Nancy Ma's Night Monkeys may not be a rarity, but Buttonwood also has some very rare Waterfowl species, such as pink-footed Geese and Magellan Geese, along with Sora Rail.
America's 50 Must See Zoos
- Thread starter pachyderm pro
- Start date
Most zoos have a few rarities, I don't think that automatically makes a zoo "must see" except for the individuals who really want to see those species.
It'd be more interesting to return to this particular conversation when Pachy has finished his list, and then people upset about particular exclusions can make their case not only for what zoos should be in it, but which selected zoos they should replace.
I agree, Buttonwood Park Zoo likely should not be included in this thread, and most zoos do have some rarities. However, I'd also argue that Central Park Zoo doesn't exactly belong here either, but respect @pachyderm pro's decision to include it.
North Carolina - Duke Lemur Center
Founded: 1966
Size: 85 Acres (34 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 13
Mammals 13
Birds 0
Reptiles & Amphibians 0
Fish 0
Invertebrates 0
Who would have guessed the largest population of lemurs outside of Madagascar would be found at the campus of one of America's most prestigious schools. The Duke Lemur Center is only open for guided tours that must be booked in advance and while there’s no guarantee you will see all 12 lemur species present on any given tour, you will see at least a few species that are uncommon in zoos worldwide such as red-bellied and red-fronted lemurs. The standard tour is relatively cheap, but the more expensive guided tour option involves entering some of the multi-acre free ranging lemur habitats that utilize the existing forest area. It works wonders when it comes to creating an amazing environment for the lemurs and visitors, as observing a family of coquerel's sifaka traversing the treetops with no barriers is spectacular. There are many smaller, functional cages connected to a large building as well as other enclosures scattered through the grounds. The various groups of lemurs will rotate between the naturalistic forest habitats and the more traditional ones depending on the circumstances. There is also a dedicated nocturnal building that features even more rarities such as aye-aye, gray mouse lemur, and fat-tailed dwarf lemur, as well as some mohol bushbabies which are the only non-lemur residents at the facility. With over 3,200 births since its founding, the center has been a big contributor to in-situ and ex-situ conservation initiatives and overall you'd be hard pressed to find a more in depth experience with lemurs at any other zoo.
One of the Walkthrough Lemur Enclosures, @jayjds2
Various Lemur Enclosures, @Arizona Docent
Aye-aye Enclosure, @jayjds2
Indoor Lemur Enclosures, barnhillcontracting.com
Coquerel's Sifaka and Ring-tailed Lemur Walkthrough Enclosure, lemur.duke.edu
Zoochat Gallery:
Duke Lemur Center - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Home - Duke Lemur Center
Zoo Map:
N/A
Founded: 1966
Size: 85 Acres (34 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 13
Mammals 13
Birds 0
Reptiles & Amphibians 0
Fish 0
Invertebrates 0
Who would have guessed the largest population of lemurs outside of Madagascar would be found at the campus of one of America's most prestigious schools. The Duke Lemur Center is only open for guided tours that must be booked in advance and while there’s no guarantee you will see all 12 lemur species present on any given tour, you will see at least a few species that are uncommon in zoos worldwide such as red-bellied and red-fronted lemurs. The standard tour is relatively cheap, but the more expensive guided tour option involves entering some of the multi-acre free ranging lemur habitats that utilize the existing forest area. It works wonders when it comes to creating an amazing environment for the lemurs and visitors, as observing a family of coquerel's sifaka traversing the treetops with no barriers is spectacular. There are many smaller, functional cages connected to a large building as well as other enclosures scattered through the grounds. The various groups of lemurs will rotate between the naturalistic forest habitats and the more traditional ones depending on the circumstances. There is also a dedicated nocturnal building that features even more rarities such as aye-aye, gray mouse lemur, and fat-tailed dwarf lemur, as well as some mohol bushbabies which are the only non-lemur residents at the facility. With over 3,200 births since its founding, the center has been a big contributor to in-situ and ex-situ conservation initiatives and overall you'd be hard pressed to find a more in depth experience with lemurs at any other zoo.
One of the Walkthrough Lemur Enclosures, @jayjds2
Various Lemur Enclosures, @Arizona Docent
Aye-aye Enclosure, @jayjds2
Indoor Lemur Enclosures, barnhillcontracting.com
Coquerel's Sifaka and Ring-tailed Lemur Walkthrough Enclosure, lemur.duke.edu
Zoochat Gallery:
Duke Lemur Center - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Home - Duke Lemur Center
Zoo Map:
N/A
Why do I have the gut feeling that this will start a discussion similar to that of the listing of White Oak?
It won’t. Duke is much cheaper than White Oak and imo is very much a must-see facility. Unlike White Oak, a majority of Duke’s animals can only be seen there or at a few other facilities across the country. Yes, White Oak has some wonderful habitats and some rarities as well, but I feel like Duke just gives visitors a better experience for the expense paid.
Antimony96
Well-Known Member
Duke's inclusion seems more defensible, yeah. White Oak is still IMO the only mistaken inclusion (I'd have swapped it for Mystic as others have said, or maybe Newport) but overall this list has been fantastic.
One facility I would add, being a similar concept to Duke Lemur Center in that they are both taxonomically specialized facilities is the International Crane Foundation.
We haven't gotten there yet, it might still be on the list (if it is, it will probably the last one covered).
North Carolina - North Carolina Zoo
Founded: 1976
Size: 2,600 Acres (1,052 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 242
Mammals 45
Birds 86
Reptiles & Amphibians 84
Fish 16
Invertebrates 11
Set on a beautiful forested property in the rural countryside, North Carolina is one of the largest traditional zoos in America. Despite this, the species list is considerably smaller than many of the collections it dwarfs in size. There's only a focus on two continental zones with North American and African sections on opposite ends of the park, but the focus on just two parts of the world on an enormous site means that there are some truly huge exhibits. The North American area is extremely comprehensive covering several different biomes and regions. The polar bear complex is a particularly impressive development that takes a much different approach than most. Instead of the usual open tundra environment, a variety of well-planted furnishings and large conifer trees create a forest edge habitat. Other highlights of this area include various aquariums for alcids and native fish, an incredibly dense cypress swamp habitat, and a massive prairie habitat for elk and bison. At the center of the grounds is a modest Desert Dome that originally had a Sonoran desert focus, but has recently branched out with species like sand cat and gray mouse lemur. The African section has a smaller collection that focuses almost exclusively on crowd-pleasing mammals, but has some even larger exhibits with the highlights being a seven-acre elephant paddock and the whopping 43-acre Watani Grasslands exhibit with white rhinos, ostriches and a variety of different antelope. Unfortunately the closure of the African Pavilion saw the removal of many smaller species and hopefully the zoo can find a way to have some return one day. Before then however, the current priority is completing the long awaited Asian and Australian complexes. With two new continental zones being added, the collection will be rounded out better than ever and North Carolina will continue to elevate its position into the upper echelon of zoos worldwide.
Watani Grasslands, @Breckenridge
Polar Bear Exhibit, @Coelacanth18
Magnum Desert Dome, @Coelacanth18
American Alligator Exhibit, @Milwaukee Man
African Elephant Exhibit, @kpd_86
Zoochat Gallery:
North Carolina Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
The North Carolina Zoo - Asheboro, NC | North Carolina Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://www.nczoo.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/CovidParkMap_November.pdf
Founded: 1976
Size: 2,600 Acres (1,052 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 242
Mammals 45
Birds 86
Reptiles & Amphibians 84
Fish 16
Invertebrates 11
Set on a beautiful forested property in the rural countryside, North Carolina is one of the largest traditional zoos in America. Despite this, the species list is considerably smaller than many of the collections it dwarfs in size. There's only a focus on two continental zones with North American and African sections on opposite ends of the park, but the focus on just two parts of the world on an enormous site means that there are some truly huge exhibits. The North American area is extremely comprehensive covering several different biomes and regions. The polar bear complex is a particularly impressive development that takes a much different approach than most. Instead of the usual open tundra environment, a variety of well-planted furnishings and large conifer trees create a forest edge habitat. Other highlights of this area include various aquariums for alcids and native fish, an incredibly dense cypress swamp habitat, and a massive prairie habitat for elk and bison. At the center of the grounds is a modest Desert Dome that originally had a Sonoran desert focus, but has recently branched out with species like sand cat and gray mouse lemur. The African section has a smaller collection that focuses almost exclusively on crowd-pleasing mammals, but has some even larger exhibits with the highlights being a seven-acre elephant paddock and the whopping 43-acre Watani Grasslands exhibit with white rhinos, ostriches and a variety of different antelope. Unfortunately the closure of the African Pavilion saw the removal of many smaller species and hopefully the zoo can find a way to have some return one day. Before then however, the current priority is completing the long awaited Asian and Australian complexes. With two new continental zones being added, the collection will be rounded out better than ever and North Carolina will continue to elevate its position into the upper echelon of zoos worldwide.
Watani Grasslands, @Breckenridge
Polar Bear Exhibit, @Coelacanth18
Magnum Desert Dome, @Coelacanth18
American Alligator Exhibit, @Milwaukee Man
African Elephant Exhibit, @kpd_86
Zoochat Gallery:
North Carolina Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
The North Carolina Zoo - Asheboro, NC | North Carolina Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://www.nczoo.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/CovidParkMap_November.pdf
North Carolina - Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Founded: 2006
Size: 18 Acres (7.2 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 241+
Mammals 0
Birds 240+
Reptiles & Amphibians 1
Fish 0
Invertebrates 0
Unlike our neighbors across the pond, the United States lacks many significant avian facilities. That’s not at all to say that there aren’t any places that standout however, you just have to dig a little deeper to find them. Sylvan Heights boasts the largest collection of waterfowl in the world and includes dozens upon dozens of rarities, including many of which it is the only holder in the country. It has existed for many decades after a couple from England sought to create a facility to breed rare waterfowl, but only opened to the public about 15 years ago. Since then the overall bird collection has expanded to become the second largest in the United States. All of the big walkthrough aviaries are continentally focused with the exception of a large multinational aviary with ducks, teals, eiders and pochards from all parts of the world. They are all functionally designed with well furnished interiors and the diversity within them is incredibly impressive. Various smaller aviaries dot the grounds including a feeding aviary with some exotics alongside the more traditional budgies and sun conures, plus a mid-sized tropical house. One of the newest sections has been titled Birds of Paradise, although only raggiana bird-of-paradise is present in the collection. The selection of more charismatic birds is very good as well, all four species of flamingo that can be found in American collections are present and there are at least five species of crane. Beyond the main facility there is also a private avian breeding center that rears over 1,000 chicks annually and the park is involved with various local conservation projects.
General View, @Coelacanth18
Eurasian Aviary, @jayjds2
Wings of the Tropics, @Coelacanth18
Birds of Paradise Aviary, @Coelacanth18
Multinational Aviary, @jayjds2
Zoochat Gallery:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Zoo Map:
https://shwpark.com/images/park_map_2021.jpg
Founded: 2006
Size: 18 Acres (7.2 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 241+
Mammals 0
Birds 240+
Reptiles & Amphibians 1
Fish 0
Invertebrates 0
Unlike our neighbors across the pond, the United States lacks many significant avian facilities. That’s not at all to say that there aren’t any places that standout however, you just have to dig a little deeper to find them. Sylvan Heights boasts the largest collection of waterfowl in the world and includes dozens upon dozens of rarities, including many of which it is the only holder in the country. It has existed for many decades after a couple from England sought to create a facility to breed rare waterfowl, but only opened to the public about 15 years ago. Since then the overall bird collection has expanded to become the second largest in the United States. All of the big walkthrough aviaries are continentally focused with the exception of a large multinational aviary with ducks, teals, eiders and pochards from all parts of the world. They are all functionally designed with well furnished interiors and the diversity within them is incredibly impressive. Various smaller aviaries dot the grounds including a feeding aviary with some exotics alongside the more traditional budgies and sun conures, plus a mid-sized tropical house. One of the newest sections has been titled Birds of Paradise, although only raggiana bird-of-paradise is present in the collection. The selection of more charismatic birds is very good as well, all four species of flamingo that can be found in American collections are present and there are at least five species of crane. Beyond the main facility there is also a private avian breeding center that rears over 1,000 chicks annually and the park is involved with various local conservation projects.
General View, @Coelacanth18
Eurasian Aviary, @jayjds2
Wings of the Tropics, @Coelacanth18
Birds of Paradise Aviary, @Coelacanth18
Multinational Aviary, @jayjds2
Zoochat Gallery:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Zoo Map:
https://shwpark.com/images/park_map_2021.jpg
Wow, thanks for pointing this place out, I did not know it existed!North Carolina - Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Founded: 2006
Size: 18 Acres (7.2 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 241+
Mammals 0
Birds 240+
Reptiles & Amphibians 1
Fish 0
Invertebrates 0
Unlike our neighbors across the pond, the United States lacks many significant avian facilities. That’s not at all to say that there aren’t any places that standout however, you just have to dig a little deeper to find them. Sylvan Heights boasts the largest collection of waterfowl in the world and includes dozens upon dozens of rarities, including many of which it is the only holder in the country. It has existed for many decades after a couple from England sought to create a facility to breed rare waterfowl, but only opened to the public about 15 years ago. Since then the overall bird collection has expanded to become the second largest in the United States. All of the big walkthrough aviaries are continentally focused with the exception of a large multinational aviary with ducks, teals, eiders and pochards from all parts of the world. They are all functionally designed with well furnished interiors and the diversity within them is incredibly impressive. Various smaller aviaries dot the grounds including a feeding aviary with some exotics alongside the more traditional budgies and sun conures, plus a mid-sized tropical house. One of the newest sections has been titled Birds of Paradise, although only raggiana bird-of-paradise is present in the collection. The selection of more charismatic birds is very good as well, all four species of flamingo that can be found in American collections are present and there are at least five species of crane. Beyond the main facility there is also a private avian breeding center that rears over 1,000 chicks annually and the park is involved with various local conservation projects.
General View, @Coelacanth18
Eurasian Aviary, @jayjds2
Wings of the Tropics, @Coelacanth18
Birds of Paradise Aviary, @Coelacanth18
Multinational Aviary, @jayjds2
Zoochat Gallery:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Zoo Map:
https://shwpark.com/images/park_map_2021.jpg
Great to see this gem on the list. My first visit in 2016 I couldn’t find much about it but drove over for a day trip and fell in love with the place. So much to see and the non-waterfowl collection has only improved since then. Its not flashy but it doesn’t need to be. Also worth mentioning is the zoo is along a creek with a variety of native wildlife. I’ve seen deer, beaver, yellow-billed cuckoo, and such.
otusasio451
Member
North Carolina - Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Founded: 2006
Size: 18 Acres (7.2 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 241+
Mammals 0
Birds 240+
Reptiles & Amphibians 1
Fish 0
Invertebrates 0
Unlike our neighbors across the pond, the United States lacks many significant avian facilities. That’s not at all to say that there aren’t any places that standout however, you just have to dig a little deeper to find them. Sylvan Heights boasts the largest collection of waterfowl in the world and includes dozens upon dozens of rarities, including many of which it is the only holder in the country. It has existed for many decades after a couple from England sought to create a facility to breed rare waterfowl, but only opened to the public about 15 years ago. Since then the overall bird collection has expanded to become the second largest in the United States. All of the big walkthrough aviaries are continentally focused with the exception of a large multinational aviary with ducks, teals, eiders and pochards from all parts of the world. They are all functionally designed with well furnished interiors and the diversity within them is incredibly impressive. Various smaller aviaries dot the grounds including a feeding aviary with some exotics alongside the more traditional budgies and sun conures, plus a mid-sized tropical house. One of the newest sections has been titled Birds of Paradise, although only raggiana bird-of-paradise is present in the collection. The selection of more charismatic birds is very good as well, all four species of flamingo that can be found in American collections are present and there are at least five species of crane. Beyond the main facility there is also a private avian breeding center that rears over 1,000 chicks annually and the park is involved with various local conservation projects.
General View, @Coelacanth18
Eurasian Aviary, @jayjds2
Wings of the Tropics, @Coelacanth18
Birds of Paradise Aviary, @Coelacanth18
Multinational Aviary, @jayjds2
Zoochat Gallery:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Zoo Map:
https://shwpark.com/images/park_map_2021.jpg
Just recently considered a weekend trip to Raleigh for this coming May, just to go to the North Carolina Zoo, but I'm gonna have to consider whether or not I want to go there, to Duke Lemur Center, or to this place that I'd never heard of before this post. Or all three...somehow.
Ohio - Cincinnati Zoo
Founded: 1875
Size: 65.5 Acres (26.5 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 381
Mammals 98
Birds 127
Reptiles & Amphibians 96
Fish 12
Invertebrates 46
Not quite the first zoo in the country, but still one of the oldest and most significant collections to be found in the states. Cincinnati has been a pioneer in the American zoo world ever since it’s conception with several firsts under its belt. The insectarium was the first of its kind in the county and is still widely considered the best of its kind by many. The listed buildings are quite remarkable even if they aren’t anything special when it comes to exhibiting animals. The reptile house was originally the monkey house and is the oldest existing animal building in America. The elephant house similarly is an absolutely beautiful structure that is also over a century old and it will be interesting to see how it’s going to be utilized once the elephants are shifted into a new complex next year. Recent developments have focused almost exclusively on common ABC species, a significant contrast to the days when rarities were brought in frequently. While they aren’t as prevalent as they once were, there are still many to be found with the nocturnal collection being particularly strong including potto, aye-aye, ringtail, large-spotted genet and North America's only aardwolves. However, the zoo has never been one to shy away from that legacy. A listed aviary formally home to the last known passenger pigeon in existence has been carefully converted into a thought provoking memorial for the species. The park is also notable for being the last holder of the Sumatran rhino in the Western Hemisphere and it can’t help but sting just a little that their old exhibit is now occupied by a ropes course. The botanical gardens are also extensive and the stunning historic buildings complimented with gorgeous flora add up to make one of the most visually pleasing zoos in America.
Botanical Gardens with Reptile House, @Moebelle
World of Insects, @Moebelle
Indoor Gorilla Exhibit, @Moebelle
Elephant House, @Moebelle
African Savannah, @ZooNerd1234
Zoochat Gallery:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/cincinnati-zoo-and-botanical-garden.604/
Zoo Website:
Welcome to the Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®
Zoo Map:
https://cincinnatizoo.org/system/assets/uploads/2022/01/Entry_Map_1-17-22-01-scaled.jpg
Founded: 1875
Size: 65.5 Acres (26.5 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 381
Mammals 98
Birds 127
Reptiles & Amphibians 96
Fish 12
Invertebrates 46
Not quite the first zoo in the country, but still one of the oldest and most significant collections to be found in the states. Cincinnati has been a pioneer in the American zoo world ever since it’s conception with several firsts under its belt. The insectarium was the first of its kind in the county and is still widely considered the best of its kind by many. The listed buildings are quite remarkable even if they aren’t anything special when it comes to exhibiting animals. The reptile house was originally the monkey house and is the oldest existing animal building in America. The elephant house similarly is an absolutely beautiful structure that is also over a century old and it will be interesting to see how it’s going to be utilized once the elephants are shifted into a new complex next year. Recent developments have focused almost exclusively on common ABC species, a significant contrast to the days when rarities were brought in frequently. While they aren’t as prevalent as they once were, there are still many to be found with the nocturnal collection being particularly strong including potto, aye-aye, ringtail, large-spotted genet and North America's only aardwolves. However, the zoo has never been one to shy away from that legacy. A listed aviary formally home to the last known passenger pigeon in existence has been carefully converted into a thought provoking memorial for the species. The park is also notable for being the last holder of the Sumatran rhino in the Western Hemisphere and it can’t help but sting just a little that their old exhibit is now occupied by a ropes course. The botanical gardens are also extensive and the stunning historic buildings complimented with gorgeous flora add up to make one of the most visually pleasing zoos in America.
Botanical Gardens with Reptile House, @Moebelle
World of Insects, @Moebelle
Indoor Gorilla Exhibit, @Moebelle
Elephant House, @Moebelle
African Savannah, @ZooNerd1234
Zoochat Gallery:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/cincinnati-zoo-and-botanical-garden.604/
Zoo Website:
Welcome to the Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®
Zoo Map:
https://cincinnatizoo.org/system/assets/uploads/2022/01/Entry_Map_1-17-22-01-scaled.jpg
Antimony96
Well-Known Member
An obvious inclusion, of course. I suspect there are several more Ohio institutions coming down the pipe.
Ohio - Columbus Zoo
Founded: 1927
Size: 148 Acres (60 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 556
Mammals 106
Birds 136
Reptiles & Amphibians 97
Fish 138
Invertebrates 79
Columbus might be the most quintessentially American zoo all of all time. It loves it's mock-rock temples, over-the-top thematics, and has no problem dropping in a few roller coasters here and there. Luckily, it was at the very least willing to regulate most of the amusement attractions into a single section of the park away from the main zoo. In spite of the occasional theme park-esque atmosphere, it doesn't come at the expense of the exhibit quality which is consistently top-notch. The manatee building is fantastic, as is the Australian collection with koala, wombat, Tasmanian devil and others. The polar bear exhibit is the only one in the United States that rivals Detroit and the collection of North American fauna in general is quite extensive with wolverine, moose and a migratory bird aviary standing out. The North American exhibits also manage to avoid excessive theming, which cannot be said for most of the other exhibit complexes. The African area culminates in a beautiful savannah habitat, but the satellite exhibits are fitted with thematic touches like a crashed jet plane in the windows of the lion exhibit or a backyard barbecue in the vervet monkey enclosure. Those are admittedly fun for guests, so not the most egregious examples by any means. That description is better reserved for the orangutan exhibit or the rather shocking animal ambassador complex which may be the biggest zoological misfire in recent history. At a facility where so much money is spent on theming and immersion, it may come as a surprise to find what’s very much a Howletts-inspired gorilla enclosure in the African Forest section, contrasting a rather lush bonobo habitat. Compared to America's other zoological juggernauts, it's very much a place that will be found more or less alluring depending on taste, but regardless there are dozens of fantastic animal habitats that make the zoo among the best.
Polar Bear Exhibit, @ZooNerd1234
African Savannah, @Kudu21
Manatee Tank, @Moebelle
Australasian Aviary, @Moebelle
Gorilla Exhibit, @geomorph
Zoochat Gallery:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Home
Zoo Map:
https://columbuszoo.org/Media/image.../cza_park_map_2021_web.jpg?sfvrsn=64d3bfa6_3/
Founded: 1927
Size: 148 Acres (60 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 556
Mammals 106
Birds 136
Reptiles & Amphibians 97
Fish 138
Invertebrates 79
Columbus might be the most quintessentially American zoo all of all time. It loves it's mock-rock temples, over-the-top thematics, and has no problem dropping in a few roller coasters here and there. Luckily, it was at the very least willing to regulate most of the amusement attractions into a single section of the park away from the main zoo. In spite of the occasional theme park-esque atmosphere, it doesn't come at the expense of the exhibit quality which is consistently top-notch. The manatee building is fantastic, as is the Australian collection with koala, wombat, Tasmanian devil and others. The polar bear exhibit is the only one in the United States that rivals Detroit and the collection of North American fauna in general is quite extensive with wolverine, moose and a migratory bird aviary standing out. The North American exhibits also manage to avoid excessive theming, which cannot be said for most of the other exhibit complexes. The African area culminates in a beautiful savannah habitat, but the satellite exhibits are fitted with thematic touches like a crashed jet plane in the windows of the lion exhibit or a backyard barbecue in the vervet monkey enclosure. Those are admittedly fun for guests, so not the most egregious examples by any means. That description is better reserved for the orangutan exhibit or the rather shocking animal ambassador complex which may be the biggest zoological misfire in recent history. At a facility where so much money is spent on theming and immersion, it may come as a surprise to find what’s very much a Howletts-inspired gorilla enclosure in the African Forest section, contrasting a rather lush bonobo habitat. Compared to America's other zoological juggernauts, it's very much a place that will be found more or less alluring depending on taste, but regardless there are dozens of fantastic animal habitats that make the zoo among the best.
Polar Bear Exhibit, @ZooNerd1234
African Savannah, @Kudu21
Manatee Tank, @Moebelle
Australasian Aviary, @Moebelle
Gorilla Exhibit, @geomorph
Zoochat Gallery:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Home
Zoo Map:
https://columbuszoo.org/Media/image.../cza_park_map_2021_web.jpg?sfvrsn=64d3bfa6_3/
Columbus is definitely on my "list" of places I want to get to.Ohio - Columbus Zoo
Founded: 1927
Size: 148 Acres (60 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 556
Mammals 106
Birds 136
Reptiles & Amphibians 97
Fish 138
Invertebrates 79
Columbus might be the most quintessentially American zoo all of all time. It loves it's mock-rock temples, over-the-top thematics, and has no problem dropping in a few roller coasters here and there. Luckily, it was at the very least willing to regulate most of the amusement attractions into a single section of the park away from the main zoo. In spite of the occasional theme park-esque atmosphere, it doesn't come at the expense of the exhibit quality which is consistently top-notch. The manatee building is fantastic, as is the Australian collection with koala, wombat, Tasmanian devil and others. The polar bear exhibit is the only one in the United States that rivals Detroit and the collection of North American fauna in general is quite extensive with wolverine, moose and a migratory bird aviary standing out. The North American exhibits also manage to avoid excessive theming, which cannot be said for most of the other exhibit complexes. The African area culminates in a beautiful savannah habitat, but the satellite exhibits are fitted with thematic touches like a crashed jet plane in the windows of the lion exhibit or a backyard barbecue in the vervet monkey enclosure. Those are admittedly fun for guests, so not the most egregious examples by any means. That description is better reserved for the orangutan exhibit or the rather shocking animal ambassador complex which may be the biggest zoological misfire in recent history. At a facility where so much money is spent on theming and immersion, it may come as a surprise to find what’s very much a Howletts-inspired gorilla enclosure in the African Forest section, contrasting a rather lush bonobo habitat. Compared to America's other zoological juggernauts, it's very much a place that will be found more or less alluring depending on taste, but regardless there are dozens of fantastic animal habitats that make the zoo among the best.
Polar Bear Exhibit, @ZooNerd1234
African Savannah, @Kudu21
Manatee Tank, @Moebelle
Australasian Aviary, @Moebelle
Gorilla Exhibit, @geomorph
Zoochat Gallery:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Home
Zoo Map:
https://columbuszoo.org/Media/image.../cza_park_map_2021_web.jpg?sfvrsn=64d3bfa6_3/
Ohio - The Wilds
Founded: 1994
Size: 9,000 Acres (3,642 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 25
Mammals 20
Birds 3
Reptiles & Amphibians 1
Fish 0
Invertebrates 1
Drive-through safari parks are a dime a dozen in America and hardly leave anything to the imagination. It's easy to fence off an empty lawn, throw in a few llamas and rheas, and call it a day. The Wilds is the antitheses of these places, providing the drive-through park experience at the largest scale imaginable, literally. It's one of the world's largest zoos in physical space and the views are truly phenomenal. No expense is spared on space, with over 400 acres set aside for a herd of roughly 100 American bison. The cart tour navigates through several giant pastures all hundreds of acres in size, home to large herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and equids set in rolling hills and vast plains. The collection is by no means huge with an almost exclusive focus on ungulates and carnivores, but there are a handful of surprises for rarity hunters such as Persian onager, Bactrian deer and Javan banteng. Although most of the grounds are only seen from the cart tour, there are a few areas viewed on foot. The Mid-sized Carnivore Conservation Center has several spacious yards for cheetahs, painted dogs and dholes, all over an acre in size with even more off exhibit. There is also a single offshoot exhibit for Chinese goral and red-crowned crane, plus a small area for eastern hellbender conservation. The park is also a reserve for native wildlife, with designated areas for butterfly watching and year-round birding.
General View, @Moebelle
One of Several Pastures, @Moebelle
Mid-sized Carnivore Conservation Center, @Moebelle
Chinese Goral and White-naped Crane Enclosure, @Kudu21
American Bison Paddock, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
The Wilds - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
The Wilds - Home
Zoo Map:
N/A
Founded: 1994
Size: 9,000 Acres (3,642 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 25
Mammals 20
Birds 3
Reptiles & Amphibians 1
Fish 0
Invertebrates 1
Drive-through safari parks are a dime a dozen in America and hardly leave anything to the imagination. It's easy to fence off an empty lawn, throw in a few llamas and rheas, and call it a day. The Wilds is the antitheses of these places, providing the drive-through park experience at the largest scale imaginable, literally. It's one of the world's largest zoos in physical space and the views are truly phenomenal. No expense is spared on space, with over 400 acres set aside for a herd of roughly 100 American bison. The cart tour navigates through several giant pastures all hundreds of acres in size, home to large herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and equids set in rolling hills and vast plains. The collection is by no means huge with an almost exclusive focus on ungulates and carnivores, but there are a handful of surprises for rarity hunters such as Persian onager, Bactrian deer and Javan banteng. Although most of the grounds are only seen from the cart tour, there are a few areas viewed on foot. The Mid-sized Carnivore Conservation Center has several spacious yards for cheetahs, painted dogs and dholes, all over an acre in size with even more off exhibit. There is also a single offshoot exhibit for Chinese goral and red-crowned crane, plus a small area for eastern hellbender conservation. The park is also a reserve for native wildlife, with designated areas for butterfly watching and year-round birding.
General View, @Moebelle
One of Several Pastures, @Moebelle
Mid-sized Carnivore Conservation Center, @Moebelle
Chinese Goral and White-naped Crane Enclosure, @Kudu21
American Bison Paddock, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
The Wilds - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
The Wilds - Home
Zoo Map:
N/A
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