America's 50 Must See Zoos

[aardvark250]

Tennessee - Tennessee Aquarium

Founded: 1992
Size: 1.1 Million Gallons (4.2 Million Liters)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 553
Mammals 5
Birds 15
Reptiles & Amphibians 96
Fish 373
Invertebrates 64

While America's major aquariums all have a primary focus on ocean habitat first and foremost, the Tennessee Aquarium is distinguished by its unique emphasis on freshwater displays, which is fitting considering it directly overlooks the Tennessee River on the Chattanooga Waterfront. When it initially opened it was entirely freshwater focused and at one point in time was the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. It wasn’t until over a decade after its founding when the adjacent saltwater building was unveiled. The climax of the River Journey is the Appalachian Cove Forest exhibit which has several open topped tanks tucked between various caves and crevices. Many of the tanks are connected via a single stream that traverses into several different pockets of water with water levels that change seasonally. The way it was designed means that the foliage will also change depending on the season despite being entirely indoors. The large Tennessee River aquariums are also superb and the aquarium has been a leader in tortoise and turtle conservation which is on full display. The Ocean Journey building isn't quite as distinct and is much more reminiscent of modern aquarium tropes with penguins, large coral reef tanks, and a stingray touch tank. Although there’s nothing entirely original here, it's all presented quite nicely. There are also a few non-aquatic elements in this building as well such various lemur species and a butterfly garden. While that's all great, the excellent river habitats and one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater fish are what truly make this institution must-see.

Trout Tank, @Moebelle

Stingray Touch Tank, @Moebelle

Mountain Sink Tank, @Moebelle

Waterfowl and Turtle Exhibit, @Moebelle

Secret Reef Tank, @Moebelle

Zoochat Gallery:
Tennessee Aquarium - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Tennessee Aquarium · Chattanooga Attractions • IMAX Movies

Zoo Map:
https://tnaqua.org/app/uploads/2020/05/CampusMap_2019update.jpg

I dont think there are any debate on the inclusion of this. I can't think of a lot of freshwater aquarium in the world, and it looks beautiful too.
Tennessee having 3 zoos in this thread, good job from the parallelogram state!

 

[pachyderm pro]

Texas - Dallas World Aquarium

Founded: 1992
Size: 600,000 Gallons (2.3 Million Liters)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 600+
Mammals 50+
Birds 150+
Reptiles & Amphibians 100+
Fish 200+
Invertebrates 100+

Don’t let the name fool you, as to call this just an aquarium would be a grave error. This is not at all a traditional facility by any means. Think of it more like a multi-level rainforest zoo with some aquatic elements, although the actual aquarium portion of the facility really is an afterthought in the grand scheme of things. They cram a lot in here, even if it comes at the expense of space for a lot of the aquarium's residents. In some cases some really tiny enclosures, especially for the larger species, although luckily the controversial jaguar exhibit is no more. It’s easy to get discombobulated in the various rainforest trails and the seemingly endless amount of enclosures tucked above, below and beside you. North America’s only Antillean manatee, plus arapaima, pacu and many more can be found in the Orinoco river tank which is a clear highlight. Look up in this section to find several rare primates: red howler monkey, red-backed bearded saki and red-handed tamarin. The aquarium is known for its impressive list of rarities, often going out of its way in order to acquire them when possible, with many species of which it is the only holder in the country including Guianan crested eagle and brown-throated three toed sloth. That doesn't even scratch the surface, but it's impossible to list them all. It’s not always the best for geographical accuracy, as one could find shoebill stork and little blue penguin in the Borneo section upon some other inconsistencies. You're not going to get any exceptional exhibit design here, but if you're looking for a laundry list of lifeticks and a completely unique experience unlike any other institution, this may just be a place for you.

Rainforest Overview, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Orinoco River Tank, @geomorph

African Penguin Exhibit, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Mundo Maya Atrium, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Continental Shelf Tunnel, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Dallas World Aquarium - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Home | The Dallas World Aquarium

Zoo Map:
N/A

 

[SusScrofa]

California - Los Angeles Zoo

Founded: 1966
Size: 133 Acres (54 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): c. 280
On Exhibit Mammals 83
On Exhibit Birds 35
On Exhibit Reptiles & Amphibians 60
On Exhibit Fish 11

Los Angeles is a city with a lot of glitz and glamor, but not always as spectacular as it’s been made out to be, so it’s not all that surprising that its zoo is the same way. A good chunk of the grounds are slated for redevelopment in the future and it’s easy to see why. There are a bunch of ungulate paddocks that dominate the zoo's perimeter as well as the controversial C-shaped roundhouse cages. The roundhouses aren’t necessarily bad, just not very suitable for the animals they were designed to hold. Passerines or marmosets would be a good fit, Steller's sea eagle and mandrill not so much. Beyond some of the scruffier areas there are some truly fantastic exhibits. There is an extensive Amazon zone with some great exhibits for giant otter and jaguar, plus America's last red uakari. The LAIR is a brilliant reptile, amphibian and invertebrate complex with about 70 species in some excellently designed terrariums. Many of them are floor to ceiling displays with plenty of rarities like perentie, mangshan pit viper, South American bushmaster, and Chinese giant salamander. LA has plenty of rare species outside of the LAIR building as well, including mountain tapir, calamian deer, and markhor. This is a great zoo for Australian species as well with koalas and Tasmanian devils outside, plus a nocturnal building with echidnas and wombats in separate areas both shared by sugar gliders. Other highlights include the large and impressive Asian elephant complex, a superb François langur enclosure that almost contained golden snub-nosed monkeys, and some really good exhibits for chimpanzees and orangutans. With a new master plan in development LA has potential to be a top tier zoo in the future. For now it’s a flawed, but still very good zoo with a very impressive selection of rarities and some real standout areas to boot.

Asian Elephant Exhibit, @TheoV

Jaguar Exhibit, @twilighter

The LAIR, @Blackduiker

Serval Exhibit (Roundhouse Example), @snowleopard

François Langur Exhibit, @mstickmanp

Zoochat Gallery:
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Home - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens (LA Zoo)

Zoo Map:
https://s36593.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ZooMap_Reopening_061521_f.jpg

Is the nocturnal house still open? I visited a month ago and there was nothing of that sort there. The echidna was outside in the same enclosure as the tammar wallaby and koala, and there was no wombat or glider.

 

[Antimony96]

When did DWA axe the jaguar habitat?

 

[ParathePineapple]

When did DWA axe the jaguar habitat?

I believe that it is still around, just home to an ocelot now.

 

[CMP]

I believe that it is still around, just home to an ocelot now.

Yes, I can confirm this. While it doesn't give the animals outdoor access, the size is more appropriate and the enclosure is of similar adequacy to the ocelot exhibits found in Cincinnati or other zoos.

Look up in this section to find several rare primates: red howler monkey, red-backed bearded saki and red-handed tamarin.

I don't think there are red-handed tamarins anymore, or they are at least not on exhibit.

 

[pachyderm pro]

I don't think there are red-handed tamarins anymore, or they are at least not on exhibit.

They're still listed on the website, but considering how many species transactions there are at the aquarium it's very possible they may have been removed.

 

[Great Argus]

They're still listed on the website, but considering how many species transactions there are at the aquarium it's very possible they may have been removed.

DWA's website isn't always the most accurate, as might be expected due to frequent turnover and species changes.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Texas - Dallas Zoo

Founded: 1888
Size: 106 Acres (43 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 441
Mammals 76
Birds 133
Reptiles & Amphibians 151
Fish 7
Invertebrates 44

Dallas is very much two zoos in one, not necessarily because it has an overwhelming amount of things to see, rather depending on where you are it very much feels like two separate institutions. Accessed via an underground tunnel, over half of the footprint is taken up by a massive series of African exhibits that are all superb in quality and have almost every major megafauna species you would expect to find, with rhinos being the one rather surprising omission. Giants of the Savanna successfully mixes elephants, giraffes, zebras, impala and various birds in a a series of habitats and is the zoo’s most innovative accomplishment to date. Lions and cheetahs also have a great set of habitats, as do the great apes. A complete collection in top-notch displays, with the only drawback being that the monorail was recently dismantled which leaves a sizable portion of this area out of use at the moment. The more traditional North side of the park isn’t quite as grand by comparison. There are some one-off exhibits for tigers, Asian small-clawed otters and various primates that are all pleasant. The Herpetarium is a very standard affair design-wise with several halls of vivaria, but is jam-packed with over 120 species on view. The insect house is also pleasant with a focus on Texas native species. The African exhibits and the reptile collection are both fantastic, but other Texas zoos have seen more development in recent years which has caused Dallas to fall slightly behind. A tentative plan calls for a transformation of the older portion of the zoo into a comprehensive Asian zone to contrast with the Wilds of Africa section which would do wonders elevating the zoo's northern half up to par.

Giants of the Savanna, @snowleopard

Hippo Exhibit, @d1am0andback

Herpetarium, @TinoPup

Insect House, @geomorph

Chimpanzee Exhibit, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Dallas Zoo - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Dallas Zoo | Welcome to the Largest Zoological Experience in Texas!

Zoo Map:
https://dallaszoo.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/24130202/Dallas-Zoo-Map-2020-WEB-FRONT.png

 

[Kudu21]

Another unsurprising inclusion and well written entry! Certainly a collection that I'm particularly fond of. I will note that there are no longer impala in Giants of the Savanna. The only antelope in the mix now is a herd of greater kudu. The former cheetah exhibit in the predator complex is now home to African painted dogs. The cheetahs have moved to the former mandrill exhibit, with the last mandrill moving to Primate Place in ZooNorth.

 

[TinoPup]

Dallas Zoo is my second favorite zoo I've visited, it's an amazing place. And that was without a monorail ride, because it was 113 degrees and it was closed.

 

[TZDugong]

Texas - Dallas World Aquarium

Founded: 1992
Size: 600,000 Gallons (2.3 Million Liters)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 600+
Mammals 50+
Birds 150+
Reptiles & Amphibians 100+
Fish 200+
Invertebrates 100+

Don’t let the name fool you, as to call this just an aquarium would be a grave error. This is not at all a traditional facility by any means. Think of it more like a multi-level rainforest zoo with some aquatic elements, although the actual aquarium portion of the facility really is an afterthought in the grand scheme of things. They cram a lot in here, even if it comes at the expense of space for a lot of the aquarium's residents. In some cases some really tiny enclosures, especially for the larger species, although luckily the controversial jaguar exhibit is no more. It’s easy to get discombobulated in the various rainforest trails and the seemingly endless amount of enclosures tucked above, below and beside you. North America’s only Antillean manatee, plus arapaima, pacu and many more can be found in the Orinoco river tank which is a clear highlight. Look up in this section to find several rare primates: red howler monkey, red-backed bearded saki and red-handed tamarin. The aquarium is known for its impressive list of rarities, often going out of its way in order to acquire them when possible, with many species of which it is the only holder in the country including Guianan crested eagle and brown-throated three toed sloth. That doesn't even scratch the surface, but it's impossible to list them all. It’s not always the best for geographical accuracy, as one could find shoebill stork and little blue penguin in the Borneo section upon some other inconsistencies. You're not going to get any exceptional exhibit design here, but if you're looking for a laundry list of lifeticks and a completely unique experience unlike any other institution, this may just be a place for you.

Rainforest Overview, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Orinoco River Tank, @geomorph

African Penguin Exhibit, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Mundo Maya Atrium, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Continental Shelf Tunnel, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Dallas World Aquarium - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Home | The Dallas World Aquarium

Zoo Map:
N/A

Even though I’m not really the biggest fan of DWA, this is an easy inclusion on any must-see US zoo list; the species list is incredible!

I do wish they leaned more heavily into the Aquarium elements of the facility, most of the zoos highlights came in that area.

Texas - Dallas Zoo

Founded: 1888
Size: 106 Acres (43 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 441
Mammals 76
Birds 133
Reptiles & Amphibians 151
Fish 7
Invertebrates 44

Dallas is very much two zoos in one, not necessarily because it has an overwhelming amount of things to see, rather depending on where you are it very much feels like two separate institutions. Accessed via an underground tunnel, over half of the footprint is taken up by a massive series of African exhibits that are all superb in quality and have almost every major megafauna species you would expect to find, with rhinos being the one rather surprising omission. Giants of the Savanna successfully mixes elephants, giraffes, zebras, impala and various birds in a a series of habitats and is the zoo’s most innovative accomplishment to date. Lions and cheetahs also have a great set of habitats, as do the great apes. A complete collection in top-notch displays, with the only drawback being that the monorail was recently dismantled which leaves a sizable portion of this area out of use at the moment. The more traditional North side of the park isn’t quite as grand by comparison. There are some one-off exhibits for tigers, Asian small-clawed otters and various primates that are all pleasant. The Herpetarium is a very standard affair design-wise with several halls of vivaria, but is jam-packed with over 120 species on view. The insect house is also pleasant with a focus on Texas native species. The African exhibits and the reptile collection are both fantastic, but other Texas zoos have seen more development in recent years which has caused Dallas to fall slightly behind. A tentative plan calls for a transformation of the older portion of the zoo into a comprehensive Asian zone to contrast with the Wilds of Africa section which would do wonders elevating the zoo's northern half up to par.

Giants of the Savanna, @snowleopard

Hippo Exhibit, @d1am0andback

Herpetarium, @TinoPup

Insect House, @geomorph

Chimpanzee Exhibit, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Dallas Zoo - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Dallas Zoo | Welcome to the Largest Zoological Experience in Texas!

Zoo Map:
https://dallaszoo.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/24130202/Dallas-Zoo-Map-2020-WEB-FRONT.png

Another pretty obvious inclusion and for good reason, Dallas is really good. The whole African area is outstanding of course, but the other half of the zoo is also very nice, particularly the reptile house and Tiger exhibit.

I do wish the zoo was a little bigger, particularly the non-African zone. I believe around 10-15 years ago that side of the zoo had a few more areas, and it doesn’t seem like they’ve really been replaced.

The loss of the monorail is a big deal as well, as it was excellent.

 

[aardvark250]

Texas - Dallas World Aquarium

Founded: 1992
Size: 600,000 Gallons (2.3 Million Liters)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 600+
Mammals 50+
Birds 150+
Reptiles & Amphibians 100+
Fish 200+
Invertebrates 100+

Don’t let the name fool you, as to call this just an aquarium would be a grave error. This is not at all a traditional facility by any means. Think of it more like a multi-level rainforest zoo with some aquatic elements, although the actual aquarium portion of the facility really is an afterthought in the grand scheme of things. They cram a lot in here, even if it comes at the expense of space for a lot of the aquarium's residents. In some cases some really tiny enclosures, especially for the larger species, although luckily the controversial jaguar exhibit is no more. It’s easy to get discombobulated in the various rainforest trails and the seemingly endless amount of enclosures tucked above, below and beside you. North America’s only Antillean manatee, plus arapaima, pacu and many more can be found in the Orinoco river tank which is a clear highlight. Look up in this section to find several rare primates: red howler monkey, red-backed bearded saki and red-handed tamarin. The aquarium is known for its impressive list of rarities, often going out of its way in order to acquire them when possible, with many species of which it is the only holder in the country including Guianan crested eagle and brown-throated three toed sloth. That doesn't even scratch the surface, but it's impossible to list them all. It’s not always the best for geographical accuracy, as one could find shoebill stork and little blue penguin in the Borneo section upon some other inconsistencies. You're not going to get any exceptional exhibit design here, but if you're looking for a laundry list of lifeticks and a completely unique experience unlike any other institution, this may just be a place for you.

Rainforest Overview, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Orinoco River Tank, @geomorph

African Penguin Exhibit, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Mundo Maya Atrium, @ChunkyMunky pengopus

Continental Shelf Tunnel, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Dallas World Aquarium - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Home | The Dallas World Aquarium

Zoo Map:
N/A

What makes DWA must visit is also what makes it unpleasant (to the animals, at least) From the photos/videos I saw, "They cram a lot in here" seems like an understatement. Instead of an aquarium just think of it as Daryl's menagerie or sth. Yeah of course I agree it should be on the list, I do feel like DWA leans to "bad because it's too good".

 

[Great Argus]

What makes DWA must visit is also what makes it unpleasant (to the animals, at least) From the photos/videos I saw, "They cram a lot in here" seems like an understatement. Instead of an aquarium just think of it as Daryl's menagerie or sth. Yeah of course I agree it should be on the list, I do feel like DWA leans to "bad because it's too good".

Yet they do manage to be AZA, so apparently they aren't that bad. Not saying I agree with their system but they haven't been kicked by the AZA.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Texas - Fort Worth Zoo

Founded: 1909
Size: 64 Acres (26 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 567
Mammals 65
Birds 162
Reptiles & Amphibians 170
Fish 88
Invertebrates 82

Fort Worth has come a long way over the past few years. While it used to be greatly overshadowed by the other major Texas institutions, it now holds its own significantly better than it once did. The zoo is about halfway through its master plan which has essentially seen the entire northwest side of the park destroyed and rebuilt from the ground up. A well done collection of African Savanna habitats and a new Asian elephant complex have been the most significant additions thus far. Even before this recent spree of development, there had always been a premiere attraction that elevated the zoo to must-see status. The Museum of Living Art, perhaps better known to some by the acronym MOLA, is highly regarded as one of the all-time great reptile houses. With an assortment of roughly 150 ectotherms on show in top notch displays it's quite the spectacle, even if it is slightly tampered by the addition of an unnecessary lemur island. The main attraction is the stunning Indian gharial pool, featuring a cafe with seating by the underwater viewing windows. Isolated from the rest of the park, the Texas Wilds section features a complete set of native Texan species, although not all may be a fan of the eccentric thematics of the elaborate Texas Town plaza. A few other things of note are the raptor enclosures allowing the birds to fly right over guests, and the zoo's impressive breeding record with lesser flamingos. With the direction the zoo is heading, it seems inevitable that the upcoming exhibits for Asian and African carnivores will be just as well done and Fort Worth has a very bright future ahead of itself indeed.

Indian Gharial Exhibit, @snowleopard

Asian Elephant Exhibit, @nczoofan

African Savanna, @geomorph

Raptor Aviary, @snowleopard

Texas Town, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/fort-worth-zoo.1004/

Zoo Website:
Fort Worth Zoo | Adventure Awaits

Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2059/2021_map_web.jpg

 

[Coelacanth18]

What makes DWA must visit is also what makes it unpleasant (to the animals, at least) From the photos/videos I saw, "They cram a lot in here" seems like an understatement. Instead of an aquarium just think of it as Daryl's menagerie or sth. Yeah of course I agree it should be on the list, I do feel like DWA leans to "bad because it's too good".

Yet they do manage to be AZA, so apparently they aren't that bad. Not saying I agree with their system but they haven't been kicked by the AZA.

That's sort of where I end up as well. A lot of their enclosures are very different than what I would design or what I would think is preferable, but they are AZA accredited and the organization seems to be pushing down harder on zoos with poor enclosures. DWA also has really impressive breeding success with Neotropical birds - in particular cotingas and toucans - which suggests their husbandry is pretty good. Of course, Daryl Richardson and the facility itself is far from being controversy-free... but I do think it's one of those situations where a book can't be judged too much by its cover.

I was in a situation recently where I was passing through the Metroplex and was possibly going to have time to do either Dallas or Fort Worth, but not both... and I was extremely torn about which one to prioritize! I ended up not having to choose because I didn't have time for either, but both are high on my target list - largely because they are two of the top herp facilities in the country.

 

[Aardwolf]

I first visited Dallas and Fort Worth in 2008, so before Fort Worth added MOLA and before Dallas had Giants of the Savannah (lion, giraffe, and elephant were still in the crappy old exhibits in Zoo North... on the other hand, the monorail was still running), in the company of another keeper friend. We decided that Dallas had the superior reptile house, but Fort Worth was better in pretty much every other respect. A lot has obviously changed since then at both facilities, for the better in almost every case.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Texas - Houston Zoo

Founded: 1922
Size: 55 Acres (22 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 561
Mammals 99
Birds 95
Reptiles & Amphibians 200
Fish 50
Invertebrates 117

Houston bears many similarities to the previously covered Texas institutions: great elephant exhibit, large reptile collection, and it too is also in the midst of a new master plan that has already had quite a bit of progress made. However, it may just be the most consistent overall and has quickly nudged itself into the top ten American zoos conversion. The zoo has one of the most dynamic elephant herds in captivity and its breeding record has been astounding, with five calves born in the past five years. It’s been so successful that the complex has had to be expanded several times in order to keep up with the ever growing herd. The ambiguously named African Forest zone is really more of an all encompassing African zone with giraffes, rhinos, chimpanzees and the like and is all very good. The gorilla habitat was added as part of a later phase and is absolutely phenomenal, with an illusion that red river hogs share the space as them in an enclosed riverbank. The new Texas Wetlands and Pantanal developments have both turned out to be top-notch, the former focusing on smaller species with a beautiful alligator gar pond as its centerpiece. The bird and fish collections have both been slashed as a result of the recent closures of the aquarium and bird gardens, but they will both likely make a strong rebound in the future with a new bird compound planned, as well as the highly anticipated Galapagos Islands exhibit. While it won’t feature any species actually endemic to the Islands that aren’t already present in captivity, there's no doubt it will be an impressive addition that will continue to push Houston further up the ranks.

Asian Elephant Exhibit, @Moebelle

Texas Wetlands, @Moebelle

Gorilla and Red River Hog Exhibits, @Moebelle

Pantanal Mixed Species Exhibit, @geomorph

Reflection Pool, @Moebelle

Zoochat Gallery:
Houston Zoo - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Houston Zoo - See them. Save them.

Zoo Map:
https://s28164.pcdn.co/files/GateMap2022.02_web.pdf

 

[pachyderm pro]

Texas - Moody Gardens

Founded: 1983
Size: 16 Acres (6.4 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 661
Mammals 20
Birds 68
Reptiles & Amphibians 94
Fish 395
Invertebrates 84

Founded by the wealthy Moody family on the Gulf of Mexico, today Moody Gardens is unrecognizable from its roots as an equestrian riding school and is now a full on hotel and theme park. That may initially turn off some zoo enthusiasts, but if you were to only visit the zoological elements on the grounds you would never be able to tell you're at a luxury resort. Three gigantic glass pyramids were opened in the 90s, with one centered around scientific displays and the other two dedicated to rainforest and aquatic environments. Despite essentially being attractions in a theme park, the pyramid exhibits are incredibly professional and avoid any sort of commercialism. The aquarium contains 1.5 million gallons of water, making it larger than many standalone facilities across the United States. There are the obligatory aquarium staples like an underwater tunnel and darkened jellyfish hall, and some more distinct highlights like a half-dozen penguin species on display in multi-leveled exhibits. The rainforest pyramid also has a lot to offer. The beautiful giant otter exhibit is a clear highlight being the only outdoor habitat on the grounds. An upper level of the building is a lush walkthrough rainforest with birds, fruit bats, and free-ranging white-faced sakis. Komodo dragon, ocelot and rarities like Malagasy giant jumping rat and blue duiker can also be found on the lower levels, as well as a nocturnal hall. An all indoor seal and sea lion enclosure is perhaps the only blemish on what’s otherwise a stellar series of displays across the pyramids, but with plenty of surrounding space there is potential to rectify this with outdoor habitats in the future.

Giant Otter Exhibit, @snowleopard

Caribbean Tank Tunnel, @geomorph

South Pacific Tank, @geomorph

Rainforest Aviary, @geomorph

Antarctic Penguin Exhibit, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Moody Gardens - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Moody Gardens Galveston Texas | Hotel & Amusement Theme Parks | Houston Attractions | Family & Group Vacation Ideas TX

Zoo Map:
https://www.moodygardens.com/i/downloads/Property_Map.pdf

 

[nczoofan]

Texas - Moody Gardens

Founded: 1983
Size: 16 Acres (6.4 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 661
Mammals 20
Birds 68
Reptiles & Amphibians 94
Fish 395
Invertebrates 84

Founded by the wealthy Moody family on the Gulf of Mexico, today Moody Gardens is unrecognizable from its roots as an equestrian riding school and is now a full on hotel and theme park. That may initially turn off some zoo enthusiasts, but if you were to only visit the zoological elements on the grounds you would never be able to tell you're at a luxury resort. Three gigantic glass pyramids were opened in the 90s, with one centered around scientific displays and the other two dedicated to rainforest and aquatic environments. Despite essentially being attractions in a theme park, the pyramid exhibits are incredibly professional and avoid any sort of commercialism. The aquarium contains 1.5 million gallons of water, making it larger than many standalone facilities across the United States. There are the obligatory aquarium staples like an underwater tunnel and darkened jellyfish hall, and some more distinct highlights like a half-dozen penguin species on display in multi-leveled exhibits. The rainforest pyramid also has a lot to offer. The beautiful giant otter exhibit is a clear highlight being the only outdoor habitat on the grounds. An upper level of the building is a lush walkthrough rainforest with birds, fruit bats, and free-ranging white-faced sakis. Komodo dragon, ocelot and rarities like Malagasy giant jumping rat and blue duiker can also be found on the lower levels, as well as a nocturnal hall. An all indoor seal and sea lion enclosure is perhaps the only blemish on what’s otherwise a stellar series of displays across the pyramids, but with plenty of surrounding space there is potential to rectify this with outdoor habitats in the future.

Giant Otter Exhibit, @snowleopard

Caribbean Tank Tunnel, @geomorph

South Pacific Tank, @geomorph

Rainforest Aviary, @geomorph

Antarctic Penguin Exhibit, @geomorph

Zoochat Gallery:
Moody Gardens - ZooChat

Zoo Website:
Moody Gardens Galveston Texas | Hotel & Amusement Theme Parks | Houston Attractions | Family & Group Vacation Ideas TX

Zoo Map:
https://www.moodygardens.com/i/downloads/Property_Map.pdf

Visiting next week for the first time and this has got me even more excited