What are the best American zoos NOT in the book of America's top 80 Zoos

[CGSwans]

@Tim Brown and I were quite amicable when it came to choosing the 80 zoos and for sure the zoo that was closest to making the cut was Franklin Park. It's in a major city (Boston), has a big tropical house, and has a nice new outdoor gorilla complex that looks impressive. In truth, there weren't any other zoos that we strongly considered.

Which zoos would have missed out if you had only included, say, 70?

 

[birdsandbats]

Which zoos would have missed out if you had only included, say, 70?

Henry Vilas would be the first one out I would guess.

 

[snowleopard]

Which zoos would have missed out if you had only included, say, 70?

Well, I suppose that I can name a few places, even though it feels a little awkward. However, the book has been out for 2.5 years and so it's fun to speculate. In the past, some people have mentioned that Central Park Zoo could have been omitted, but it's such a historic facility and one could argue that it's the oldest existing zoo in the country. It's the history of the establishment that would likely keep it in the book.

If we absolutely had to eliminate 10 zoos in order to limit the number of pages in the book, then which ones would be omitted? Without speaking to Tim about it, I'd suggest these ones as candidates (listed alphabetically):

Gladys Porter Zoo
Great Plains Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo
Montgomery Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Sacramento Zoo
Santa Barbara Zoo
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Topeka Zoo
Wildlife World Zoo

 

[SusScrofa]

I think Brevard Zoo is another zoo that needs to get consideration here. It's a really great small/mid-sized zoo. I'd for sure rank it higher than Central Florida and Prospect Park from your list of candidates.

And Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is really that good?

 

[SwampDonkey]

And Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is really that good?

Yes, it is. The "zoo" part is pretty small, but the habitats are all really good, with the exception of the terrible hippo enclosure. They have a snake building as well as manatee pools. It is a really enjoyable park/zoo, definitely worth the time if you find yourself in the area.

 

[PSO]

I would second that as Homosassa might be the comprehensive native Florida display in the state. Regarding the hippo enclosure, I wouldnt consider it terrible, sadly ive seen worse. And especially since it's inhabitant is 62 years of age.

 

[SusScrofa]

Yes, it is. The "zoo" part is pretty small, but the habitats are all really good, with the exception of the terrible hippo enclosure. They have a snake building as well as manatee pools. It is a really enjoyable park/zoo, definitely worth the time if you find yourself in the area.

I would second that as Homosassa might be the comprehensive native Florida display in the state. Regarding the hippo enclosure, I wouldnt consider it terrible, sadly ive seen worse. And especially since it's inhabitant is 62 years of age.

I appreciate that info. But still, a Top 80 zoo in the country? While I can't give an informed opinion since I've never been, I still highly, highly doubt it.
I'm sure many other states have sanctuaries/nature centers just as good. Heck, there are some other really top-class ones in Florida as well.

 

[SwampDonkey]

I appreciate that info. But still, a Top 80 zoo in the country? While I can't give an informed opinion since I've never been, I still highly, highly doubt it.
I'm sure many other states have sanctuaries/nature centers just as good. Heck, there are some other really top-class ones in Florida as well.

Well, it's certainly the top wildlife sanctuary in Florida - definitely the best state run one (not counting city/county zoos). But I agree, there are certainly better zoos in the country and even the state. It's most limiting factor is the size and variation of species since everything (other than the hippo) is native to the area.

 

[SusScrofa]

Well, it's certainly the top wildlife sanctuary in Florida - definitely the best state run one (not counting city/county zoos). But I agree, there are certainly better zoos in the country and even the state. It's most limiting factor is the size and variation of species since everything (other than the hippo) is native to the area.

I'll need to visit it if I'm in the area then. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter is really impressive as well, though I don't think its state-run. Flamingo Gardens also has a sanctuary for non-releasable native wildlife that is pretty good as well, including a great walkthrough aviary for native water birds. They do charge relatively high admission, however.