Witnessing millions of visitors from different parts of the world every year, Zoos are a popular tourist destination. The largest zoos in the world are sprawled on hundreds of acres. A place where animals are rehabilitated and displayed in a secure way Zoos do not provide natural habitat to the animals but they provide wonderful conservation services. With the rapid extinction of the most vulnerable animals, zoos became extremely important to protect wildlife. Today we would discuss some of the largest Zoos in the world based not only on the total land area of the zoo but also on the number of species held in captivity.
Some Of The Largest Zoos In The World
Columbus Zoo And Aquarium
A non-profit zoo located just north of Columbus, Ohio the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the largest zoo in the US and second-largest zoological park in the world. Built in 1905, with a total surface area of 2340000 square meters the zoo is home to over 900 animals representing over 793 species divided into geographic regions of the world. applauded for its commendable efforts in the conservation and protection of wildlife the zoo attracts around 2.2 million visitors every year. They’ve raised $3 million for dozens of projects regarding the protection of fauna and wildlife. The experiences in the zoo are designed in a way that would allow visitors to learn while being entertained in a way that doesn’t disturb the animals. Their Reptile Keeper Lab and Stingray Bay are a must-visit.
Moscow Zoo
Open for visitors since 1864 with an area that covers 53 acres, the Moscow Zoo is not only one of the largest Zoos in the world but also one of the oldest zoos in Europe. The Moscow Zoo is home to over 6000 animals representing 927 species with numerous other attractions for kids and a footbridge connecting the opposite parts of the zoo. The Moscow Zoo is also home to magnificent animals like the white tiger. After undergoing a renovation in the 1990s, the zoo has now an extended land area with a separate aquarium and a sea lion exhibit. The zoo also doubles as a research and breeding center for endangered species, studying both behavior and reproduction.
San Diego Wild Animal Park
With over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world. Located in California, covering an area of 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoological gardens in the world. One of the largest zoo in the US and also the largest tourist attraction of San Diego, the park has a large number of wild and endangered animals that include species from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.
The Zoo also works towards preserving and conserving the wild animals and has an open-air exhibit for each animal intending to eventually release the animals into the wild in the future. San Diego Zoo Global a non-profit organization that operates the zoo is working to save species worldwide by uniting expertise in animal and plant care and conservation science with a dedicated inspiring passion for nature.
Toronto Zoo
Sprawling over 710 acres and divided into seven geographic areas, the Toronto zoo is the largest zoo in Canada and one of the largest zoos in the world. A popular attraction the zoo is currently home to over 16,000 animals representing over 491 species. Founded by Mr. Hugh A Crothers in the year 1966 who was later offered the designation of the chairman for Metro Zoological Society the Toronto Zoo is known as Canada’s premier zoo on account of its operation wellness. The animals are divided into seven geographic regions which include Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Apart from animal enrichment shows and keeper experiences, the activities here are designed for maximum visitor engagement to shorten the distance between humans and wildlife.
Bronx Zoo
Covering an area of 265 acres, the Bronz zoo is the largest and oldest metropolitan zoo in the world. Home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are endangered the zoo is is a must-visit attraction for every animal-lover in the splendorous New York City. Attracting nearly 2 million visitors every year the Bronx Zoo is known worldwide for its large and diverse animal collection and its award-winning exhibitions. Part of an integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium the zoo is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo has award-winning exhibitions which include the Himalayan Highlands, Baboon Reserve, Jungle World, and other visitor favorites include World of Birds and Wild Asia.
Beijing Zoo
Founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty, the Beijing Zoo has one of the largest zoological parks located in the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Covering an area of 219 acres, the zoo is home to 14500 animals, representing over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals. This traditionally built zoological park is a popular tourist attraction that draws over six million people every year. The zoo is home to some of the rarest species like the South China Tiger, Giant Pandas, Chinese Great Salamander, and Chinese Alligators. Like most nationally-operated world zoos, Beijing Zoo is committed to the preservation of its inhabitants.
Berlin Zoological Garden
Opened in 1844 the Berlin Zoological Garden is the oldest and best-known zoo in Germany. Çovering an area of 86.5 acres and home to 19,500 animals the Berlin Zoological Garden is the largest zoo in the world when it comes to the number of animals. Famed for the grand stature it holds zoo is also designated as one of the most visited zoos in Europe. The zoo is the oldest in Germany and has a commendable system for the conservation and preservation of wildlife. The zoo also collaborates with many universities, research institutes, and other zoos around the world, helping to safeguard, breed, and reintroduce endangered species.
Also Read: Welcome To My Water World At The Dubai Aquarium
Henry Doorly Zoo
Home to about 17,000 animals of 962 species, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is Nebraska’s number one paid attendance attraction. Sprawling over 130 acres the zoo has been listed as one of the best zoological parks in the world on account of its state-of-the-art infrastructure. It is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the state that features the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest indoor swamp, the world’s largest indoor desert, as well as the largest glazed geodesic dome in the world.
Conservation Of Wildlife
Growing in captivity in an unfamiliar environment is difficult for animals and many zoos across the world have had bad reputations of animal neglect. We have tried to include on our list not only the largest zoos in the world but also the ones that are focused on conserving and preserving wildlife and endangered species. We hope a visit to any of these zoos allows you to be closer to these magnificent creatures while enjoying a memorable experience.
