Buzz
Modern zoos have evolved significantly from the days of confined animals in steel cages that were common three decades ago. Bonnafe Jean-Paul / Getty ImagesU.S. zoos boast some of the most extensive and awe-inspiring collections of wild animals worldwide. They serve a dual purpose: allowing visitors to admire these creatures and playing a crucial role in safeguarding endangered species while educating the public on wildlife conservation initiatives.
In this article, we’ll explore the largest zoo in the U.S., along with other notable contenders that came close to claiming the top spot.
For this ranking, we focused on the number of animal species visible to the public, rather than factors like total land area or the sheer number of animals. In case of ties in species count, we then ranked based on the zoo's acreage.
1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska (962 Species)
Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha boasts the largest collection of animal species in the U.S., with a staggering 962 species spread across 160 acres (65 hectares) of land.
This zoo also houses the Omaha Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert. The expansive 84,000 square foot biodome simulates a dry, warm climate perfect for many desert-adapted plants and animals.
Beneath the Desert Dome lies one of the world’s largest nocturnal animal exhibits, where visitors can enter the darkness and witness nocturnal creatures coming to life in their meticulously recreated environments.
3. The Bronx Zoo, New York (700 Species)
The Bronx Zoo is one of the four zoos located in New York City, alongside the Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo. Yet, the Bronx stands out as the largest and arguably the most impressive, caring for about 700 species of animals. It is also among the oldest zoos still in operation, having first opened its doors in 1899.
Covering 265 acres (107 hectares), the zoo’s prime attraction is the Congo Gorilla Forest, home to the nation’s most expansive gorilla habitat. The exhibit showcases numerous other plant and animal species that naturally coexist with gorillas in the wild.
It also boasts the title of housing the largest botanical garden in the United States.
2. San Diego Zoo, California (700 Species)
This globally renowned zoo is committed to the care of 700 species across a 100-acre (40-hectare) space, with over 14,000 animals under its stewardship. The San Diego Zoo is one of the rare places in the U.S. where giant pandas can be seen, and many of its most unique animals are available for online viewing through live webcam broadcasts.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located just a short drive away, offering visitors the chance to explore the recreated habitats of various savanna species up close, including African lions.
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio (600 Species)
Located in Ohio's capital, the Columbus Zoo spans 580 acres (235 hectares) and is home to more than 600 animal species, including grizzly bears and Amur tigers (also known as Siberian tigers).
The zoo's aquarium area showcases river otters, a variety of seal species, and sharks, while the "Heart of Africa" exhibit covers 43 acres (17 hectares) and simulates the African Savanna right in the heart of the park.
If you're in Ohio, you can also drive a few hours south to visit the Cincinnati Zoo, which is well-known for its hippopotamus display and red pandas.
5. The Minnesota Zoo (585 Species)
Located in Apple Valley, just south of Minneapolis and near the Mall of America, the Minnesota Zoo is home to 585 species across 485 acres (196 hectares) of land, including one of the few exhibits showcasing captive American bison.
The zoo also features Discovery Bay, one of the nation's largest aquariums, where visitors can admire a variety of global shark and manta ray species through the expansive glass walls.
6. Zoo Miami, Florida (400 Species)
Zoo Miami is the only tropical zoo native to the U.S., situated near the Everglades. It is home to 400 species of animals and spans 750 acres (304 hectares), making it one of the largest zoos in the country by land area as well.
The zoo's tropical setting makes it an ideal location to showcase an Amazon rainforest exhibit, home to jaguars, crocodiles, and numerous species of Amazonian snakes.
7. Riverbanks Zoo, South Carolina (400 Species)
Located in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo features 400 animal species and around 3,000 individual animals across its 170-acre (69-hectare) grounds.
Riverbanks is also home to a sprawling 70-acre (28-hectare) botanical garden that displays a wide variety of flowering plants and plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for local pollinators like bees and butterflies.
8. Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. (400 Species)
Situated just north of the National Mall and the White House, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is an ideal destination for visitors in Washington, D.C.
Over 400 animal species are housed in the nation's capital across 163 acres (66 hectares) of land. True to the Smithsonian tradition, admission is completely free! The zoo plans to unveil a new giant panda habitat by the close of 2024.
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina, holds the title of the largest zoo in the country in terms of land area, with 1,700 animals spread across 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares). This vast space allows for the roaming of large megafauna like lions and elephants. The highest-elevation zoo in the U.S. is located at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado, and the largest zoo with free admission is the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.
