4PM
Entry Fee: Indian Citizens: INR 20 – INR 40, Foreign Nationals: INR 100 – INR 200
Tips: Ensure that you have enough energy to cover fairly long areas
Famous For: Runs conservation breeding programs for endangered animals
Best time to visit: Winters
26. Brookfield Zoo – For The Love Of Dolphins
Also known as Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo is a zoo situated in Chicago. It covers an area of approximately 216 acres that is home to more than 450 species of animals. This zoo in Chicago has bagged many firsts as the first zoo to import giant pandas in the US. It truly is an interesting place to visit for a fun-filled experience. Moreover, it is a perfect place to visit for dolphin lovers.
Location: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, United States
Timings: Time varies for different months and days
Entry Fee: INR 1342 – INR 1865.4
Tips: Avoid weekends if you do not like crowd
Famous For: Indoor dolphin exhibits; Butterflies gallery
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
27. Mysore Zoo – A Home For Green Anacondas
Also known by the name of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore Zoo is situated at a distance of approximately 4.1 km from Mysore. This zoo is spread over an area of 157 acres. It is governed by the Department of Parks and Gardens of Mysore. Some of the animals spotted here include elephants, giraffes, zebras, white rhinoceroses, etc. Note that both the options of exploring the zoo by foot or through a vehicle operated by battery are available.
Location: Zoo Main Road, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
Timings: 8:30AM – 5:30PM
Entry Fee: Normal Rates: INR 40 – INR 80, Saturday / Sunday /Govt Holidays: INR 50 – INR 100
Tips: If you arrive early in morning hours, you will get to see birds and reptiles.
Famous For: Animal adoption program; Artificial lake; Green anacondas
Best time to visit: To see most of the animals visit before 11.00 AM or after 3.00 PM
28. Nehru Zoological Park – Open For Animal Adoption
Covering an area of 380.5 acres, Nehru Zoological Park is one of the best destinations to visit in Hyderabad for nature lovers. This zoo accommodates a total of 1100 animals of 100 diverse species. One of the unique features of this zoo is that it has an artificial day-night reversal system that allows visitors to witness animals in their nocturnal habitat.
Location: NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Weekday: INR 30 – INR 50, Weekends/Holidays: INR 40 – INR 60
Tips: You can carry food but don’t carry plastic bags inside
Famous For: Nocturnal house; Butterfly park; Tortoise park, Dino park
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
29. Assam State Zoo And Botanical Garden – An Abode For White Tigers
Assam State Zoo And Botanical Garden can be termed as one of the largest zoos in the world that is situated in the North eastern region of India. It was established in 1958. It covers an area of approximately 432 acres and receives an annual footfall of more than 4 lakhs travelers. One of the highlights of visiting this zoo is white tigers.
Location: RG Baruah Rd, Ambikagirinagar, Guwahati, Assam 781005
Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Friday)
Entry Fee: Indian: INR 10 – INR 30, Foreign Nationals: INR 30 – INR 100
Tips: Avoid days with high temperatures and heavy rains
Famous For: Aviary; Nocturnal house
Best time to visit: September and March (winter season)
30. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park – India’s Third Largest Zoo
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park may not make its name in the list of world’s biggest zoos but it is the third largest zoo in India. It was established in 1977. The zoo accommodates approximately 850 animals. It is also a great place to spot Royal Bengal tigers, Indian Grey Wolf, Sarus Crane, etc.
Location: Near Dairy Farm, Yendada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: INR 10 – INR 20
Tips: Must carry your camera to capture amazing shots of animals and surrounding
Famous For: Budgerigar; Macaw; Ostrich; Barking deer
Best time to visit: Winter
31. Zoo Miami – Curate A Special Tour
Also known as Miami Dade Zoological Park, Zoo Miami is home to more than 3,000 animals. It covers an area of approximately 750 acres. It is some of the largest zoos in the world. Apart from spotting amazing animals, one can also partake in several informational activities such as feedings, rides, etc., or can arrange a special tour. Moreover, there is also an online zoo shop to get amazing stuff.
Location: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, United States
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 1416.8 – INR 1715.8
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes
Famous For: Animal feeding; Kids Zones
Best time to visit: Morning
32. Nandankanan Zoological Park – Spot Reptiles
Situated close to Kanjia lake, Nandankanan Zoological Park is a beautiful place to visit for animal lovers in Odisha. This zoo is a part of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is situated at a distance of approximately 11.8 km from Bhubaneswar. It covers an area of 1080 acres. Reptile park, zoo museum, and nocturnal animal house are some of the highlights of this zoo.
Location: Nandankanan Rd, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005
Timings: April to September: 07:30 AM – 5:30 PM, October to March: 08:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Indian: INR 10 – INR 50, Foreign National: INR 100
Tips: Opt to go on a boat ride
Famous For: White Tiger Safari; Kanija Lake Boating; Reptile Park
Best time to visit: July to October
33. Arignar Anna Zoological Park – India’s Largest Zoo
Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one best zoos in India. Also known as Vandalur Zoo, Arignar Anna Zoological Park is spread over an area of around 1,265 acres. It was established in the year 1855. It accommodates around 2700 animals that are of 171 different species. The zoo also hosts an animal rehabilitation center that provides shelter to abandoned animals. It is the largest zoo in India and is also one of the world’s biggest zoos.
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: 30 INR (adults); 10 INR (children); INR 25 (camera fee)
Tips: Make sure you keep yourself hydrated while taking a strol
Famous For: Forest museum; Lion and deer safari; Animal rehabilitation center; Butterfly Park
Best time to visit: January, February, November, and December
Suggested Read: 5 Best Zoos In Canberra To Witness The Charming Wildlife Of This Enchanting City
Tips For Visiting Zoos
Here are a few tips to visit the zoos and also keep necessary things in mind:
- Respect the boundaries and never enter the animal’s enclosure. This can put both you and animals in great danger.
- Never feed animals anything. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited until done under supervision during a feeding activity arranged by the zoo itself.
- Do not litter around the premises and dispose of waste in the dustbin.
- Do not play music inside a zoo. It can create problems both for the visitors as well as the animals.
- Do not destroy the natural habitat by any means.
- Do not carry a food item or eat a food item out in the open.
- It goes without saying smoking is strictly prohibited.
- Go through the websites of the respective zoos to learn more about their specific rules and regulations.
- Carrying sharp objects or fire arms is strictly prohibited.
- Never tease animals and do not tamper the cages or glass walls.
Further Read: 12 Most Luxurious Villas in USA For Your Next Family Vacation
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Frequently Asked Questions About World’s Largest Zoos
Is the Bronx Zoo the largest zoo in the world?
Bronx Zoo is acknowledged as the biggest metropolitan zoo in New York city in the United States. Exploring this zoo will truly amaze you where the natural habitats of the animals will be displayed. The zoo has 4000 different species of animals.
Which country has the oldest operating zoo?
Austria has the oldest operating zoo named Vienna Zoo. The best time to visit the zoo is between October and December from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The zoo is almost 17 hectares when considered area wise.
Which country has the most zoos?
There are more than 2400 Zoos in the United States which makes it the one of the maximum zoos in the world. San Diego Zoo is one of the famous zoos in the world where there are more than 800 species and over 4000 animals
Which is the largest zoo in India?
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is considered as the largest zoo in India having more than 2,500 species of flora and fauna. The Zoo is also known as Vandalur Zoo which is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and is considered as the first public zoo in India.
Which is the biggest zoo in Europe?
Zoologischer Garten Berlin is the biggest zoo in Europe. The Zoologischer Garten Berlin covers an area of 160 acres thereby making it one of the largest zoos in Europe.
Where is the largest private zoo in the world?
Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska is considered as the largest private zoo across the world. World’s largest private zoo is populated with many species of exotic wild animals which roams over the hills considering it as their own native land.
Name the largest zoo in Asia?
Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai is acknowledged as being the largest zoo in Asia. The Zoo is also known as Vandalur Zoo which is situated in Tamil Nadu and is considered as the first public zoo in India.
How many zoos are there in the world?
There are approx. 10,000 zoos across the globe. If you are planning to travel then avail an opportunity to visit one of the 10,000 zoos existing around the world.
Where is the largest zoo in the United States?
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the largest zoo in the United States. It is located in Ohio and was opened in 1927. The zoo houses more than 7000 animals of 800 different species. The zoo even organizes summer camps for children to teach them all about animals. You will enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
What is the smallest zoo in the world?
Charles Paddock Zoo in California is probably the smallest zoo in the world. It is located on a 5-acre community and home to a male Malayan tiger named Menderu.
What is a natural habitat zoo?
Natural habitat zoos are suburban zoos that have thousands of animals and are divided by land immersions in their natural habitat. Pandas stay in the region of bamboo forests whereas reindeer stay in the tundra region.
Which is the largest zoo in Australia?
If you are looking for the largest zoo in Australia then you must visit the Australia Zoo. The Australian zoo is famous for safeguarding some of the world’s most endangered species which is located in Brisbane, Queensland.
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