30+ Best Zoos in the World Right Now
Did you know that there are over 10,000 zoos in the world? From aquariums to safaris and bird parks, there are so many zoos for you to explore. But which is the best zoo in the world right now? Though we have a list of best zoos in America, there are several zoological parks around the world that you just cannot miss.
We’ve narrowed down your options to 30 of the best on this list. Continue reading to find out about the top-ranking zoos this year.
Best Zoos to Visit in 2022
Here is the breakdown of the best zoos in the world right now:
1. San Diego Zoo
Photo by Charles Koh on Unsplash
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM (Late Summer & Early Fall); 9 AM to 5 PM (Late Fall & Winter)
Sunny California’s San Diego Zoo reigns supreme in our zoo rankings this year. It’s currently the number one zoo in the US, and many people would agree that it is the best zoo in the world right now.
But why is the San Diego Zoo so famous? As one of the largest zoos in America, it has a sprawling 100-acre land that houses a great selection of flora and fauna (3,500 specimens to be exact!). Have tons of fun exploring the lush greenery of its natural-looking tropical terrain. And on top of everything, the zoo also supports wildlife conservation efforts and has breeding programs for endangered species! No wonder it’s the top zoo based on annual attendance!
Do take note that San Diego Zoo should not be mistaken for San Diego Safari Park. Both are idyllic destinations for a wildlife adventure, but the latter is situated further away from downtown San Diego. Regardless, a visit to either one is surely among the best things to do in San Diego!
Top attraction to catch: Take guided bus tours or interactive programs hosted by zoo experts and check out Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, the park’s polar bear exhibit.
2. Singapore Zoo
Photo by Mandai Wildlife Reserve on Facebook
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Singapore Zoo takes the second spot on our list of top zoos in the world. Taking a trip to this 64-acre rainforest park is one of the best things to do in Singapore because you’ll get to see 300 species of animals here. Singapore Zoo has everything from the ferocious cats of the Wild Africa exhibit to the chameleons of the RepTopia exhibit. Though small, the Singapore Zoo also has a Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. And in 2021, the Singapore Zoo (River Safari) also welcomed its very first baby panda cub, Lele, and snaking queues to see the adorable cub has been growing ever since.
Top attractions to catch: Explore the zoo’s Wild Africa, Fragile Forest, RepTopia, River Safari, and Splash Safari exhibits.
3. Bronx Zoo
Photo by the Bronx Zoo on Facebook
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460, United States
Hours: Opens at 10 AM, closing time varies
The East Coast is home to one of the top-rated zoos in America: the Bronx Zoo. This park also happens to be one of the largest zoos in the US because it spans 256 acres of land, housing nearly 10,000 animals. Take young ones to see a kaleidoscope of butterflies at their seasonal Butterfly Garden, or have them interact with gentle creatures at the best children’s zoo in the world. From feeding penguins and sea lions to riding the zoo’s Treetop Adventure zipline, there are plenty of activities to do at the best zoo in New York.
Top attractions to catch: Kids will enjoy the park’s Children’s Zoo, and visitors of all ages can check out the zoo’s Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Butterfly Garden, Jungleworld, and Tiger Mountain exhibits.
4. Berlin Zoo
Photo by Raimon Beuker on Pixabay
Address: Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
Hours: Opens at 9 AM, closing time varies
Germany is the country with the most zoological parks, and it’s home to Berlin Zoo, the best zoo in Europe right now. Also known as Zoologischer Garten Berlin in the German native tongue, this 400-acre park is able to accommodate 18,600 animals without sacrificing the creatures’ quality of life. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best zoos in the world for the conservation of giant pandas, polar bears, and other vulnerable wildlife.
Top attractions to catch: Check out the zoo’s Empire of Cats, Panda Garden, and The Romantic Heart of the Zoo exhibits.
5. Schonbrunn Zoo
Photo by Franzpix on Pixabay
Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria
Hours: Opens at 9 AM, closing time varies
The Vienna Zoo at the Schonbrunn Palace is a landmark in Austria that has stood the test of time. First opening its doors to the public in 1752, Schonbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world. It’s a good zoo to visit for a historic encounter with up to 700 species of elegant animals in action. You can also join themed tours or witness the zoo’s operations from behind the scenes with special tickets.
Top attractions to catch: Stroll along the zoo to witness giant pandas, penguins, monkeys, and other animals, or customize a special tour for a group of people.
6. Beijing Zoo
Hat Trick on Unsplash
Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, DongWuYuan, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100037
Hours: 7:30 AM to 6 PM (April to October); 7:30 AM to 5 PM (November to March)
Visiting this world-famous zoo is one of the best things to do in Beijing, China. Much like the rest of the parks on this list, Beijing Zoo is home to thousands of animals that belong to different species. However, its collection of endemic animals is truly the zoo’s claim to fame. Giant pandas, red pandas, and endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys from the region of China and the Himalayas are some of the most enthralling attractions there.
Top attractions to catch: See the world-famous Panda Hall, a Chinese garden-inspired exhibit that houses giant pandas.
7. Henry Doorly Zoo
Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash
Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, United States
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to October); 10 AM to 4 PM (November to March)
While Henry Doorly Zoo is not the biggest or largest zoo in the world, a visit to this popular Omaha zoo guarantees encounters with up to 17,000 animals. Also a frontrunner in wildlife conservation efforts, this park is a good destination to consider if you’re on the prowl for the best zoo in the world for animal welfare.
Top attractions to catch: Ride the Skyfari chairlift over the zoo’s vegetation and check out the zoo’s exhibits on polar, desert, and marine wildlife.
8. Loro Parque
Photo by Marcel Von Au on Unsplash
Address: Av. Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Also widely recognized as one of the best zoo enclosures in the world, Loro Parque has been a beloved destination for animal lovers in Europe since 1972. Although it was originally built as a sanctuary for parrots, it has since been developed to accommodate gorillas and other mammals, as well as marine animals like dolphins! So spend a weekend in Tenerife during the best time to visit Spain and experience the best that this Canary Island gem has to offer.
Top attractions to catch: Besides exploring the parrot museum and live show, the zoo’s marine exhibits on orcas, sea lions, and dolphins are also popular.
9. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Photo from National Zoological Garden, Pretoria’s official website
Address: 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5:30 PM
With a total area of 200 acres, South Africa’s National Zoological Park is also among the biggest zoos in the world. The other name for it is Pretoria Zoo, pertaining to the place where the park is located. What’s unique about this park is that you can visit the zoo at night to see nocturnal animals in their prime state by joining the Sunset Safari tour. Furthermore, you can even pitch tents and spend the night there at the Zoo Camp! So pack your bags and ready guide to visiting South Africa.
Top attractions to catch: Tour the park in the morning to see African penguins and Savannah elephants, or join the Sunset Safari for a memorable night at the zoo.
10. Taronga Zoo
Photo by Enrico Carcasci on Unsplash
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM (June 1 to August 31); 9:30 AM to 5 PM (September 1 to May 31)
We can’t decide on the best zoo in the world without taking into consideration an entry from Down Under! Australia is, after all, home to hundreds of animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And in recent years, Taronga Zoo in New South Wales has been the continent’s top contender. Get a chance to witness exotic animals like the endangered Southern Corroboree Frog up-close and personal with a visit to this zoo.
Top attractions to catch: Get up close to koalas, kangaroos, and other animals endemic to Australia, or enjoy the scenic view of the zoo from the zoo’s Skyfari cable cars.
11. Chester Zoo
Photo by Garethdoc on Pixabay
Address: Moston Rd, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU, United Kingdom
Hours: Opens at 10 AM, closing time varies
The best zoo from across the pond is Chester Zoo, located in England’s Cheshire county. With a whopping 35,000 specimen count, a day spent at this park will surely be eventful. Rhinos and elephants are the stars of Chester Zoo, but you can also have fun checking out the zoo’s collection of exotic animals like golden-headed lion tamarins endemic to Brazil!
Top attractions to catch: Marvel at the zoo’s butterfly exhibit and check out exhibits showcasing endangered animals like Asian elephants, Asiatic lions, and Rothschild’s giraffes.
12. London Zoo
Photo by Claire_J_ on Pixabay
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM (November 1 to February 11); 10 AM to 5 PM (February 12 to March 26); 10 AM to 6 PM (March 27 to September 4)
There’s another zoo that you cannot miss during a trip to the UK: the London Zoo. As indicated in its name, this park is conveniently located in London, arguably the best city to visit in England. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the zoo’s spectacular collection of Asiatic lions, lemurs, gorillas, and squirrel monkeys.
Best attractions to catch: Join the zoo’s penguin and gorilla feeding events or have an intimate experience with monkeys, meerkats, and penguins up close!
13. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Photo by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Facebook
Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, United States
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (October to December, & March), 10 AM to 4 PM (January & February); 9 AM to 5 PM (April, May, & September); 9 AM to 6 PM (July & August)
You don’t have to leave the country if you want to have the best zoo experience. For starters, we have Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, another great destination for wildlife encounters on the East Coast. It hosts approximately 11,000 animals from all over the world, from the giraffes of Africa to the Tasmanian devils of Australia. All things considered, there are plenty of exhibits to look forward to in this park!
Best attractions to catch: See the zoo’s exhibits on bears, Tasmanian devils, and manatees.
14. Edinburgh Zoo
Photo by Edinburgh Zoo on Facebook
Address: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (April to September); 10 AM to 5 PM (October & March); 10 AM to 4 PM (November to February)
Dropping by Edinburgh Zoo is one of the best things you can do in Edinburgh, Scotland. Because even though it’s rather small compared to the other top-ranking places on this list, it’s the best zoo in the world to visit if you want to see giant pandas and koalas in the United Kingdom. In addition, Edinburgh Zoo’s Sumatran tiger and gentoo penguins are also crowd favorites.
Best attractions to catch: Get to see the zoo’s famous Sumatran tiger, gentoo penguins, as well as UK’s only giant pandas and koalas.
15. Brookfield Zoo
Photo by Chris Buchanan on Unsplash
Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, United States
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Hop on Chicago’s public transportation system and get off at our next pick for the best zoo in the world: Brookfield Zoo, also known as Chicago Zoological Park. Even though it’s most famous for its big cat exhibit where visitors can spot African lions and tigers roaming about, you’ll also enjoy mingling with the prettiest animals that don’t pose much danger – such as reindeer, llamas, and alpacas.
Top attractions to catch: Observe ferocious cats from a safe distance or try your hand at petting or feeding gentler animals like alpacas, llamas, and goats.
16. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Photo by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on Facebook
Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (January 10 to November 17); 10 AM to 9 PM (November 18 to January 8)
Apart from its thriving horticulture, Cincinnati Zoo is known for being home to several notable animals. First, this was where the last known passenger pigeon named Martha, as well as the last known living Carolina parakeet, Incas, were kept until their last days. But the most well-known of all of their animals has got to be Fiona the Hippo, prematurely born in 2017 and nursed to good health by the zookeepers themselves. On the whole, we recommend adding this zoo to your list of top things to do in Cincinnati.
Top attractions to catch: Besides visiting Fiona the world-famous hippo, you can also take part in the zoo’s monthly events and see animals ranging from gentle manatees to fierce Mexican wolves.
17. Central Park Zoo
Photo by Central Park Zoo on Facebook
Address: East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States
Hours: Opens at 10 AM, closing time varies
New York’s Central Park Zoo is undoubtedly one of the best zoos in the world right now. With a modest area of 6.5 acres, hopping around different enclosures of this park is a breeze. The zoo offers a good selection of animals from around the globe despite its small area too, ranging from wild snow leopards to domesticated sheep. The best part? The whole park is conveniently located at the heart of The Big Apple. Just know the best time to visit Manhattan and plan your trip around it!
Top attractions to catch: See animals from around the world, such as sea lions, snow leopards, and the zoo’s collection of tropical birds.
18. St. Louis Zoo
Photo by Nonadski on Pixabay
Address: One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: Opens at 9 AM, closing time varies
There are several top-rated zoos in North America and Missouri’s St. Louis Zoo is one of them. Despite a small area, it currently homes around 14,000 animals whilst ensuring good quality of life. Catch sight of penguins, puffins, hippos, and even black rhinos while you’re there.
Top attractions to catch: Visit the Children’s Zoo or check out animals from around the world like hippos, black rhinos, and penguins.
19. Houston Zoo
Photo by Houston Zoo on Facebook
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
Like most places on this list of the best zoos in the world, Houston Zoo provides its animals with zoo enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Although it only has 55 acres of land, it’s home to over 6000 animals – including lions, tigers, bears, and elephants. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a few endangered species in the area, like gibbons and other primates. Heading down to Houston Zoo might just be one of the best things to do in Houston, Texas as a family.
Top attractions to catch: Join zoo activities like the Cheetah Walk, an early morning trek at the zoo headed by keepers, and the zoo’s Animal Ambassador cheetah.
20. San Antonio Zoo
Photo by San Antonio Zoo on Facebook
Address: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
Hours: Opens at 9 AM, closing time varies
Another place in Texas that deserves a spot on this list is San Antonio Zoo. What once started as a small collection of exotic animals has exponentially grown over the years, now accommodating around 3,500 animals in a relatively small 50-acre lot. That said, San Antonio Zoo is the best zoo to visit in the US if you’re a bird lover because it has one of the most sizeable aviary exhibits in the world!
Top attractions to catch: See the zoo’s popular spectacled bear, clouded leopard, gibbons, and collection of birds.
21. Lincoln Park Zoo
Photo by Sebastian Kurpiel on Unsplash
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM; Weekends & Holidays, 8 AM to 7 PM
True to the words “For Wildlife. For All.,” Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is free for anyone who wants to visit the park. Get to see African lions, African penguins, and plenty of other majestic animals from around the globe without spending a dime. It’s also home to endangered animals like black rhinos and Jamaican iguanas. And if you’re looking for a place to stay around the zoo? This Airbnb Chicago rental might just be what you’re looking for.
Top attractions to catch: Explore the zoo’s flourishing garden and its collection of black rhinos, Jamaican iguanas, and other endangered animals.
22. Dallas Zoo
Photo by Dallas Zoo on Facebook
Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, United States
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
Apart from visiting impressive parks and the best lakes in Texas, Dallas Zoo is one of the many places you should explore in the state. The sprawling 106-acre land is able to house around 2000 animals, including a splendid display of reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for their famous giant tortoises which have been rescued and rehabilitated right here in Dallas Zoo.
Top attractions to catch: Check out the zoo’s impressive reptile and amphibian collection, on top of visiting other famous exhibits.
23. Melbourne Zoo
Photo by Zoos Victoria on Facebook
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
Melbourne is one of the best cities to visit in Australia. Not only is it the cultural capital of the country, but it is also where you’ll find Australia’s second-best zoo. Immerse yourself in the concepts of wildlife conservation with the help of Melbourne Zoo’s guides. This, alone, is enough to make Melbourne Zoo one of the best zoos in Australia. The bonus part is that you’ll also get to see here some of the zoo’s most notable animals, like Dokkoon the Asiatic elephant, or Hutan the Sumatran tiger.
Top attractions to catch: Book a ticket for the zoo’s Australian Wildlife Experience, an early morning tour where you can meet koalas, kangaroos, and other Australian wildlife.
24. Philadelphia Zoo
Photo by Praswin Prakashan on Unsplash
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 5 PM; 9:30 AM to 3 PM (November 1 to January 8)
The first true zoo in the US, the Philadelphia Zoo has been opening its doors to tourists since 1874. Currently, it houses around 1,700 animals, including lemurs, bears, African lions, and Amur tigers like the zoo’s beloved Koosaka. And if your kids are up for an adventure, join their scavenger hunt tour and let them interact with many of the animals while learning about their habitats.
Top attractions to catch: Participate in the zoo’s Nature Blazer Scavenger Hunt where you’ll get to complete challenges while exploring different areas of the park.
25. Woodland Park Zoo
Photo by Woodland Park Zoo on Facebook
Address: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
Hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM (May 1 to September 5); 9:30 AM to 4 PM (September 6 to April 30)
Add visiting Woodland Park Zoo to your list of things to do in Seattle. This 92-acre zoo offers feeding experiences where you can interact directly with the animals. Help zookeepers feed the giraffes or simply watch penguins feed and dive from afar. Besides that, there is plenty of other wildlife to explore in the area – from the raccoons of the Ambassador Animals exhibit to the Komodo dragon of the Trail of Adaptations exhibit.
Top attractions to catch: Get up close to giraffes and other animals by participating in the zoo’s feeding experiences.
26. Miami Zoo
Photo by 12019 on Pixabay
Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, United States
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM; 10 AM to 3 PM (Thanksgiving Day); 12 PM to 5 PM (Christmas Day); 10 AM to 5 PM (New Year’s Day)
Visiting the Miami zoo is also a worthwhile activity. The whole zoological park occupies an impressive 750-acre lot and it caters to 3,000 animals, including the usual crowd favorites: lions, giraffes, tigers, gorillas, snakes, and elephants.
Top attractions to catch: Join interactive tours and animal feedings hosted by the zoo or simply visit popular zoo animals like lions, giraffes, and tigers.
27. Los Angeles Zoo
Photo by Oxana Melis on Unsplash
Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM
Out on the West Coast, one of the best things to do in Los Angeles is to visit Los Angeles Zoo. This 133-acre park is home to around 2200 animals and thousands more individual plants. It’s also where the famous Reggie the Aligator is being taken care of. Drop by if you want to see the viral gator, or if you simply want to see all kinds of animals ranging from flamingos to chimpanzees.
Top attractions to catch: Visit Reggie the Alligator and spend a day with all kinds of animals, ranging from flamingos to chimpanzees.
28. Wellington Zoo
Photo by Igor Kazantsev on Unsplash
Address: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 5 PM
If you love the outdoors as much as the next person, then a trip to New Zealand might be in order. Wellington, the country’s capital, is also home to one of the best zoos in the world right now. Get to see capybaras, red pandas, meerkats, and plenty of other animals while taking in the pleasantly windy days in New Zealand. This is high on our list of the best things to do in Wellington!
Top attractions to catch: Book a ticket to the park’s Zoo Sleepovers with friends or family to witness the nighttime activities of different animals in the area.
29. Smithsonian National Zoo
Photo by Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Facebook
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 6 PM
Of the 2000 animals in all of the 163 acres of land, the pair of giant pandas are among the most sought-after in the Smithsonian National Zoo. After all, the zoo has been continuously contributing to the conservation efforts of increasing the giant panda population in the world. Explore this Washington DC destination and get to see the beautiful giant panda family headed by the 24-year-old female named Mei Xiang, and Tian Tian (a male panda of the same age). Other animals in this zoo that might also tug your heart strings include naked mole rats and baby lion cubs.
Top attractions to catch: Don’t miss the zoo’s giant panda exhibit, or check out animals like naked mole rats, elephants, and lions.
30. Moscow Zoo
Photo by Tasos_Lekkas on Pixabay
Address: Bolshaya Gruzinskaya St, 1, Moscow, Russia, 123242
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 7 PM
One of the best zoos in the world is located in Russia. For a park with a relatively small area of around 53 acres, Moscow Zoo is the largest zoo in the world by species because it accommodates over 8,000 animals that belong to over 1,000 species. So if spotting as many animals as possible is your objective, this is the best zoo in the world to visit.
Top attractions to catch: Watch Siberian tigers roam proudly in their enclosures, and other animals like small pandas, giraffes, elephants, and yaks around the zoo.
Special Mentions
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Fort Worth Zoo
Address: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, United States
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM (Summer); Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM (Summer)
Top attractions to catch: Check out the zoo’s extensive exhibit on gorillas and other primates.
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
Top attractions to catch: You can’t miss the zoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit that showcases Colorado’s native wildlife.
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North Carolina Zoo
Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, United States
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to October); 9 AM to 4 PM (November to March)
Top attractions to catch: Witness animals from around the world at the biggest zoo in the US and world’s largest zoo.
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States
Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 8 PM
Top attractions to catch: Ride the famous Kilimanjaro Safaris which is a guided tour of the theme park’s African safari exhibit.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 6 PM
Top attractions to catch: One of the best maritime zoos in the world, Monterey Bay Aquarium lets you bask in the glorious display of sea turtles, fishes, and other marine wildlife at Open Sea, the aquarium’s largest exhibit.
Take a Trip to the Best Zoo in the World
There’s no denying that zoological parks in the US are world-class. The fact that several local parks made it on this list is a testament to that. There’s no need to travel far if you’re hunting for the best zoo in the world, but you’re also free to explore zoos in Singapore and other foreign countries. Why not check out the best aquariums in the world while you’re at it?
