It would be difficult to defend a few of the enclosures at Budapest...but the fact that a city zoo chooses to fill itself with animals is a philosophy that is evaporating,particularly in the UK, and Im very defensive about those places that still do it - Copenhagen,Madrid,Moscow..further afield, Ueno. I dont believe that welfare is enormously compromised at these zoos even though there are things that even I would change at all of them. As for London...the ongoing debate is HOW far it has fallen, but as regards the Institute of Zoology,the influence,the library,the chance to stand in the footsteps of Bartlett,Sclater,Chalmers-Mitchell,Desmond Morris,Zuckerman etc..to walk where they walked..it is a "must see" as far as Im concerned. And the zoo,though much diminished from what it was, is still a decent zoo that I would take over a good half dozen others on the list.
Europe's 50 must see zoos
- Thread starter lintworm
- Start date
It has been nearly 7 years since I created this thread and in the meantime plenty has changed in European zoos. Not least in the list itself: one zoo closed down and another quickly lost the reason why it was a must see zoo in the first place. With the closing of Bristol Zoo and the passing of Baby the Orinoco river dolphin in Zoo Duisburg, two spots became available on the list. Attentive readers might remember the replacement zoos that I mentioned, or you can just click back a few pages if you don't want to be surprised. But I never created profiles for these replacements, which feels like an omission. In the meantime I think that there is another zoo that has lost it's must-see status, so a 3rd replacement is due. So I have prepared 3 new profiles and to top it off: a map with all the current and former must see zoos in Europe. These will all be posted in the coming weeks.
So you can now all take guesses as to what is the 3rd zoo that has lost must see status and which mystery zoo will replace it. But beware, there are 0 prizes to be gained
@MagpieGoose Bristol Zoo coat of arms
So you can now all take guesses as to what is the 3rd zoo that has lost must see status and which mystery zoo will replace it. But beware, there are 0 prizes to be gained
@MagpieGoose Bristol Zoo coat of arms
cornu aspersum
Well-Known Member
Magdeburg?
So you can now all take guesses as to what is the 3rd zoo that has lost must see status and which mystery zoo will replace it. But beware, there are 0 prizes to be gained
My guess is also Magdeburg. If I recall correctly, you did mention elsewhere on the forums that the zoo had a change in management that doesn’t seem to focus on collecting species as much as it used to before. Some of the rare species you mentioned (and probably many more) are not kept in Magdeburg anymore.
I was also going to guess Parc Des Felins. Despite the rebranding and the addition of non-felines to what is now Lumigny Safari Reserve, the feline park is still a separate area from the primate+parrot area, making it stand out on its own.
Agreed on Magdeburg, think the replacement might be Zlin.
To be honest, I doubt that Blijdorp deserves to be in this list. But since the list was created, it hasn’t lost too much exhibits so I guess it will stay on.
I agree that Zlin sounds like the best contender to replace any, whatever it is. You were also charmed by Cleres, which seem to have something different within the European Zoo landscape. But if you’re looking at a zoo with a castle on their grounds, Zlin sounds like a better option still.
I’m “happy” I visited Marineland Antibes last summer, just because it was just such a symbol of an era. It really felt like I was transported back into the 70’s / 80’s when dolphinaria like that were “the thing” while they really seem unacceptable now.
I agree that Zlin sounds like the best contender to replace any, whatever it is. You were also charmed by Cleres, which seem to have something different within the European Zoo landscape. But if you’re looking at a zoo with a castle on their grounds, Zlin sounds like a better option still.
I’m “happy” I visited Marineland Antibes last summer, just because it was just such a symbol of an era. It really felt like I was transported back into the 70’s / 80’s when dolphinaria like that were “the thing” while they really seem unacceptable now.
Marineland isn’t even on this list. How is it relevant to this discussion?
Well, you already gave clues about Clères and Sigean, and you mentioned Basel as
‘You could also discuss whether e.g. Slimbridge, Odense or Chemnitz still belong there, but if I had to add an urban zoo, Zoo Basel would be the first choice...’
And you praised the new bird house earlier in another topic. Personally, Basel not in a ‘top 50 must see European zoos’ is like having a braai without meat.
Out: Duisburg, Bristol and probably Magdeburg: the latter has lost many of its rarities and the new elephant house is good but far from sensational (as it was announced).
‘You could also discuss whether e.g. Slimbridge, Odense or Chemnitz still belong there, but if I had to add an urban zoo, Zoo Basel would be the first choice...’
And you praised the new bird house earlier in another topic. Personally, Basel not in a ‘top 50 must see European zoos’ is like having a braai without meat.
Out: Duisburg, Bristol and probably Magdeburg: the latter has lost many of its rarities and the new elephant house is good but far from sensational (as it was announced).
It's intriguing to find out that 3 zoos will be removed from the list and 3 new ones added. Since you've already mentioned Bristol (permanently closed) and Duisburg (no more 'Baby'), which could be the 3rd zoo? I'll take a wild guess that it's Howletts. That facility has become almost anti-zoo in the press in recent years and is it really a 'must-see' zoo even in the UK, let alone Europe? That's perhaps worth a debate.
As for the new additions, Basel was already a bit of a strange omission and the 3-year renovation of the 1920s Bird House into a modern structure probably seals the deal to move this zoo onto the list. Zlin has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years, with two of my closest zoo nerd friends visiting in 2024 and both of them told me that Zlin is now a Top 20 European zoo in their eyes. The Lesna Castle/Chateau adds to the charm of what is Czechia's second most popular zoo. You certainly love French zoos and so maybe Reserve Africaine de Sigean could be the 3rd new addition. There's currently no safari park on the list and this one is huge (350 hectares/865 acres), with a lot of animals and it has the Grande Voliere aviary alongside many other highlights.
As for the new additions, Basel was already a bit of a strange omission and the 3-year renovation of the 1920s Bird House into a modern structure probably seals the deal to move this zoo onto the list. Zlin has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years, with two of my closest zoo nerd friends visiting in 2024 and both of them told me that Zlin is now a Top 20 European zoo in their eyes. The Lesna Castle/Chateau adds to the charm of what is Czechia's second most popular zoo. You certainly love French zoos and so maybe Reserve Africaine de Sigean could be the 3rd new addition. There's currently no safari park on the list and this one is huge (350 hectares/865 acres), with a lot of animals and it has the Grande Voliere aviary alongside many other highlights.
cornu aspersum
Well-Known Member
It's already confirmed to be one of the two replacing Bristol and Duisburg.
Given that you haven't been to WdG (yet?), I doubt that it will be on any list...
Let's start a riot until WdG is on the list
Zlin would indeed be a logical replacement for Magdeburg. On the other hand, it wouldn't be a surprise, if @lintworms third zoo will surprise us all
cornu aspersum
Well-Known Member
Apart from Sigean, Cleres is the other choice. But I too would like to see Zlin and Basel.@lintworm I feel like that Zlin and Basel shoud be on your Legendary must see listFor the the third one you will probably chose British or French zoo.
France - Parc de Clères
Founded: 1919
Size: 13 hectares
Species and subspecies (including domestics):
France is full of chateaus (castles) and more than one of those has a zoo on its grounds. Of those, Parc de Clères might well be the most unique, as the famous ornithologist Jean Delacour transformed it into his little paradise. The zoo can be divided into 2 sections. The majority of it's 12 hectare walled English garden consist of 2 walkthroughs with a large variety of birds, as well as red-necked wallaby, blackbuck, muntjac and axis deer. This features the iconic sight of flamingos foraging in front of the chateau. The biggest passion of Jean Delacour were the pheasants and above the chateau there are several aviary blocks with a fine selection of pheasants and many other bird species. The majority of the historic aviaries are beautifully preserved and it is only a few small parrot aviaries that feel out of place. Like many French zoos pinioning of a large variety of birds is unfortunately still prevalent, but it is a fascinating sight to see a Himalayan monal scurrying through the undergrowth in the gardens. The collection really is mostly birds, but a few primates and red panda are also around for the general visitor. In France it seems as if zoos are required by law to have multiple gibbon species and Clères is no exception, with one on a lush island and a second species near the courtyard in a smallish cage. This spectacularly uncommercial place can at times feel like a well-maintained living museum. But that is a very refreshing experience in the zoo world of today and can best be enjoyed in one of the beach chairs near the Chateau overlooking the gardens.
@Maguari - Free-ranging peafowl and blackbuck in the English garden
@Maguari - View towards the main lake with islands for ring-tailed lemur and gibbons
@lintworm - Chateau de Clères with flamingo and sacred ibis in front
@lintworm - Historic aviary complex
Zoochat gallery: Le Park de Cleres - ZooChat
https://www.parcdecleres.fr
Zoo map:
@snowleopard - 2021 zoo map
Founded: 1919
Size: 13 hectares
Species and subspecies (including domestics):
Mammals: 11
Birds: 136
Reptiles & amphibians: 0
Fish: 0
Birds: 136
Reptiles & amphibians: 0
Fish: 0
France is full of chateaus (castles) and more than one of those has a zoo on its grounds. Of those, Parc de Clères might well be the most unique, as the famous ornithologist Jean Delacour transformed it into his little paradise. The zoo can be divided into 2 sections. The majority of it's 12 hectare walled English garden consist of 2 walkthroughs with a large variety of birds, as well as red-necked wallaby, blackbuck, muntjac and axis deer. This features the iconic sight of flamingos foraging in front of the chateau. The biggest passion of Jean Delacour were the pheasants and above the chateau there are several aviary blocks with a fine selection of pheasants and many other bird species. The majority of the historic aviaries are beautifully preserved and it is only a few small parrot aviaries that feel out of place. Like many French zoos pinioning of a large variety of birds is unfortunately still prevalent, but it is a fascinating sight to see a Himalayan monal scurrying through the undergrowth in the gardens. The collection really is mostly birds, but a few primates and red panda are also around for the general visitor. In France it seems as if zoos are required by law to have multiple gibbon species and Clères is no exception, with one on a lush island and a second species near the courtyard in a smallish cage. This spectacularly uncommercial place can at times feel like a well-maintained living museum. But that is a very refreshing experience in the zoo world of today and can best be enjoyed in one of the beach chairs near the Chateau overlooking the gardens.
@Maguari - Free-ranging peafowl and blackbuck in the English garden
@Maguari - View towards the main lake with islands for ring-tailed lemur and gibbons
@lintworm - Chateau de Clères with flamingo and sacred ibis in front
@lintworm - Historic aviary complex
Zoochat gallery: Le Park de Cleres - ZooChat
https://www.parcdecleres.fr
Zoo map:
@snowleopard - 2021 zoo map
France - Parc de Clères
Founded: 1919
Size: 13 hectares
Species and subspecies (including domestics):
Mammals: 11
Birds: 136
Reptiles & amphibians: 0
Fish: 0
France is full of chateaus (castles) and more than one of those has a zoo on its grounds. Of those, Parc de Clères might well be the most unique, as the famous ornithologist Jean Delacour transformed it into his little paradise. The zoo can be divided into 2 sections. The majority of it's 12 hectare walled English garden consist of 2 walkthroughs with a large variety of birds, as well as red-necked wallaby, blackbuck, muntjac and axis deer. This features the iconic sight of flamingos foraging in front of the chateau. The biggest passion of Jean Delacour were the pheasants and above the chateau there are several aviary blocks with a fine selection of pheasants and many other bird species. The majority of the historic aviaries are beautifully preserved and it is only a few small parrot aviaries that feel out of place. Like many French zoos pinioning of a large variety of birds is unfortunately still prevalent, but it is a fascinating sight to see a Himalayan monal scurrying through the undergrowth in the gardens. The collection really is mostly birds, but a few primates and red panda are also around for the general visitor. In France it seems as if zoos are required by law to have multiple gibbon species and Clères is no exception, with one on a lush island and a second species near the courtyard in a smallish cage. This spectacularly uncommercial place can at times feel like a well-maintained living museum. But that is a very refreshing experience in the zoo world of today and can best be enjoyed in one of the beach chairs near the Chateau overlooking the gardens.
@Maguari - Free-ranging peafowl and blackbuck in the English garden
@Maguari - View towards the main lake with islands for ring-tailed lemur and gibbons
@lintworm - Chateau de Clères with flamingo and sacred ibis in front
@lintworm - Historic aviary complex
Zoochat gallery: Le Park de Cleres - ZooChat
Accueil - Parc de Clères
Zoo map:
@snowleopard - 2021 zoo map
This thread has always been a source of inspiraton for future traveling @lintworm ! Thank you for keeping this project alive and adding to my list
France - Réserve Africaine de Sigean
Founded: 1974
Size: 300 hectares
Species and subspecies (including domestics)
The Safari Park is an English invention and after the creation of the first one, Longleat in 1966, the hype spread across the continent. While the hype might be over there are still plenty of them across the continent. What sets the average safari park apart from a regular zoo is that it contains multiple large drive-through enclosures with loads of hoofstock and sometimes predators. But most safari parks with their green lawns are a far cry from Africa. Not so in Sigean. Their 8 drive-through enclosures, which cover some 80 hectares bear quite a resemblance to Africa, except Africa doesn't have Asiatic black bears. Making full use of the Mediterranean landscape, it is a completely different safari park to the ones further north. Their hoofstock collection might not be the largest, but of some species they have dozens of individuals, like brindled gnu or springbok, making for an impressive sight. The walking safari is also not to be sniffed at here. A large lake with an equally big captive flamingo colony and free-flying pelicans is a spectacle. But the most impressive bird display is their 1 hectare African aviary. Inspired by Doué, this aviary focuses on African wetlands and houses a large variety of herons, storks, ducks, but also vultures, parrots and cranes. The aviary is even home to some Mississippi alligators, who apparently get along fine with the birds. Their modern terrarium, with a focus on African species is another highlight. Not all of the walking safari is that impressive though, with some more tired sandy displays around as well, but the overall standard remains high. In the end many zoos claim to show their visitors the wild, but few come as close as Sigean and that without mock rock!
@SivatheriumGuy - Lion drive-through
@Gavial - Flamingo & pelican lake
@Antoine - African aviary
@Therabu - Roan antelope in a drive-through
Zoochat gallery: Réserve Africaine de Sigean - ZooChat
Réserve Africaine de Sigean - Parc Animalier Sud de la France
Zoo map:
@snowleopard - 2024 zoo map
Founded: 1974
Size: 300 hectares
Species and subspecies (including domestics)
Mammals: 40
Birds: 71
Reptiles & amphibians: 30
Fish: 0
Birds: 71
Reptiles & amphibians: 30
Fish: 0
The Safari Park is an English invention and after the creation of the first one, Longleat in 1966, the hype spread across the continent. While the hype might be over there are still plenty of them across the continent. What sets the average safari park apart from a regular zoo is that it contains multiple large drive-through enclosures with loads of hoofstock and sometimes predators. But most safari parks with their green lawns are a far cry from Africa. Not so in Sigean. Their 8 drive-through enclosures, which cover some 80 hectares bear quite a resemblance to Africa, except Africa doesn't have Asiatic black bears. Making full use of the Mediterranean landscape, it is a completely different safari park to the ones further north. Their hoofstock collection might not be the largest, but of some species they have dozens of individuals, like brindled gnu or springbok, making for an impressive sight. The walking safari is also not to be sniffed at here. A large lake with an equally big captive flamingo colony and free-flying pelicans is a spectacle. But the most impressive bird display is their 1 hectare African aviary. Inspired by Doué, this aviary focuses on African wetlands and houses a large variety of herons, storks, ducks, but also vultures, parrots and cranes. The aviary is even home to some Mississippi alligators, who apparently get along fine with the birds. Their modern terrarium, with a focus on African species is another highlight. Not all of the walking safari is that impressive though, with some more tired sandy displays around as well, but the overall standard remains high. In the end many zoos claim to show their visitors the wild, but few come as close as Sigean and that without mock rock!
@SivatheriumGuy - Lion drive-through
@Gavial - Flamingo & pelican lake
@Antoine - African aviary
@Therabu - Roan antelope in a drive-through
Zoochat gallery: Réserve Africaine de Sigean - ZooChat
Réserve Africaine de Sigean - Parc Animalier Sud de la France
Zoo map:
@snowleopard - 2024 zoo map
Glad to see Sigean in the thread, it deserves the "must-see" title.
What is a must see zoo & where is Zlin?
Before we get to the final new zoo to appear on the list I thought it would be good to re-iterate what for me the definition was of a must-see zoo when creating the list, as there was quite some discussion about (not) included zoos.
Let's start with the definition from the start of the thread:
What is important to highlight is that the aim was to show as much as possible diversity in terms of good zoos across the continent. Must see zoos can be ones based on:
- specialization and/or size of their collection, e.g. Apenheul or Dvur Kralove
- history (as long as it is still visible), e.g. Tierpark Hagenbeck or Menagerie/Jardin des Plantes
- good exhibitry, e.g. Burgers' Zoo or Tiergarten Nuernberg
- a unique location or set-up, e.g. Korkeasaari Zoo or Citadelle de Besancon
- Unique architecture, e.g. l'Oceanografic Valencia
- by being very good in a certain style, e.g. Zoo Magdeburg (cost-effective construction)
- A combination of multiple of the factors above, e.g. Zoo Berlin
@amur leopard - A zoo like Berlin both has a stellar collection and very significant historical architecture, so cannot be left out
Each of those factors make the chosen zoos unique in the European zoo landscape and while it includes many of the heavy-hitters, just being a heavy hitter isn't enough, just ask Tierpark Hellabrunn. In general when there were multiple options to choose from, I have tried to keep the number of similar zoos to a minimum. There is a case to be made that the unique early 20th century architecture of Zoo Budapest makes it a worthy inclusion. But the number of historic city zoos on the list is disproportionally high already. So my preference then went to zoos that have adapted better to the 21st century like Zoo Antwerp. That doesn't mean Antwerp is a better replica of Budapest, as Budapest still has features that Antwerp lacks, such as those mountains. But it only gets fun when choices have to be made, otherwise I could just as well have written a thread about "the zoos of Europe" and still be busy writing.
@Therabu - The historical architecture of Zoo Budapest is among the most significant of the continent
Writing a thread in the way I did, automatically creates winners based on the method. Apart from that 10 million liter tank with a manta ray, Nausicaa isn't a remarkable aquarium. But because that tank is so unique and well constructed, it had to be put in. To the loss of aquaria that lack such a showstopper but could well be described as better across the board like Oceanopolis in Brest and Den Bla Planet in Copenhagen.
The biggest loser in all this is probably Zoo Zlin in Czechia. This really is a very good zoo all across the board. Of all Czech zoos it probably has the smallest amount of bad enclosures and nearly all of it can be described as good. There is a number of lovely large aviaries, a superb bird collection and a smaller, but choice, mammal collection too. But I can't name a single enclosure or section that hasn't been done better elsewhere. Nor is there a unique style and there are plenty of other zoos with a castle on their grounds. Zlin is still a place I would recommend everyone to visit and in such a sense it is "must see", but it is not a "must see" for me based on the definition used in this thread.
@twilighter - The jaguar exhibit in Zlin is excellent, but it isn't unique
Whereas I think it is easier to define a must see zoo, defining what it means to be the "best" zoo is nearly impossible. Plenty of people have tried to come up with a list of best zoos, but the ones that aren't complete b*llshit are still mostly a reflection of a person's personal preference. There is no neutral framework which can be reliably used. Even if there would be agreement on the categories on which to score, how to score on them, would be an entirely different can of worms. But not all zoos are created equal and there is something of a consensus around to which zoos can be considered the top of the continent, at least from a zoo nerd point of view. These tend to be large zoos, with a relatively high number of species across multiple classes and at least some rarities. They also have impressive exhibitry, either from a modern or a historical standpoint and in general offer a unique experience. That doesn't mean they all have excellent animal welfare. But they are all destination zoos that form the core where a zoo trip is being planned around.
As something of a sidestep I tried to come up with a list of these top-xx zoos of Europe. I think that there would be quite a general consensus that the following zoos would need to be on it for sure (in random order):
1. Chester Zoo
2. Bioparc Doue-la-Fontaine
3. Zooparc de Beauval
4. Pairi Daiza
5. Zoo Antwerp
6. Burgers' Zoo
7. Koelner Zoo
8. Zoo Berlin
9. Tierpark Berlin
10. Zoo Leipzig
11. Tiergarten Nuernberg
12. Wilhelma, Stuttgart
13. Tierpark Hellabrunn
14. Zoo Basel
15. Zoo Zurich
16. Tiergarten Schoenbrunn
17. Zoo Praha
18. Zoo Zlin
19. Zoo Wroclaw
(you will note that almost all of these big boys are on the must see list too)
This would be quite shortly be followed by places like Diergaarde Blijdorp (until a few years ago, it would clearly be part of the list), Artis, Zoo Budapest, Zoo Copenhagen, Bioparc Valencia, Zoo Ostrava, Opole Zoo etc.
All of these zoos in the top list are either large (in terms of size, species numbers and/or attendance), have excellent exhibitry (in their own way), are at least somewhat all-round and stand out in their own way and have a large appeal. One might expect that spot 20 would be reserved for the Bohemian Mouse Mafia, aka Zoo Plzen. But apart from the extremely large small animal collection, it doesn't really fit among the big boys in my opinion. The current outlier in the list is Doue, which is the only of these zoos to have less than 750.000 annual visitors (a paltry 260.000), but in terms of atmosphere it is unique and it is currently hugely influential when it comes to design. I know many Zoochatters, but also well-travelled zoo professionals, who rate this zoo extremely highly.
@twilighter - There is no place quite like Doue
If my must see list would have revolved mostly about the big boys and the zoos in the stratum just below, it would have been a boring you know who. Fortunately there have been some nice surprises in the original list. But the final zoo on this list (for now) will be a well-known name for sure.
Before we get to the final new zoo to appear on the list I thought it would be good to re-iterate what for me the definition was of a must-see zoo when creating the list, as there was quite some discussion about (not) included zoos.
Let's start with the definition from the start of the thread:
What is important to highlight is that the aim was to show as much as possible diversity in terms of good zoos across the continent. Must see zoos can be ones based on:
- specialization and/or size of their collection, e.g. Apenheul or Dvur Kralove
- history (as long as it is still visible), e.g. Tierpark Hagenbeck or Menagerie/Jardin des Plantes
- good exhibitry, e.g. Burgers' Zoo or Tiergarten Nuernberg
- a unique location or set-up, e.g. Korkeasaari Zoo or Citadelle de Besancon
- Unique architecture, e.g. l'Oceanografic Valencia
- by being very good in a certain style, e.g. Zoo Magdeburg (cost-effective construction)
- A combination of multiple of the factors above, e.g. Zoo Berlin
@amur leopard - A zoo like Berlin both has a stellar collection and very significant historical architecture, so cannot be left out
Each of those factors make the chosen zoos unique in the European zoo landscape and while it includes many of the heavy-hitters, just being a heavy hitter isn't enough, just ask Tierpark Hellabrunn. In general when there were multiple options to choose from, I have tried to keep the number of similar zoos to a minimum. There is a case to be made that the unique early 20th century architecture of Zoo Budapest makes it a worthy inclusion. But the number of historic city zoos on the list is disproportionally high already. So my preference then went to zoos that have adapted better to the 21st century like Zoo Antwerp. That doesn't mean Antwerp is a better replica of Budapest, as Budapest still has features that Antwerp lacks, such as those mountains. But it only gets fun when choices have to be made, otherwise I could just as well have written a thread about "the zoos of Europe" and still be busy writing.
@Therabu - The historical architecture of Zoo Budapest is among the most significant of the continent
Writing a thread in the way I did, automatically creates winners based on the method. Apart from that 10 million liter tank with a manta ray, Nausicaa isn't a remarkable aquarium. But because that tank is so unique and well constructed, it had to be put in. To the loss of aquaria that lack such a showstopper but could well be described as better across the board like Oceanopolis in Brest and Den Bla Planet in Copenhagen.
The biggest loser in all this is probably Zoo Zlin in Czechia. This really is a very good zoo all across the board. Of all Czech zoos it probably has the smallest amount of bad enclosures and nearly all of it can be described as good. There is a number of lovely large aviaries, a superb bird collection and a smaller, but choice, mammal collection too. But I can't name a single enclosure or section that hasn't been done better elsewhere. Nor is there a unique style and there are plenty of other zoos with a castle on their grounds. Zlin is still a place I would recommend everyone to visit and in such a sense it is "must see", but it is not a "must see" for me based on the definition used in this thread.
@twilighter - The jaguar exhibit in Zlin is excellent, but it isn't unique
Whereas I think it is easier to define a must see zoo, defining what it means to be the "best" zoo is nearly impossible. Plenty of people have tried to come up with a list of best zoos, but the ones that aren't complete b*llshit are still mostly a reflection of a person's personal preference. There is no neutral framework which can be reliably used. Even if there would be agreement on the categories on which to score, how to score on them, would be an entirely different can of worms. But not all zoos are created equal and there is something of a consensus around to which zoos can be considered the top of the continent, at least from a zoo nerd point of view. These tend to be large zoos, with a relatively high number of species across multiple classes and at least some rarities. They also have impressive exhibitry, either from a modern or a historical standpoint and in general offer a unique experience. That doesn't mean they all have excellent animal welfare. But they are all destination zoos that form the core where a zoo trip is being planned around.
As something of a sidestep I tried to come up with a list of these top-xx zoos of Europe. I think that there would be quite a general consensus that the following zoos would need to be on it for sure (in random order):
1. Chester Zoo
2. Bioparc Doue-la-Fontaine
3. Zooparc de Beauval
4. Pairi Daiza
5. Zoo Antwerp
6. Burgers' Zoo
7. Koelner Zoo
8. Zoo Berlin
9. Tierpark Berlin
10. Zoo Leipzig
11. Tiergarten Nuernberg
12. Wilhelma, Stuttgart
13. Tierpark Hellabrunn
14. Zoo Basel
15. Zoo Zurich
16. Tiergarten Schoenbrunn
17. Zoo Praha
18. Zoo Zlin
19. Zoo Wroclaw
(you will note that almost all of these big boys are on the must see list too)
This would be quite shortly be followed by places like Diergaarde Blijdorp (until a few years ago, it would clearly be part of the list), Artis, Zoo Budapest, Zoo Copenhagen, Bioparc Valencia, Zoo Ostrava, Opole Zoo etc.
All of these zoos in the top list are either large (in terms of size, species numbers and/or attendance), have excellent exhibitry (in their own way), are at least somewhat all-round and stand out in their own way and have a large appeal. One might expect that spot 20 would be reserved for the Bohemian Mouse Mafia, aka Zoo Plzen. But apart from the extremely large small animal collection, it doesn't really fit among the big boys in my opinion. The current outlier in the list is Doue, which is the only of these zoos to have less than 750.000 annual visitors (a paltry 260.000), but in terms of atmosphere it is unique and it is currently hugely influential when it comes to design. I know many Zoochatters, but also well-travelled zoo professionals, who rate this zoo extremely highly.
@twilighter - There is no place quite like Doue
If my must see list would have revolved mostly about the big boys and the zoos in the stratum just below, it would have been a boring you know who. Fortunately there have been some nice surprises in the original list. But the final zoo on this list (for now) will be a well-known name for sure.
Likewise, I know an American zoo director who called Doue his favorite European zoo. Zoning laws in the U.S. stand in the way of anything like it ever being built on this side of the pond, which is a crying shame.
Like most others, I was also expecting Zlin to clinch the final spot. It's been expanding rapidly and it seemed that the high standard of exhibitry, choice mammal species (aardwolf, gaur, etc), the collection of larger birds, and the chateau would be enough to push it over the edge. Alas, it seems a certain Swiss zoo has won out...