Yes, as I said, the prices were from TinoPup's quote.
America's 50 Must See Zoos
- Thread starter pachyderm pro
- Start date
A wonderful zoo, perhaps my favorite, and the one that I have been to more often than any other. As stated, the preservation of the historic buildings and the collection are amazing. One thing not mentioned is the insectarium, a top contender for the best in the nation and another reason this free zoo is a must-visit for anyone in the area.Missouri - Saint Louis Zoo
Founded: 1910
Size: 90 Acres (36 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 555
Mammals 103
Birds 121
Reptiles & Amphibians 198
Fish 31
Invertebrates 102
Saint Louis may already have a large collection in beautiful exhibits, but the preservation of its history is what really puts it over the top. The past is not forgotten even with newer developments, such as the facades of the old bear grottos being used as the backdrop of the grizzly bear exhibit. The 1904 flight cage became a landmark before the zoo was even founded and has been gracefully redone into a cypress swamp aviary for various ducks, teals, egrets and herons. Measures have been taken to ensure the century old animal buildings remain up to date in the modern era and the best example of building on an existing structure while preserving its historic integrity involves the primate house. Unspectacular on the inside, but on the outside lies a newly added complex series of habitats connected via bridges and tunnels rotated between roughly a dozen species. The reptile and bird houses have also been refurbished throughout the years and are similarly attractive. The more modern penguin and puffin building is wonderful, allowing guests to get so close to the point where volunteers are stationed to stop anyone from reaching out and petting one. The sea lion pool is one of the best in America thanks to the addition of an underwater tunnel. The zoo has proven it can tackle immersion design as well with the Rivers Edge complex, where most of the popular megafauna are exhibited. This area has several highlights like the hippo underwater viewing area, excellent habitats for sun and Andean bears, an incredibly lush rhino and sacred ibis exhibit, and multiple Asian elephant yards. Already one of America’s finest zoos, yet it doesn't seem to be satisfied. By 2026, the zoo is looking to construct an open range sister facility in the same vein as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with a primary focus on ungulate and amphibian conservation.
1904 Cypress Swamp Flight Cage, @Moebelle
Asian Elephant Exhibit, @Moebelle
California Sea Lion and Harbor Seal Exhibit, @Moebelle
One of many Rotational Primate Exhibits, @Moebelle
Herpetarium, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/saint-louis-zoo.1000/
Zoo Website:
Home | Saint Louis Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://www.stlzoo.org/files/5816/2102/7099/Saint_Louis_Zoo_map_spring_2021_revised.jpg
Sort of. If it was just me, like it usually is, it would be $500; there's no minimum. I could add on an additional 4 people, which yes would bring it to $100 per person, then pay for anyone over that as well.
Elephants aren't included in the tour at all, they're not viewable.
Unless they bring down the price or find enough people to pay that sum they'll go out of business like St. Catherine's Island. Or AZA could be covering their expenses..... I used to want to go there but if they're not going to bring down prices I guess I'll be using my hard-earned $$$ somewhere else. For example, you can see all these species in Texas (Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, & Fossil Rim) at a much lower cost within a few hour's drive of each other.
I’m not here to defend White Oak’s prices, but your claim is simply not true. None of those facilities have Cape buffalo, Père David’s deer, slender-horned gazelles, babirusa, Florida panthers, cassowaries, Mississippi sandhill cranes, or Florida grasshopper sparrows (although you can see the babirusa and cassowary in San Antonio), the gerenuk and Somali wild ass are not on display at the facilities that house them, and the Grevy’s zebras and maned wolves at Fossil Rim require a special tour.
Aardwolf
Well-Known Member
The experience of seeing animals at White Oak is also different from a typical zoo, both in the size of the social groups and the size of the enclosures. It was only the second time in my life that I felt that I'd really seen an actual herd of white rhinos, for example, and when we went to feed an okapi, we had to wait for a few minutes for the okapi to make its way all the way across the enclosure to us, it was so spacious. If someone had shown me a photo of the babirusa in their enclosure and told me that they took it in Sulawesi, I probably would have believed them. I first learned about White Oak in my teens when a coworker at my zoo went to a conference there and came back - the pictures she showed me floored me, and I decided that I had to go at some point (again, being a teen and not having the firmest grasp of finances). I don't know if I would have been able to go if it wasn't a work function, about 20 years later, but I am extremely glad I got to go.
Nebraska - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
Founded: 1894
Size: 160 Acres (65 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 962
Mammals 112
Birds 136
Reptiles & Amphibians 240
Fish 378
Invertebrates 96
Anyone unfamiliar with American zoos would be shocked to learn that one of the world's greatest zoological institutions is located in the state of Nebraska. It may just be the most complete and consistantly good zoo in the country. There are no bird or reptile houses, instead the zoo houses its vast collection inside gigantic indoor biomes built under the watch of director Lee G. Simmons who put the zoo on the map. There are over eight acres of indoor exhibits, almost all of which are the largest of their kind in America. The Desert Dome is the most iconic part of the zoo, the world’s largest geodesic dome and America’s largest indoor desert. Insistent on being number one the excellence continues with America's largest rainforest house, largest nocturnal house, and largest in-zoo aquarium. There is something to be said about flash over function, as some of these mega-buildings had design elements that prioritize aesthetics over animal welfare. Most have been resolved, but keeping tapirs and pygmy hippos indoors year-round is far from ideal. Soon to be retired director Dennis Pate has overseen the redevelopment of almost all of the zoo's outdoor sections and since 2016 has unveiled a new multi-million dollar complex every year. African Grasslands has expansive habitats for breeding herds of elephants, giraffes and antelope. It also has America’s largest elephant house and tallest lion exhibit. Asian Highlands wins favor by including several lesser known species such as Chinese goral, tufted deer and Père David's deer alongside ABCs like tigers, rhinos and red pandas. There are so many more highlights such as the phenomenal seal and sea lion habitat, a comprehensive collection of Madagascan species, the massive Simmons aviary with unpinionined flamingos, and two of the country's best great ape complexes. Omaha has far and away had the most exponential growth of any American zoo and will likely continue to break records with every new development to come.
Desert Dome, @Moebelle
Lion Exhibit, @pachyderm pro
Lied Jungle, @Moebelle
Sichuan Takin and Chinese Goral Exhibit, @pachyderm pro
Aquarium Tunnel, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/omahas-henry-doorly-zoo.1006/
Zoo Website:
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2140/2021_ohdzoo_map_inside_112921_construction.pdf
Founded: 1894
Size: 160 Acres (65 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 962
Mammals 112
Birds 136
Reptiles & Amphibians 240
Fish 378
Invertebrates 96
Anyone unfamiliar with American zoos would be shocked to learn that one of the world's greatest zoological institutions is located in the state of Nebraska. It may just be the most complete and consistantly good zoo in the country. There are no bird or reptile houses, instead the zoo houses its vast collection inside gigantic indoor biomes built under the watch of director Lee G. Simmons who put the zoo on the map. There are over eight acres of indoor exhibits, almost all of which are the largest of their kind in America. The Desert Dome is the most iconic part of the zoo, the world’s largest geodesic dome and America’s largest indoor desert. Insistent on being number one the excellence continues with America's largest rainforest house, largest nocturnal house, and largest in-zoo aquarium. There is something to be said about flash over function, as some of these mega-buildings had design elements that prioritize aesthetics over animal welfare. Most have been resolved, but keeping tapirs and pygmy hippos indoors year-round is far from ideal. Soon to be retired director Dennis Pate has overseen the redevelopment of almost all of the zoo's outdoor sections and since 2016 has unveiled a new multi-million dollar complex every year. African Grasslands has expansive habitats for breeding herds of elephants, giraffes and antelope. It also has America’s largest elephant house and tallest lion exhibit. Asian Highlands wins favor by including several lesser known species such as Chinese goral, tufted deer and Père David's deer alongside ABCs like tigers, rhinos and red pandas. There are so many more highlights such as the phenomenal seal and sea lion habitat, a comprehensive collection of Madagascan species, the massive Simmons aviary with unpinionined flamingos, and two of the country's best great ape complexes. Omaha has far and away had the most exponential growth of any American zoo and will likely continue to break records with every new development to come.
Desert Dome, @Moebelle
Lion Exhibit, @pachyderm pro
Lied Jungle, @Moebelle
Sichuan Takin and Chinese Goral Exhibit, @pachyderm pro
Aquarium Tunnel, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/omahas-henry-doorly-zoo.1006/
Zoo Website:
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2140/2021_ohdzoo_map_inside_112921_construction.pdf
New York - Bronx Zoo
Founded: 1899
Size: 265 Acres (107 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 733
Mammals 160
Birds 289
Reptiles & Amphibians 204
Fish 47
Invertebrates 33
Former home of legendary zoo director William G. Conway, from the very beginning Bronx has always been known as one of the world's most important zoos. That’s thanks in part to its riveting history and impressive conservation efforts. It spends more money on conservation than any other zoo on the continent and it’s not even close. The zoo has done an excellent job modernizing its aged areas, such as converting the historic lion house into a comprehensive Madagascar exhibit, and revitalizing an old polar bear grotto for a pack of dholes. Fantastic collection of course, birds in particular standing out with over 100 species in the two-floor World of Birds building and dozens more in the aquatic bird house. The gorilla habitat is considered one of the best of its kind in the world and over two decades since its opening that hasn’t changed one bit. Jungle World has a distinct advantage over America’s other rainforest buildings by only focusing on Southeast Asia as opposed to three different continents as is all the better for it. The Wild Asia Monorail crossing directly over the Bronx river is one of the last of its kind in the country and is the only way to see the zoo's remarkable collection of Asian ungulates. Some of the many other highlights include the excellent snow leopard complex, the seabird aviary, the three acre gelada and ibex habitat, and a large herd of pure American bison. The biggest mark against Bronx is the lack of any significant new developments in the past decade plus the unfortunate closure of the monkey house, nocturnal house and other areas due to financial strain. However, the zoo is already so strong across the board that there really isn’t an immediate need to replace any one part of the park. The African Plains exhibits, for example, hold up phenomenally well despite being exactly 80 years old and will continue to be in use for the foreseeable future. It speaks volumes to why the zoo is still revered across the globe to this day.
Zoo Center, @AnaheimZoo
Gorilla Exhibit, @AnaheimZoo
Seabird Aviary, @twilighter
Gelada and Nubian Ibex Exhibit, @TinoPup
Jungle World, @TinoPup
Zoochat Gallery:
Bronx Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places - Bronx Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://c532f75abb9c1c021b8c-e46e47...2021/12/06/r4ai7qusj_bronxzoo_winter_2022.png
Founded: 1899
Size: 265 Acres (107 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 733
Mammals 160
Birds 289
Reptiles & Amphibians 204
Fish 47
Invertebrates 33
Former home of legendary zoo director William G. Conway, from the very beginning Bronx has always been known as one of the world's most important zoos. That’s thanks in part to its riveting history and impressive conservation efforts. It spends more money on conservation than any other zoo on the continent and it’s not even close. The zoo has done an excellent job modernizing its aged areas, such as converting the historic lion house into a comprehensive Madagascar exhibit, and revitalizing an old polar bear grotto for a pack of dholes. Fantastic collection of course, birds in particular standing out with over 100 species in the two-floor World of Birds building and dozens more in the aquatic bird house. The gorilla habitat is considered one of the best of its kind in the world and over two decades since its opening that hasn’t changed one bit. Jungle World has a distinct advantage over America’s other rainforest buildings by only focusing on Southeast Asia as opposed to three different continents as is all the better for it. The Wild Asia Monorail crossing directly over the Bronx river is one of the last of its kind in the country and is the only way to see the zoo's remarkable collection of Asian ungulates. Some of the many other highlights include the excellent snow leopard complex, the seabird aviary, the three acre gelada and ibex habitat, and a large herd of pure American bison. The biggest mark against Bronx is the lack of any significant new developments in the past decade plus the unfortunate closure of the monkey house, nocturnal house and other areas due to financial strain. However, the zoo is already so strong across the board that there really isn’t an immediate need to replace any one part of the park. The African Plains exhibits, for example, hold up phenomenally well despite being exactly 80 years old and will continue to be in use for the foreseeable future. It speaks volumes to why the zoo is still revered across the globe to this day.
Zoo Center, @AnaheimZoo
Gorilla Exhibit, @AnaheimZoo
Seabird Aviary, @twilighter
Gelada and Nubian Ibex Exhibit, @TinoPup
Jungle World, @TinoPup
Zoochat Gallery:
Bronx Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places - Bronx Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://c532f75abb9c1c021b8c-e46e47...2021/12/06/r4ai7qusj_bronxzoo_winter_2022.png
otusasio451
Member
New York - Bronx Zoo
Founded: 1899
Size: 265 Acres (107 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 733
Mammals 160
Birds 289
Reptiles & Amphibians 204
Fish 47
Invertebrates 33
Former home of legendary zoo director William G. Conway, from the very beginning Bronx has always been known as one of the world's most important zoos. That’s thanks in part to its riveting history and impressive conservation efforts. It spends more money on conservation than any other zoo on the continent and it’s not even close. The zoo has done an excellent job modernizing its aged areas, such as converting the historic lion house into a comprehensive Madagascar exhibit, and revitalizing an old polar bear grotto for a pack of dholes. Fantastic collection of course, birds in particular standing out with over 100 species in the two-floor World of Birds building and dozens more in the aquatic bird house. The gorilla habitat is considered one of the best of its kind in the world and over two decades since its opening that hasn’t changed one bit. Jungle World has a distinct advantage over America’s other rainforest buildings by only focusing on Southeast Asia as opposed to three different continents as is all the better for it. The Wild Asia Monorail crossing directly over the Bronx river is one of the last of its kind in the country and is the only way to see the zoo's remarkable collection of Asian ungulates. Some of the many other highlights include the excellent snow leopard complex, the seabird aviary, the three acre gelada and ibex habitat, and a large herd of pure American bison. The biggest mark against Bronx is the lack of any significant new developments in the past decade plus the unfortunate closure of the monkey house, nocturnal house and other areas due to financial strain. However, the zoo is already so strong across the board that there really isn’t an immediate need to replace any one part of the park. The African Plains exhibits, for example, hold up phenomenally well despite being exactly 80 years old and will continue to be in use for the foreseeable future. It speaks volumes to why the zoo is still revered across the globe to this day.
Zoo Center, @AnaheimZoo
Gorilla Exhibit, @AnaheimZoo
Seabird Aviary, @twilighter
Gelada and Nubian Ibex Exhibit, @TinoPup
Jungle World, @TinoPup
Zoochat Gallery:
Bronx Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places - Bronx Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://c532f75abb9c1c021b8c-e46e47...2021/12/06/r4ai7qusj_bronxzoo_winter_2022.png
My favorite zoo! Kind of obvious that this one would make the list, but I'm happy to see it nonetheless! I feel like rereading You Belong in a Zoo now.
The last three zoos are absolute behemoths not only in America but worldwide. The animal collection at all three is incredible:
Mammals: Bronx 160 species, Omaha 112, Saint Louis 103
Birds: Bronx 289 species, Omaha 136, Saint Louis 121
Reptiles & Amphibians: Omaha 240, Bronx 204, Saint Louis 198
Fish: Omaha 378, Bronx 47, Saint Louis 31
Invertebrates: Saint Louis 102, Omaha 96, Bronx 33
Of course, those numbers are not the total species on-exhibit, but nevertheless all three zoos have immense, fairly comprehensive animal collections.
Then there is the quality of the exhibits. Bronx hasn't opened anything major in 14 years, but there really isn't an area that needs to be bulldozed and many exhibits are world-class. Omaha has 50 acres of new exhibits in the past decade, with some jaw-dropping additions. However, the Desert Dome and Expedition Madagascar are two buildings that really do need tweaking when it comes to some of the mammal enclosures. Saint Louis combines modern, immersive habitats with historic structures and in many ways is perhaps the most well-rounded zoo of the trio in terms of showcasing a large number of species in excellent exhibits.
With apologies to other great U.S. zoos, such as Columbus, Sedgwick County, Miami and a few more, it's difficult for me to change my personal rankings as they are right now:
#1 San Diego
#2 Omaha
#3 Saint Louis
#4 Bronx
If there is a zoo that could be considered a 'dark horse' to possibly slot into the #5 position in the future, it might well be North Carolina when the upcoming Asian and Australian zones are finished.
Mammals: Bronx 160 species, Omaha 112, Saint Louis 103
Birds: Bronx 289 species, Omaha 136, Saint Louis 121
Reptiles & Amphibians: Omaha 240, Bronx 204, Saint Louis 198
Fish: Omaha 378, Bronx 47, Saint Louis 31
Invertebrates: Saint Louis 102, Omaha 96, Bronx 33
Of course, those numbers are not the total species on-exhibit, but nevertheless all three zoos have immense, fairly comprehensive animal collections.
Then there is the quality of the exhibits. Bronx hasn't opened anything major in 14 years, but there really isn't an area that needs to be bulldozed and many exhibits are world-class. Omaha has 50 acres of new exhibits in the past decade, with some jaw-dropping additions. However, the Desert Dome and Expedition Madagascar are two buildings that really do need tweaking when it comes to some of the mammal enclosures. Saint Louis combines modern, immersive habitats with historic structures and in many ways is perhaps the most well-rounded zoo of the trio in terms of showcasing a large number of species in excellent exhibits.
With apologies to other great U.S. zoos, such as Columbus, Sedgwick County, Miami and a few more, it's difficult for me to change my personal rankings as they are right now:
#1 San Diego
#2 Omaha
#3 Saint Louis
#4 Bronx
If there is a zoo that could be considered a 'dark horse' to possibly slot into the #5 position in the future, it might well be North Carolina when the upcoming Asian and Australian zones are finished.
I have created the quoted Index and added it to the beginning of the thread, in order to make it a more useful and easy-to-reference long-term resource
I shall maintain it as and when further posts are made.
New York - Central Park Zoo
Founded: 1864
Size: 6.5 Acres (2.6 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 104
Mammals 16
Birds 64
Reptiles & Amphibians 23
Fish 1
Invertebrates 0
Technically speaking, this is America's oldest zoo. That statement has been heavily debated, but before any proper institution was ever founded there was a menagerie of animals at the center of Manhattan ever since 1864 with species after species in concrete and iron cages. After being completely rebuilt under the watch of the Wildlife Conservation Society, that’s a far cry from the zoo that exists today which is a very modest collection complemented by some great history. Like the other WCS operated parks, a circular sea lion pool is the centerpiece of the facility. A big highlight is the superb snow leopard habitat that is very spacious and varied in terrain. There is a nicely done tropical building which has a solid collection of birds in free-flight as well as some small to medium sized primates, although there are many small mammals stuck in some cramped glass enclosures. The penguin and seabird house has king, gentoo, chinstrap and macaroni penguins and there are also both tufted and Atlantic puffins in a similar habitat next door. The rest of the zoo consists of species that can be exhibited outdoors year-round including a Japanese macaque habitat with a huge amount of water, red panda, harbor seal, white-naped crane, various smaller bird species, and the old polar bear enclosure which has been rehabbed for grizzlies, the largest species kept on the grounds. That’s the whole place minus the children’s zoo next door. It doesn't have the most robust collection or the most innovative exhibitry, but the significance of this zoo cannot be undersold and it fully embraces the fact that it’s located in the middle of America’s largest city.
Japanese Macaque Exhibit, @StoppableSan
Harbor Seal Viewing and City View, @mweb08
Tropics Building, @StoppableSan
Historic Delacorte Clock, @Baldur
California Sea Lion Pool, @StoppableSan
Zoochat Gallery:
Central Park Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places - Central Park Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://c532f75abb9c1c021b8c-e46e47...rackcdn.com/2021/12/29/2rjfun4js8_cpz_map.png
Founded: 1864
Size: 6.5 Acres (2.6 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 104
Mammals 16
Birds 64
Reptiles & Amphibians 23
Fish 1
Invertebrates 0
Technically speaking, this is America's oldest zoo. That statement has been heavily debated, but before any proper institution was ever founded there was a menagerie of animals at the center of Manhattan ever since 1864 with species after species in concrete and iron cages. After being completely rebuilt under the watch of the Wildlife Conservation Society, that’s a far cry from the zoo that exists today which is a very modest collection complemented by some great history. Like the other WCS operated parks, a circular sea lion pool is the centerpiece of the facility. A big highlight is the superb snow leopard habitat that is very spacious and varied in terrain. There is a nicely done tropical building which has a solid collection of birds in free-flight as well as some small to medium sized primates, although there are many small mammals stuck in some cramped glass enclosures. The penguin and seabird house has king, gentoo, chinstrap and macaroni penguins and there are also both tufted and Atlantic puffins in a similar habitat next door. The rest of the zoo consists of species that can be exhibited outdoors year-round including a Japanese macaque habitat with a huge amount of water, red panda, harbor seal, white-naped crane, various smaller bird species, and the old polar bear enclosure which has been rehabbed for grizzlies, the largest species kept on the grounds. That’s the whole place minus the children’s zoo next door. It doesn't have the most robust collection or the most innovative exhibitry, but the significance of this zoo cannot be undersold and it fully embraces the fact that it’s located in the middle of America’s largest city.
Japanese Macaque Exhibit, @StoppableSan
Harbor Seal Viewing and City View, @mweb08
Tropics Building, @StoppableSan
Historic Delacorte Clock, @Baldur
California Sea Lion Pool, @StoppableSan
Zoochat Gallery:
Central Park Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places - Central Park Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://c532f75abb9c1c021b8c-e46e47...rackcdn.com/2021/12/29/2rjfun4js8_cpz_map.png
New York - Central Park Zoo
Founded: 1864
Size: 6.5 Acres (2.6 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 104
Mammals 16
Birds 64
Reptiles & Amphibians 23
Fish 1
Invertebrates 0
Technically speaking, this is America's oldest zoo. That statement has been heavily debated, but before any proper institution was ever founded there was a menagerie of animals at the center of Manhattan ever since 1864 with species after species in concrete and iron cages. After being completely rebuilt under the watch of the Wildlife Conservation Society, that’s a far cry from the zoo that exists today which is a very modest collection complemented by some great history. Like the other WCS operated parks, a circular sea lion pool is the centerpiece of the facility. A big highlight is the superb snow leopard habitat that is very spacious and varied in terrain. There is a nicely done tropical building which has a solid collection of birds in free-flight as well as some small to medium sized primates, although there are many small mammals stuck in some cramped glass enclosures. The penguin and seabird house has king, gentoo, chinstrap and macaroni penguins and there are also both tufted and Atlantic puffins in a similar habitat next door. The rest of the zoo consists of species that can be exhibited outdoors year-round including a Japanese macaque habitat with a huge amount of water, red panda, harbor seal, white-naped crane, various smaller bird species, and the old polar bear enclosure which has been rehabbed for grizzlies, the largest species kept on the grounds. That’s the whole place minus the children’s zoo next door. It doesn't have the most robust collection or the most innovative exhibitry, but the significance of this zoo cannot be undersold and it fully embraces the fact that it’s located in the middle of America’s largest city.
Japanese Macaque Exhibit, @StoppableSan
Harbor Seal Viewing and City View, @mweb08
Tropics Building, @StoppableSan
Historic Delacorte Clock, @Baldur
California Sea Lion Pool, @StoppableSan
Zoochat Gallery:
Central Park Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places - Central Park Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://c532f75abb9c1c021b8c-e46e47...rackcdn.com/2021/12/29/2rjfun4js8_cpz_map.png
The zoo has a lot of history I'm not denying that but is Central Park really a "must-see" zoo?
I probably have just a massive grudge against you that you didn't pick Mystic Aquarium but you picked Central Park, but even in your review you say there are cramped exhibits and while yes its really modest, it just doesn't really fit the style of the thread. I feel like if you wanted to include a small zoo, you should have included Buttonwood Park Zoo in Massachusetts, as it has been labeled as one of the best small zoos in the country.
Being the oldest zoo in the country and one of the few with any meaningful old historical zoo architecture, it is one of the most straightforward inclusions of this thread imo.
I don't see how Buttonwood Park, which seems pleasant but doesent have any standouts features or notable rarities, should be on here over Central Park, one of the most historically significant zoos in America. I didn't choose to include it because I needed to fill a “small zoo” slot, I chose it because it’s an iconic institution in both the zoo world and popular culture thanks to the animated ‘Madagascar’ trilogy of films. The park ambience is also unique and it deserves to be celebrated as the catalyst for every American collection that followed its conception.
I feel like some of what you included in here should have been included in the review, because your arguments are making more sense to me.
Also, Buttonwood has rarities like Ma's Night Monkey
Nancy Ma’s Night Monkey isn’t very rare, as it can be found at quite a few private collections and Roadside Zoos.
Aardwolf
Well-Known Member
Not being included in someone's Top 50 or Top 100 list isn't a moral failing or a statement that a zoo isn't worth going to - heck, almost every zoo that I've worked at (including my current one) hasn't made this list. There are other zoos which I'm very interested in going to that didn't make this list, some of which I'm more interested in than some of the facilities that were listed. I'd think of it as, "If you had a zoo-loving friend from out of the country, or maybe even someone who had never been to a zoo before, and you wanted to show them a variety of the most interesting and exciting facilities that the US had to offer, where would you take them?" There's a lot of personal preference that goes into answering that.