The Biggest Zoo in the U.S. (Plus 7 Other Gigantic Zoos)

Talon Homer

8 November 2024 at 10:30 am·5-min read

Zoos in the United States are home to some of the largest and most impressive collections of wild animals in the world. They serve the dual purpose of letting kids and adults view the animals while also helping protect endangered species and educating the public on wildlife conservation efforts.

Here, we'll look at the biggest zoo in the U.S., as well as some impressive selections that almost made the top rank.

For the purposes of this piece, we are ranking the largest zoos based on the number of viewable animal species in their collection, rather than another metric like the total land area of the zoo or the number of individual animal specimen. Where there were ties in species count, we subsequently ranked by acreage.

1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska (962 Species)

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo features the largest collection of animals in the country by far, with 962 species listed as living here across 160 acres (65 hectares)) of land.

It's also home to the Omaha Desert Dome, the world's largest indoor desert. This 84,000 square foot biodome keeps a dry, balmy environment for many of the world's desert-dwelling plant and animal species.

Located directly underneath the desert dome is also one of the world's largest nocturnal animal exhibits, where patrons can step into the shadows and see night-crawling animals become active in their own simulated habitats.

3. The Bronx Zoo, New York (700 Species)

The Bronx Zoo is one of four zoos located inside NYC, including the Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo. However, the Bronx is the largest and arguably most impressive, dedicated to animal care of about 700 species. It's also one of the oldest zoos still active, first opening its gates in 1899.

The main attraction of this 265-acre (107-hectare) zoo is the most extensive gorilla habitat in the country, known as the Congo Gorilla Forest. The exhibit includes dozens of other plant and animal species that gorillas would coexist within their natural environment.

It is also home to the largest botanical garden in the country.

2. San Diego Zoo, California (700 Species)

This world-famous zoo is dedicated to animal welfare for 700 species in a 100-acre (40-hectare) area, along with over 14,000 individual animals in their care. The San Diego Zoo is one of the few places in the country where giant pandas are exhibited, and many of its most exotic species can be viewed online through live webcam feeds.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is also a short drive away, allowing patrons to tour the simulated environments of many savanna species up-close, including African lions.

4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio (600 Species)

Ohio's capital is home to over 600 animal species over a massive 580 acres (235 hectares) of land, including grizzly bears and Amur tigers (aka Siberian tigers).

The aquarium section also features river otters and many notable seal and shark species, and the "Heart of Africa" exhibit is a 43-acre (17-hectare) stretch of simulated African Savanna in the middle of the park.

While you're in Ohio, you can also drive a couple hours south to see the Cincinnati Zoo, famous for its hippopotamus exhibit and red pandas.

5. The Minnesota Zoo (585 Species)

The Minnesota Zoo is in Apple Valley, due south of Minneapolis and right next to the Mall of America. Minnesota manages the animal health of 585 species on 485 acres (196 hectares) of land, including one of the only captive American bison exhibits.

This zoo also features Discovery Bay, one of the largest aquariums in the country, with dozens of global shark and manta ray species to gawk at through the glass.

6. Zoo Miami, Florida (400 Species)

Zoo Miami is the only native tropical zoo in the United States, located right off the Everglades, and features 400 animal species. It also boasts 750 acres (304 hectares) of land area, making it one of the largest zoos in the country by sheer size as well.

The tropical environment makes this zoo perfect for hosting an Amazon rainforest exhibit including jaguars, crocodiles and many Amazonian snake species.

7. Riverbanks Zoo, South Carolina (400 Species)

The Riverbanks Zoo is nestled in South Carolina's capital of Columbia, featuring 400 animal species and around 3,000 individual specimens on its 170-acre (69-hectare) property.

Riverbanks is also home to a massive 70-acre (28-hectare) botanical garden which hosts a diverse array of flowering plant life and helps further conservation initiatives for local pollinator insects like bees and butterflies.

8. Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. (400 Species)

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is located just north of the National Mall and White House, making it a perfect stop for visitors.

The nation's capital hosts over 400 animal species on 163 acres (66-hectare) of land. Like many other Smithsonian installations, admission is also completely free! The zoo expects to open up a brand new giant panda enclosure by the end of 2024.

Now That's Huge

The largest zoo in the country by sheer land area is the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina. Its 1,700 animal specimens are spread out over a massive 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares) of land, giving large megafauna species like lions and elephants plenty of room to breathe. The highest-elevation zoo in the U.S. is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado, and the largest zoo with free admission is the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.

Original article: The Biggest Zoo in the U.S. (Plus 7 Other Gigantic Zoos)

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