What is the greatest zoo that you've been to, and why?

Grizzly Hound

Grizzly Hound

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
Out of all the zoos I've been to so far the Columbus Zoo is my favorite.

My first visit to the zoo was in October 2020, and I was very impressed by how good the zoo was. With the exception of the Adventure Cove every area of the zoo was great in their own way. Some of my favorite areas are the Heart of Africa, Polar Frontier, Asia Quest, and Manatee Coast. I love how in the Heart of Africa area it looks like the lions share the same space with their prey, by putting the lion exhibit in front of the savanna, making it look like an illusion. Even though I didn't get to see it happen the polar bear's pool viewing area is curved so the bears can literally swim above you. That's all I have to say, and I hope to return to the Columbus Zoo later this year, especially since I have my new camera. Now it's your turn tell me what is the best zoo that you have been to, and why you like it.
 
Shedd Aquarium. The species diversity under one roof is simply amazing, there's nothing else like it. The displays are all great for their inhabitants and pleasing to the eye. There's almost no problems with the place.
 
For Zoo my favorite would have to be the Living Desert. They use their environment really well, they have some of the most clever cat exhibits I have ever seen, and their African panorama is absolutely amazing. And of all their exhibits there is really only one single exhibit I don’t like the rest is great.
As for aquariums I think Aquarium of the pacific is better than New England, Monterey, and SeaWorld. It does so much with such small space and has a lot of rarities even though it isn’t very large. It has one of the best local collections out there (besides Tennessee) and takes their exhibits into great detail.
 
I'm stuck between Berlin and Brevard. Berlin was a great experience where I got to see animals that I wasn't able to see at as a kid (rhinoceros, orangutan, bongo) so that was a magical experience. But Brevard zoo gives off a great "local zoo" vibe (and has a better Australia section then ZooTampa), like one I wish i grew up with.
 
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Probably the National Zoological Park in Washington D.C. I went for the first time in June 2015 and I loved it. The Cincinnati and Bronx Zoos come pretty close. I personally love the Philadelphia Zoo because I've probably gone there more than anyone else in the world, and although I can admit it is not the greatest zoo ever, it has opened me to a world of possibilities.
 
CarLover said:
Probably the National Zoological Park in Washington D.C. I went for the first time in June 2015 and I loved it. The Cincinnati and Bronx Zoos come pretty close. I personally love the Philadelphia Zoo because I've probably gone there more than anyone else in the world, and although I can admit it is not the greatest zoo ever, it has opened me to a world of possibilities.
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I haven't been to the National Zoo in nearly 9 years. Would love to go back sometime!
 
Should be Berlin Zoo for me, because it has everything I like: a large, rich and diverse collection, it's located within a city, it has a remarkable park (nicely laid out gardens with lawns, statues, large trees, flowerbeds, lanes are my cup of tea) and some architectural (both old and new) hightlights as well.

Runners up: Bronx, Rotterdam, Burgers' Zoo, Vienna, Zurich, Antwerp, Leipzig.
 
I haven't visited that much zoos, but the best I've been to for the moment is Zurich Zoo for sure. The zoo has amazing enclosures, maybe the best ones in their category (the Masoala Rainforest, the Andean bears enclosures, the Asian elephants house, ...). The zoo has some bad enclosures but they are slowly being destroyed or renovated. It's really pleasant to visit a zoo where the enclosures are qualitative.
 
I'm stuck between Miami & Toronto.
I like Miami for their super impressive Asian collection with perhaps the most majestic asian elephant bull left in the US, Dalip. They also house African elephants and house both Gaur and Banteng. Toronto is up there too for having fantastic pavillions and themed regions. I love their Indo-Malayan and Australasian areas. The savanna exhibits and African Rainforest pavilion are great too. I'm sure when I get to Europe and see Berlin (both Zoo Berlin & Tierpark Berlin), Whipsnade and Prague these two will have some competition!
 
Tokyo Sea Life Park would be my choice. It's not a huge place but the exhibit quality is fantastic, lots of educational signage (every single animal is signed too, even barnacles, corals and other invertebrates), healthy animals, and a fantastic collection with tons of cool species. Most exhibits are geographically themed which is great, and the Bluefin Tuna exhibit in particular is fantastic. My only real complaint is that the tanks for Scalloped Hammerhead and Common Octopus are a bit small.
 
I would consider the greatest zoo I have been to the Saint Louis Zoo. All exhibits at the Saint Louis Zoo are at least adequate, with some being world-class. They also have multiple incredible, innovative exhibits, particularly those for Sea lions and penguins. Not only are their exhibits phenomenal, but they also have a collection that can't be matched by any other zoo I've been to- both in quantity and quality. There is a very large hoofstock collection and a superb bird house with many rare species (such as horned guan and carmine beeater). The zoo also keeps the only tasmanian devils I have ever seen. The collection is also much more diverse than many zoo collections I've seen.
 
I feel a bit dirty in saying Pairi Daiza…

As a “species hunter”, this is the last major zoo where I had multiple moments of pure amazement during my second to last visit. First, seeing the incredible Spix macaw, a species I had been following since the time Al Wabra managed to acquire the last 40+ specimen. Then, walking into the greenhouses to walk past the bear cuscus, past the St. Vincent amazon into a displaying Bulwer’s pheasant. Finishing off in the next greenhouse amongst multiple whooping and displaying greater birds-of-paradise. Mesmerizing stuff.

The “dirty” bit is the sheer amount of money it took to create these experiences…

Easily second on the list is Walsrode. Basically the same reasons as Pairi Daiza, just with different species and different experiences… and a little less of the dirty feeling and a better botanical section.
 
Columbus Zoo is my personal favorite zoo for several reasons:

1. The sheer number and variety of their collection is honestly impressive. There are SO MANY different species at this zoo.

2. The theming of each individual area in the zoo is on POINT! I love how (mostly) each area is themed after a particular area of the world, and the decor as well as environmental features such as plants really set the scene for whatever creatures it is that you are about to see.

3. The zoo has had a lot of success conservation-wise and also contributes to many foundations around the world that are dedicated to helping the planet. In addition, they are also tied to The Wilds, which is a hugely important conservation facility for several species.

4. Most of the habitats at the zoo are breathtaking to look at and are stimulating and enriching for the animals themselves. A few highlights in my book are the large African Savanna mixed-species habitat, the Polar Bear habitat, and the gorilla facility.

Is it a perfect zoo by any means? Absolutely not. However, I’ve never been to a place that hasn’t had at least SOMETHING that they could improve on. To this day, Columbus remains the most memorable and enjoyable zoo for me personally, and after two visits throughout my life, I’m hoping to go back soon!

(Note: I have not been to this zoo since the inclusion of Adventure Cove or the addition of the Tasmanian Devils)
 
The Greatest Zoo I've been to has to be Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Besides having the world's largest indoor desert, located under the world's largest glazed geodesic dome and the country's largest indoor rainforest. The Zoo includes what is most likely the country's best nocturnal house, and one of the better Zoo Aquariums. Not to mention some of the best of their kind in the states, The African Grasslands, and Asian Highlands.
As for Aquariums, nothing in the country will ever match up to the Georgia Aquarium. A brand new shark exhibit, adequate homes for dolphins and belugas, and the Ocean Voyager, which is truly like no other place in the world.
 
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