largest zoos in the world

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. The zoo has been developed from what was once the Riverview Park Zoo, which was built in 1864, and now sprawls over 130 acres. Home to 962 different species of animals, this zoo is notable for housing the largest cat complex in North America. The zoo is Nebraskas number one paid attendance attraction and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

This zoo was founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty and is now home to one of the largest animal collections in China. Set on 219 acres of land and housing 950 species of animals, the Beijing Zoo is best known for its collection of rare animals endemic to China. This includes Giant Pandas, the zoos most popular animals, the South China Tiger, Chinese Alligators and the Chinese Great Salamander. With more than six million people that come to see it each year, Beijing Zoo is among the worlds largest zoos in existence today.

The Toronto Zoo is located in Toronto, Canada and was opened in 1974 as the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo. As the largest zoo in Canada at 710 acres and 491 species of animals, this Zoo is divided into seven different regions representing animals from various parts of the world. The zoo currently houses over 5,000 animals total that are viewable from various levels, making the zoo an attraction for visitors of all ages.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a nonprofit zoo in Powell, Ohio. This zoo has been named the number one zoo in the United States on multiple occasions. Currently home to 793 different species of over 9,000 total animals, the zoo enjoys over 2.3 million annual visitors. The zoo has gained its worldrenowned status from its own conservation program and extensive funding to outside programs as well. The 580 acres of land is home to the zoo itself as well as Zoombezi Bay and Jungle Jacks landing, offering multiple attractions on its grounds.

Located 12 minutes by ferry from Sydney, the Taronga Zoo is a fully sensorial Australian experience, engaging the eyes with a breathtaking view of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House before getting a close introduction to some of the wildlife of the Aussie outback. Winding down the scenic trail with a tour guide, visitors can spot giraffes, koalas, African elephants, Australian sealions, Tasmanian devils and over 300 other other species. Their shows offer an insightful look into the activities of seals and birds, educational talks by keepers, as well as a chance to nuzzle koalas, feed giraffes and meet a reptile. Those who book strategically could even find themselves staying a night at the zoo in one of their architecturallydesigned tents, alongside lions, snow leopards and meerkats and waking up at sunrise to the roar of a lion.

New Zealands very first zoo is one of the biggest, situated on 32sprawling acres with more than 500 animals and 100 different speciesmany of which are endangered species native to New Zealand, including Sumatran tigers, the miniature Sun Bear, the smallest of the bear species. The zoo is also involved with a group in parts of Asia called Free the Bears, lions, and many more. The zoo is dedicated to quality, sustainable enclosures for its population, which include solar heating and power, and intimate oneonone encounters with the animals to educate on the importance of natural preservation.

Of course the wildest and most adventurous zoo on earth would have to have been founded by none other than the late Steve Irwin, Australias Crocodile Hunter. The zoo encourages handson encounters with various snakes, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, tigers, elephants, as well as viewings of over 1000 different animals. Make a reservation if you really want to make the most of your day!

Japans Yokohama Zoo, lovingly referred to as Zoorasia was established in 1999. A massive 100 acres in size, this lush, sprawling zoo gives extended room to its over 1500 animals from 150 species. In fact, the zoo is largely green in design, consisting of 7 separate ecological areasthe Asian Tropical Forest, Central Asian Highland, Oceanian Grassland, Japanese Countryside, African Tropical Rainforest, and the Amazon Jungleall designed to mimic natural habitats. Because its so large, binoculars are given to each guest upon entrance for optimal spotting of the inhabitants.

This 37 acre hillside park was established by naturalist Robert Jackson in 1963. Today, the Zoological Society of Wales has taken the helm and operates the zoo more like conservation lands for native wildlife within. Guests are treated to wooded acres, tree lined paths, and rolling hills teeming with grey heron, grass snakes, and badgers. The mustsee exhibits are the modern Eurasian Otter showcaseoutfitted with a river, and waterfall for happy otters to slide and frolic aboutand that of the California Sea Lions and the Humboldt Penguin.

Americas very first zoo is the Philadelphia Zoo, established in 1874. Today the zoo enjoys a reputation for breeding endangered species in captivity as well as simulated natural habitats for its animal population. Home to over 1300 animals, this urban zoo boasts one of the most stateoftheart primate exhibits in the world, PECO Primate Reserve, a 2.50acre, indoor and outdoor areas that houses 10 different primate speciesincluding gibbons, lowland gorillas, Sumatran Orangutans, lemurs, and Silverbacks. Cat lovers will purr at the sight of Big Cat Falls, which houses 12 endangered species of felines such as African Lions, Amur Tigers, jaguars, Snow Leopards, and cougars. If you dont get your fill during the day, stay for a rare overnight experience camps for kids!