USA Today 10 Best Zoo’s 2018

Echobeast

Echobeast

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
USA Today’s poll for the 10 best zoos has gone live. A panel of “experts” have nominated 20 zoos and people can now vote once per day until April 30.

The 20 nominees are:
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,Tucson, AZ
Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, IL
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, CO
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati, OH
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus, OH
Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX
Denver Zoo, Denver, CO
Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, TX
Houston Zoo, Houston, TX
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert, CA
Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE
Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington D.C.
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA
Zoo Miami, Miami, FL

To me there are some glaring ommisions (SD Safari Park cough, cough). What do you think of the nominees and how would you rank these 20 zoos against each other?
 
I would place Sedgwick County Zoo, North Carolina Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park all in the top 10 zoos in the nation and so those three are glaring omissions. To be honest the list is much better than other ones that have been released over the years, although some folks could also make a case for Disney's Animal Kingdom, Detroit Zoo or Oklahoma City Zoo.

A trio of zoos that should definitely NOT be on the list would be Living Desert Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
 
Living Desert and Cheyenne Mountain are perfectly fine. Bush Garden though is rather bad if you ask me.
 
Yi Qi said:
Living Desert and Cheyenne Mountain are perfectly fine. Bush Garden though is rather bad if you ask me.
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The first two are zoos that I really enjoy and I've even been to Cheyenne Mountain twice, but compared to Sedgwick County, North Carolina or San Diego Zoo Safari Park (all very large facilities) then there is no comparison.
 
Hmm, I think this list if fairly good, but as @snowleopard has already pointed out, there are a few noticeable flaws.

I would 100% agree with him on the fact that the Living Desert, Cheyenne Mountain and Busch Gardens should not be on the list. I absolutely adore the Living Desert and truly believe that if it was slightly bigger, it would be on par with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. However, that’s just my opinion, and for most people I doubt this would be true. I don’t know much about Cheyenne Mountain, but I know enough to feel like it probably isn’t worthy of a top 20 spot. And I flat out disagree with the fact that Busch Gardens is on here.

I also agree with Snowleopard on the fact that Sedgwick County, North Carolina and San Diego Zoo Safari Park should be on the list, they’re three zoos with a large amount of species and a high quality level of exhibitry. I’m also shocked that Detroit didn’t make it, it’s a no-brainer top 10 Zoo for me, with its solid collection and the fact that it has possibly my favourite zoo exhibit of all time (no it’s not Artic Ring of Life, it’s the Polk Penguin Center).
 
I saw this yesterday on a Facebook post from my local Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. I voted for them and as of yesterday they were in first place! Obviously these polls are popularity contests and the Desert Museum has a huge Facebook following, which is what put them in first. Coincidentally, I was there this morning at 7:30am opening which was beautiful, but by 9:30am it was getting so crowded I had to make my way towards the exit. They are absolutely packed in Spring.
 
Also the Living Desert is one of my all time favorite zoos, so I have to agree with their inclusion. Busch Gardens, however, is a ridiculous choice.
 
Including Audubon Zoo is an interesting choice. They're making and executing on some pretty good ideas, but Top 20? Not yet.
 
snowleopard said:
I would place Sedgwick County Zoo, North Carolina Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park all in the top 10 zoos in the nation and so those three are glaring omissions.
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been featured under the poll, "Best Wildlife Park".
 
I would agree with SnowLeopard that SDZ Safari Park, North Carolina, and Sedgwick County are glaring omissions. Also, if we're talking Top 20, then Oklahoma City and Disney's Animal Kingdom must be included. A strong case could also be made for Oregon (Portland), Memphis, and maybe even Philadelphia. Sorry, AZ Docent, but I could never consider ASDM among the Top 20 zoos in America, as it's way too limited, and the animals are often way too hard to see.

What's even worse than this list is that USA Today is also doing a vote for "Best Zoo Exhibit". Their list for this is terrible -- mostly only includes very recently-opened exhibits, forgetting some classics like Omaha's Lied Jungle.
 
Current Leaderboard

1. Henry Dooly Zoo
2. Saint Louis Zoo
3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Mueseum
4. Minnesota Zoo
5. Dallas Zoo
6. The Living Desert
7. San Diego Zoo
8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
9. Zoo Miami
10. Busch Gardens
11. Audubon Zoo
12. Bronx Zoo
13. Houston Zoo
14. Columbus Zoo
15. Cincinnati Zoo
16. Brookfield Zoo
17. Fortworth Zoo
18. Smithsonian Zoo
19. Denver Zoo
20. Woodland Park Zoo
 
ANyhuis said:
Also, if we're talking Top 20, then Oklahoma City and Disney's Animal Kingdom must be included. A strong case could also be made for Oregon (Portland), Memphis, and maybe even Philadelphia.
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I agree that all of these should be on the list (except Philadelphia), but I should point out that DAK is already on the best wildlife park list.

ANyhuis said:
Sorry, AZ Docent, but I could never consider ASDM among the Top 20 zoos in America, as it's way too limited, and the animals are often way too hard to see.
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I believe that AZ docent was referring to the Living Desert in his post. If we're talking about the Living Desert, then I 100% agree with you on the fact that it's too limited. But I feel as if there's only one more major area they can add (Australia), and if they do, and it's at the same level of quality as the previous two, then I wouldn't be surprised if it would become my 2nd favourite zoo. But at the moment, it's slightly too small to compete with the larger zoos like SDZSP and the Bronx. Regarding the fact that species are too hard to see, I didn't see any problems with that, but of course these kind of things vary, as an animal that is showy one day could be invisible the next.

ANyhuis said:
What's even worse than this list is that USA Today is also doing a vote for "Best Zoo Exhibit". Their list for this is terrible -- mostly only includes very recently-opened exhibits, forgetting some classics like Omaha's Lied Jungle.
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I agree with your assessment for the most part, but I do think some of these exhibits, most notably Congo Gorilla Forest, Polk Penguin Center, Africa Rocks and Russia's Grizzly Coast, can be considered as some of the top 20 zoo exhibits in the U.S. The problem with a list of the best exhibits is the fact that there are SO many amazing zoo exhibits across the United States, that narrowing it down to 20 is a near-impossible task.
 
This USA Today best zoo nomination list is probably the best I've seen released by a publication. I like the more contentious nominees like the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

All three of those smaller zoos receive no direct support from government, unlike the majority of AZA accredited zoos. This lack of governmental support has no doubt posed challenges, but these three zoos appear to be well run and spend their money wisely.

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum blends together natural history institutions better than any place that I can think of. Their understanding and respect of their place in the Sonora Desert is admirable and shines through in their thoughtful and well-crafted exhibits. People do understand and appreciate this approach. As Arizona Docent noted, the ASDM has a passionate base of supporters.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is exceptionally popular for such a small zoo and shows up in the number four spot on Tripadvisor searches for zoos in the United States. In reviews of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo visitors rave about the animal encounters, especially feeding giraffes. The Zoo is located on an actual mountain side and there are tremendous views throughout the Zoo. It is impressive that they've managed to create so many cost-effective projects on a site with such dramatic grade changes. Even with these challenges, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo still manages to be a major player in conservation and spends close to a half million per year on conservation.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens was inspired by the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and like that institution it has many sophisticated exhibits. The big cat exhibits are some of the best exhibits for felids in the country. The giraffe exhibit is stunning. Interactive experiences with animals, gardens, nature trails, a highly themed desert play area, shows, a carousel, art exhibits, and model trains offer diverse visitor experiences. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a popular family destination that honors deserts.


As far as other USA Today nominations go, I would exclude the Fort Worth Zoo in favor of the Sedgwick County Zoo. The Sedgwick County Zoo is such a complete Zoo and it is incredible what they have managed to do in a relatively small market. I would consider adding the North Carolina Zoo to the list, possibly replacing the Brookfield Zoo. I am disappointed that the Africa Pavilion closed years ago though and the North Carolina Zoo feels too spread out for a family destination-even when you factor in the exceptionally large animal exhibits.
 
Updated leaderboard:
1. Saint Louis Zoo
2. Henry Doorly Zoo
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
5. Fort Worth Zoo
6. Audubon Zoo
7. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
8. Dallas Zoo
9. San Diego Zoo
10. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
 
Obviously this is only a poll of personal opinion and popularity rather than visitor numbers and ratings.
 
Last edited:
Kakapo said:
How come San Diego zoo from be the best zoo in the world to be the 9th zoo in USA only?
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Mix of a popularity contest where one person can vote more than once and local pride. Many of these zoos have vast local support which gives them an advantage of sort. I know for sure that the current leaderboard looks nothing like my top ten or anyone else’s on this forum.
 
Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari is a junky zoo that nevertheless is nominated for Best Wildlife Park. Check out these photos of awful exhibits:

Baboon cage (in its entirety):

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Baboon Cage | ZooChat

Chimpanzee cage:

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Chimpanzee Exhibit (only half of cag | ZooChat

Lemur cage:

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Lemur Exhibit #2 | ZooChat

Baboon cages:

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Baboon Cages | ZooChat
 
snowleopard said:
Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari is a junky zoo that nevertheless is nominated for Best Wildlife Park. Check out these photos of awful exhibits:

Baboon cage (in its entirety):

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Baboon Cage | ZooChat

Chimpanzee cage:

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Chimpanzee Exhibit (only half of cag | ZooChat

Lemur cage:

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Lemur Exhibit #2 | ZooChat

Baboon cages:

Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari - Baboon Cages | ZooChat
Click to expand...

Wow that is horrible. Luckily they are sitting at 20/20.

Leaderboard updates for all relevant categories:

Best Zoo:
1. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - Omaha, Neb.
2. Saint Louis Zoo - St. Louis
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - Colorado Springs
4. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - Tucson
5. Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth
6. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - Cincinnati
7. Dallas Zoo - Dallas
8. Audubon Zoo - New Orleans
9. Zoo Miami - Miami
10. Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley, Minn.

Notables missing the top ten:
11. San Diego Zoo - San Diego
15. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Columbus, Ohio
16. Bronx Zoo - Bronx, N.Y.
19. Smithsonian's National Zoo - Washington, D.C.

Best Zoo Exhibit:
1. Sea Lion Sound - Saint Louis Zoo
2. African Grasslands - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3. Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center - Indianapolis Zoo
4. Museum of Living Art - Fort Worth Zoo
5. Polk Penguin Conservation Center - Detroit Zoo
6. Arctic Passage - Henry Vilas Zoo
7. Simmons Hippo Outpost - Dallas Zoo
8. Gibbon Trails and Langur Landing - Zoo Knoxville
9. Meerkat Maze - Philadelphia Zoo
10. Desert Loop Trail - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Best Wildlife Park:
1. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Safari - Ashland, Neb.
2. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose, Texas
3. Safari West - Santa Rosa, Calif.
4. Bearizona Wildlife Park - Williams, Ariz.
5. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center - Divide, Colo.
6. San Diego Zoo Safari Park - San Diego
7. Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, Fla.
8. Global Wildlife Center - Folsom, La.
9. African Safari Wildlife Park - Port Clinton, Ohio
10. The Wilds - Cumberland, Ohio

Best Aquarium:
1. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium - Springfield, Mo.
2. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg, Tenn.
3. Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas
4. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada - Toronto
5. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas - New Orleans
6. The Florida Aquarium - Tampa
7. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores - Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.
8. Shedd Aquarium - Chicago
9. Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta
10. Vancouver Aquarium - Vancouver, B.C.

Notables missing from the top ten:
12. Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga, Tenn.
14. Monterey Bay Aquarium - Monterey, Calif.
17. National Aquarium - Baltimore

Remember that there are still 17 days left to vote and people can vote once per day in each category so the results may look very different come April 30.
 
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