A trip to the zoo is one of the most exciting outings you can have. Whether your visit is part of a great family vacation, a solo trip, or a romantic getaway, you can be sure to be impressed by animals you may have never seen before!
Zoos can provide a fantastic educational experience for children, so what could be better than visiting the best zoos in the world?
However, not all zoos are ethical – so it is important to support zoos with good track records regarding conservation. Animals kept in captivity with poor regulation and even abuse are not what you want to see or support. This is why we take all of this into account when compiling our list of the best zoos in the world.
With this in mind, there are several zoos leading the way in conservation efforts, and many of the best zoos in the world still provide incredible opportunities to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Here are the best zoos in the world in 2022:
- Beijing Zoo, China
- Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany
- Bronx Zoo, USA
- Ueno Zoo, Japan
- Singapore Zoo, Singapore
- Chester Zoo, England
- San Diego Zoo, USA
- Toronto Zoo, Canada
- Korkeasaari Zoo, Finland
- Henry Doorly Zoo, USA
- Auckland Zoo, New Zealand
- Melbourne Zoo, Australia
- Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria
- North Carolina Zoo, USA
Beijing Zoo, China
Best known for its collection of rare animals native to China, the most popular attraction at Beijing Zoo is the Giant Pandas. Occupying 219 acres (89 ha) and home to 14,500 animals, this is the largest zoo in China.
Visit the Beijing Zoo at China, Beijing, Xicheng District, 西直门外大街137号 邮政编码: 100044
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Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany
Opened in 1844, this is the oldest and most famous zoo in Germany. Covering 84 acres (35 ha), Berlin Zoological Garden boasts over 1,500 different species and around 17,000 animals. With the largest collection of species in the world, you’ll find one of the largest zoos here in Berlin.
The zoo runs a successful breeding programme for endangered species, but you may also know this zoo for its famous polar bear Knut.
Visit the Berlin Zoological Garden at Hardenbergpl. 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany
READ MORE: Find out why Berlin is one of the best places to travel alone
Bronx Zoo, USA
As the biggest metropolitan zoo in the United States, Bronx Zoo in New York City is definitely one to see. Covering 265 acres (107 ha) of park lands and naturalistic habitats, this is certainly one of the biggest zoos in the world.
Home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, Bronx Zoo is committed to protecting and breeding endangered species.
Visit the Bronx Zoo at 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, United States
READ MORE: Can you guess what tourist attraction in New York is one of the most visited in the world?
Ueno Zoo, Japan
In 1882, Ueno Zoo was the first zoo to open in Japan, and it still boasts the highest number of guests among all zoos in the country. If you’re in Tokyo, be sure to visit this zoo spanning 35 acres (14.2 ha).
With 3,000 animals from about 400 species to see, visit the most endangered mammals in the world!
Visit the Ueno Zoo at 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
READ MORE: Discover when is the best time to visit Japan
Singapore Zoo, Singapore
This incredible zoo spans 69 acres (28 ha) and is 100% cage-free. Using a series of moats and glass instead, this environment is better both for visitors and for the animals. Enjoy breakfast with a group of free-ranging orangutans in their habitat, and spend time with kangaroos and flying foxes in the lush rainforest setting that encompasses the entire zoo.
It may not be the world’s largest zoo, but it is certainly an experience not to be missed.
Visit the Singapore Zoo at 80 Mandai Lake Rd, 729826
READ MORE: Explore our complete Singapore Travel Guide
Chester Zoo, England
As one of the largest zoos in the UK, it also happens to be one of the best zoos in the world! Chester Zoo is committed to developing a long-term conservation strategy for animals in Africa and puts a focus on research and education.
Come to see the giraffes and their closest living relatives, the okapi, both of which are endangered. If you’re lucky, you may see babies of both species – Chester Zoo is successful in breeding them!
Visit the Chester Zoo: at Chester CH2 1EU, United Kingdom
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San Diego Zoo, USA
In terms of conservation, this may be the best zoo in the world. The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is the largest zoo-based multidisciplinary research effort in the world with over 200 scientists carrying out research globally.
The zoo houses over 3,700 animals including Giant Pandas, gorillas, monkeys, elephants, and many more.
Visit the San Diego Zoo at 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
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Toronto Zoo, Canada
This is the largest zoo in Canada, and at 710 acres (287 ha), is one of the largest zoos in the world. With over 16,000 animals to see, Toronto Zoo is not one to miss!
The zoo has also been successful in captive breeding programs and the reintroduction of many species. This puts it on a lot of lists of the best zoos in the world.
Visit the Toronto Zoo at 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
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Korkeasaari Zoo, Finland
This zoo is one of the best and most unique. Located in Helsinki, this is the largest zoo in Finland. Their mission is to teach visitors about the importance of conserving biodiversity. The zoo also aims to be carbon neutral by the year 2030.
Visit the Amur tigers, snow leopards, and more, all while taking in the luscious green Finnish landscape.
Visit the Korkeasaari Zoo at Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki, Finland
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Henry Doorly Zoo, USA
Many would rate this as one of the best zoos in the world, renowned for its leadership in conservation and animal research. At Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska, you’ll find 17,000 animals of 962 species, spanning over 130 acres (53 ha) of land. This makes it the largest zoo in the world by space.
It features the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest indoor swamp, the world’s largest indoor desert, and the largest glazed geodesic dome in the world.
With acreage and species numbers combined, the Henry Doorly Zoo is incomparable. This is the most-loved and biggest zoo in the world.
Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo at 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, United States
READ MORE: Discover the top 10 most endangered species in the world
Auckland Zoo, New Zealand
Home to 135 species and over 1,400 animals, the Auckland Zoo is the largest zoo in New Zealand. This year, the zoo celebrates its 100th year anniversary with new members of the family: the birth of Bahmi the baby orangutan and Sali the Sumatran tiger.
The newly developed $60 million South East Asia development is an experience like no other. Take a walk on the immersive South East Asia Jungle Track while exploring the creatures of the wetlands, lowlands, swamp forest and lake.
While soaking in the fun, be sure to enter the zoo’s monthly photo competition by tagging your Instagram shots with #ZooSnaps and #AucklandZoo.
Visit Auckland Zoo at Motions Rd, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Melbourne Zoo, Australia
Explore the wildlife in the land down under at the Melbourne Zoo. Visit the elusive Snow Leopard, cute Wombats and native Tamarins together with the rest of the 317 species the zoo has to offer.
The zoo is also leading in conservation efforts. Dedicated to the recovery and conservation of 27 local threatened species such as the Tasmanian Devil, the Melbourne Zoo aims to become the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation.
When visiting, remember to pre-book your tickets online as they aren’t sold at the gate.
Visit Melbourne Zoo at Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria
This zoo is the world’s oldest and most beautiful zoo. Established in 1752, the Tiergarten Schönbrunn features more than 700 species of animals and over 8000 animals, along with picturesque landscapes and traditional architecture.
Learn about endangered breeds of farm animals such as Noriker horses, Carinthian sheep and Tauernsheck goats housed at the Tirolerhof (Tyrolean Farmyard).
It is no wonder that the zoo has also been crowned a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and the best zoo in Europe.
Visit the Tiergarten Schönbrunn at Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria
North Carolina Zoo, USA
Spanning more than 10 square kilometres across the heart of central North Carolina, this zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world.
For an authentic and natural experience, visit the 1,800 animals residing in their natural habitats here. Hop on an open-air vehicle and tour the Watani Grassland exhibit or embark on the many hiking trails and rope courses.
Visit the North Carolina Zoo at 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, United States
Visit the best zoos in the world for an amazing experience
If you are planning a trip to a zoo, you’ll want it to be one of the very best. Whether it’s the biggest zoo in the world or the most ethical and eco-friendly, make sure you are supporting good causes!
