Antimony96
Well-Known Member
I'm more surprised at the omission of Oregon Zoo.
America's 50 Must See Zoos
- Thread starter pachyderm pro
- Start date
Good point. That one didn't even cross my mind, but is another possibly close one.
Joseph G
Well-Known Member
The only thing that makes the National Aviary unique is that it is a standalone aviary. The aviary inside of Toledo Zoo is much more of a "must see" in my opinion.
Tennessee - Memphis Zoo
Founded: 1906
Size: 70 Acres (28 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 554
Mammals 130
Birds 183
Reptiles & Amphibians 155
Fish 80
Invertebrates 6
While the zoo world has gradually shifted to geographic zones in favor of taxonomic displays, here is a zoo that has no problem maintaining both. It has become renowned for its over the top thematic creations that have become staples in every modern development. Making this evident when one enters the park is the iconic Egyptian-themed entrance plaza, paying homage to the capital of ancient Egypt which the city Memphis was named after. Even in the taxonomically organized areas, human elements can be found, namely the ruined temple in the tiger exhibit. The newer complexes all feature much more elaborate made-made creations, although thankfully they rarely do much to interfere with the actual animal habitats and can be quite impressive. Teton Trek boasts an enormous lodge overlooking a yard for North American bears and a recreation of Yellowstone's old faithful geyser. A massive pagoda welcomes guests to the China complex where the visitor favorite giant pandas steal the show, but are accompanied by a few oddities like Père David's deer and Sulawesi macaque. The hippo complex is perhaps the only one of its kind that has both underwater viewing and a respectable amount of land space, with neighboring habitats for crocodiles and flamingos being equally impressive. The nocturnal house is very notable, with an amazing assortment of rarities like slender loris, banded palm civet and Sulawesi bear cuscus, all of which are the only ones on display in the country. As impressive as the bold immersion habitats are, they do clash with what’s otherwise a zoo that still has some catching up to do. The aquarium is underwhelming, as is the herpetarium that has a solid collection in lackluster displays. The African veldt section with dusty elephant and rhino paddocks is tentatively slated to be redone in the somewhat near future, most likely with yet another grandiose thematic complex erected in its place.
Rotational Grizzly Bear and American Black Bear Exhibit, @Moebelle
Hippo Exhibit, @Milwaukee Man
Chinese Pagoda, @Moebelle
Sumatran Tiger Exhibit, @Moebelle
Entrance Plaza with Obelisk, @Coelacanth18
Zoochat Gallery:
Memphis Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Memphis Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2510/memphiszoo_final_no-seasonals.png
Founded: 1906
Size: 70 Acres (28 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 554
Mammals 130
Birds 183
Reptiles & Amphibians 155
Fish 80
Invertebrates 6
While the zoo world has gradually shifted to geographic zones in favor of taxonomic displays, here is a zoo that has no problem maintaining both. It has become renowned for its over the top thematic creations that have become staples in every modern development. Making this evident when one enters the park is the iconic Egyptian-themed entrance plaza, paying homage to the capital of ancient Egypt which the city Memphis was named after. Even in the taxonomically organized areas, human elements can be found, namely the ruined temple in the tiger exhibit. The newer complexes all feature much more elaborate made-made creations, although thankfully they rarely do much to interfere with the actual animal habitats and can be quite impressive. Teton Trek boasts an enormous lodge overlooking a yard for North American bears and a recreation of Yellowstone's old faithful geyser. A massive pagoda welcomes guests to the China complex where the visitor favorite giant pandas steal the show, but are accompanied by a few oddities like Père David's deer and Sulawesi macaque. The hippo complex is perhaps the only one of its kind that has both underwater viewing and a respectable amount of land space, with neighboring habitats for crocodiles and flamingos being equally impressive. The nocturnal house is very notable, with an amazing assortment of rarities like slender loris, banded palm civet and Sulawesi bear cuscus, all of which are the only ones on display in the country. As impressive as the bold immersion habitats are, they do clash with what’s otherwise a zoo that still has some catching up to do. The aquarium is underwhelming, as is the herpetarium that has a solid collection in lackluster displays. The African veldt section with dusty elephant and rhino paddocks is tentatively slated to be redone in the somewhat near future, most likely with yet another grandiose thematic complex erected in its place.
Rotational Grizzly Bear and American Black Bear Exhibit, @Moebelle
Hippo Exhibit, @Milwaukee Man
Chinese Pagoda, @Moebelle
Sumatran Tiger Exhibit, @Moebelle
Entrance Plaza with Obelisk, @Coelacanth18
Zoochat Gallery:
Memphis Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Memphis Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2510/memphiszoo_final_no-seasonals.png
A great zoo, really, and most definitely a must-see, if not for the rarities then for the over-the-top theming. The Animals of the Night exhibit is very good, a highlight, and full of many rare and interesting species. I thought the aquarium was not bad for what it is, a simple gallery with nothing being over the top, a contrast to the rest of the zoo. The aquarium even keeps some rarities like Ganges leaffish and Spotted snake eel. The herpetarium is probably the weakest point, and although it too contains many rarities and nice species, the layout, enclosures, and signage hinder the overall experience. One area not mentioned is the Tropical Bird House, which is very excellent and contains many rarely kept bird species, including Yellow-casqued Hornbills.Tennessee - Memphis Zoo
Founded: 1906
Size: 70 Acres (28 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 554
Mammals 130
Birds 183
Reptiles & Amphibians 155
Fish 80
Invertebrates 6
While the zoo world has gradually shifted to geographic zones in favor of taxonomic displays, here is a zoo that has no problem maintaining both. It has become renowned for its over the top thematic creations that have become staples in every modern development. Making this evident when one enters the park is the iconic Egyptian-themed entrance plaza, paying homage to the capital of ancient Egypt which the city Memphis was named after. Even in the taxonomically organized areas, human elements can be found, namely the ruined temple in the tiger exhibit. The newer complexes all feature much more elaborate made-made creations, although thankfully they rarely do much to interfere with the actual animal habitats and can be quite impressive. Teton Trek boasts an enormous lodge overlooking a yard for North American bears and a recreation of Yellowstone's old faithful geyser. A massive pagoda welcomes guests to the China complex where the visitor favorite giant pandas steal the show, but are accompanied by a few oddities like Père David's deer and Sulawesi macaque. The hippo complex is perhaps the only one of its kind that has both underwater viewing and a respectable amount of land space, with neighboring habitats for crocodiles and flamingos being equally impressive. The nocturnal house is very notable, with an amazing assortment of rarities like slender loris, banded palm civet and Sulawesi bear cuscus, all of which are the only ones on display in the country. As impressive as the bold immersion habitats are, they do clash with what’s otherwise a zoo that still has some catching up to do. The aquarium is underwhelming, as is the herpetarium that has a solid collection in lackluster displays. The African veldt section with dusty elephant and rhino paddocks is tentatively slated to be redone in the somewhat near future, most likely with yet another grandiose thematic complex erected in its place.
Rotational Grizzly Bear and American Black Bear Exhibit, @Moebelle
Hippo Exhibit, @Milwaukee Man
Chinese Pagoda, @Moebelle
Sumatran Tiger Exhibit, @Moebelle
Entrance Plaza with Obelisk, @Coelacanth18
Zoochat Gallery:
Memphis Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Memphis Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2510/memphiszoo_final_no-seasonals.png
A solid choice from Tennessee!
Tennessee - Memphis Zoo
Founded: 1906
Size: 70 Acres (28 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 554
Mammals 130
Birds 183
Reptiles & Amphibians 155
Fish 80
Invertebrates 6
While the zoo world has gradually shifted to geographic zones in favor of taxonomic displays, here is a zoo that has no problem maintaining both. It has become renowned for its over the top thematic creations that have become staples in every modern development. Making this evident when one enters the park is the iconic Egyptian-themed entrance plaza, paying homage to the capital of ancient Egypt which the city Memphis was named after. Even in the taxonomically organized areas, human elements can be found, namely the ruined temple in the tiger exhibit. The newer complexes all feature much more elaborate made-made creations, although thankfully they rarely do much to interfere with the actual animal habitats and can be quite impressive. Teton Trek boasts an enormous lodge overlooking a yard for North American bears and a recreation of Yellowstone's old faithful geyser. A massive pagoda welcomes guests to the China complex where the visitor favorite giant pandas steal the show, but are accompanied by a few oddities like Père David's deer and Sulawesi macaque. The hippo complex is perhaps the only one of its kind that has both underwater viewing and a respectable amount of land space, with neighboring habitats for crocodiles and flamingos being equally impressive. The nocturnal house is very notable, with an amazing assortment of rarities like slender loris, banded palm civet and Sulawesi bear cuscus, all of which are the only ones on display in the country. As impressive as the bold immersion habitats are, they do clash with what’s otherwise a zoo that still has some catching up to do. The aquarium is underwhelming, as is the herpetarium that has a solid collection in lackluster displays. The African veldt section with dusty elephant and rhino paddocks is tentatively slated to be redone in the somewhat near future, most likely with yet another grandiose thematic complex erected in its place.
Rotational Grizzly Bear and American Black Bear Exhibit, @Moebelle
Hippo Exhibit, @Milwaukee Man
Chinese Pagoda, @Moebelle
Sumatran Tiger Exhibit, @Moebelle
Entrance Plaza with Obelisk, @Coelacanth18
Zoochat Gallery:
Memphis Zoo - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Memphis Zoo
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2510/memphiszoo_final_no-seasonals.png
I am following your excellent thread with great pleasure @pachyderm pro! Always been curious, where does Memphis fit in the grand scheme of the top American zoos? Would you rate them in top 20, or rather not?
I've given up on ranking every zoo I see, as really they are all so different it's impossible to compare them all. Different strokes for different folks, as Memphis will rank higher or lower depending on how one feels about all of the cultural thematics it specializes in. On average, I imagine it would rank somewhere around the 25-30 spot for most people.
Always makes me happy to hear that people are enjoying the thread. Hard to believe only ten places remain.
Tennessee - Nashville Zoo
Founded: 1997
Size: 82 Acres (33 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 378
Mammals 49
Birds 60
Reptiles & Amphibians 124
Fish 104
Invertebrates 41
Nashville is the absolute definition of quality over quantity. At the moment it's far from the largest zoo in the country, but the standard of exhibitry has always been first class. It’s only a few decades old so everything appears tighty and well put together, but there is some historical value to be found in the remnants of old Grassmere farm property where the zoo was built. Expedition Peru features America’s greatest Andean bear exhibit by a fairly wide margin. There is also southern pudu, plus a wide variety of herps and fish, and even a cotton-top tamarin exhibit in the women's restroom. This is a recurring pattern with a Boelen's python located in the men's restroom by the entrance. Some of the standalone highlights include a pair of lush gibbon islands with full access to multiple live trees and what was once an already impressive elephant paddock has been given over to white rhinos. There’s an extensive loop in a densely forested section of the park known as Bamboo Trail that lacks any sort of geographical focus, but does feature some interesting suspects. A newer Mexican spider monkey habitat is a key highlight, as well babirusa, rhinoceros hornbill, and clouded leopard, the latter of which the zoo has had phenomenal breeding success. The focus on unusual species is wonderful, however the zoo keeps most of its collection, including some of its rarest specimens, out of public view. Palawan binturong and banded palm civet are the most noteworthy, although there is a chance you may luck out if a newborn is on display in the windows of the zoo's flashy new veterinary center. If only Nashville were twice as large it would be widely considered one of the best zoos in the country. That may just become a reality over the next decade with an additional 40 acres being developed for a monumental African project. If future plans are anything to go by, this is a zoo that will need to be watched very closely.
Andean Bear Exhibit, @Moebelle
White-cheeked Gibbon and Siamang Islands, @Moebelle
Neotropical Tanks, @Moebelle
White Rhino Exhibit, @Moebelle
Boelen's Python Exhibit in Men's Restroom, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
Nashville Zoo - Page 5 - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere | Nashville, TN
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2147/map_postcovid_2021_noanimalshows.pdf
Founded: 1997
Size: 82 Acres (33 Hectares)
Species & Subspecies (On and Off Exhibit): 378
Mammals 49
Birds 60
Reptiles & Amphibians 124
Fish 104
Invertebrates 41
Nashville is the absolute definition of quality over quantity. At the moment it's far from the largest zoo in the country, but the standard of exhibitry has always been first class. It’s only a few decades old so everything appears tighty and well put together, but there is some historical value to be found in the remnants of old Grassmere farm property where the zoo was built. Expedition Peru features America’s greatest Andean bear exhibit by a fairly wide margin. There is also southern pudu, plus a wide variety of herps and fish, and even a cotton-top tamarin exhibit in the women's restroom. This is a recurring pattern with a Boelen's python located in the men's restroom by the entrance. Some of the standalone highlights include a pair of lush gibbon islands with full access to multiple live trees and what was once an already impressive elephant paddock has been given over to white rhinos. There’s an extensive loop in a densely forested section of the park known as Bamboo Trail that lacks any sort of geographical focus, but does feature some interesting suspects. A newer Mexican spider monkey habitat is a key highlight, as well babirusa, rhinoceros hornbill, and clouded leopard, the latter of which the zoo has had phenomenal breeding success. The focus on unusual species is wonderful, however the zoo keeps most of its collection, including some of its rarest specimens, out of public view. Palawan binturong and banded palm civet are the most noteworthy, although there is a chance you may luck out if a newborn is on display in the windows of the zoo's flashy new veterinary center. If only Nashville were twice as large it would be widely considered one of the best zoos in the country. That may just become a reality over the next decade with an additional 40 acres being developed for a monumental African project. If future plans are anything to go by, this is a zoo that will need to be watched very closely.
Andean Bear Exhibit, @Moebelle
White-cheeked Gibbon and Siamang Islands, @Moebelle
Neotropical Tanks, @Moebelle
White Rhino Exhibit, @Moebelle
Boelen's Python Exhibit in Men's Restroom, @Moebelle
Zoochat Gallery:
Nashville Zoo - Page 5 - ZooChat
Zoo Website:
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere | Nashville, TN
Zoo Map:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2147/map_postcovid_2021_noanimalshows.pdf
Hiding such a sought-after species in a restroom is quite a weird move. But given the adult final size of the species, that specimen won’t be there for long...
Unless Mae West sees one in your pocket
Joseph G
Well-Known Member
My favorite clouded leopard exhibit so far. Not the prettiest, but certainly the one that best promotes natural behaviors. They were jumping out of the bushes at each other, climbing all over the trees, and even jumping from the trees to the exhibit fencing... and then climbing the fencing! I've never seen them that active at any other institution.
The Unseen World is probably the most underrated part of this zoo, especially the aviary.
No surprise it made the list. It's certainly on the cusp of being an incredible destination worthy of its own trip.
P.S. If you visit in the off-season and want to see the bathroom exhibit that you typically wouldn't be allowed in, ask a volunteer and they'll take you in when the coast is clear.
The Unseen World is probably the most underrated part of this zoo, especially the aviary.
No surprise it made the list. It's certainly on the cusp of being an incredible destination worthy of its own trip.
P.S. If you visit in the off-season and want to see the bathroom exhibit that you typically wouldn't be allowed in, ask a volunteer and they'll take you in when the coast is clear.
It already is, I think. Certainly in my top 12 or so US destinations, and the zoo is a massive reason for that.
I have really enjoyed this thread and I think your write-ups of each zoo are really well done and informative.
Looks like Texas is next and I hope she is well represented. I’m guessing Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Fossil Rim. Maybe switch one of the last three for Gladys Porter. Outside bets to be placed on Cameron Park or even maybe…Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch? But if Oregon didn’t make the cut…
Looking past Texas, I can only see maybe the big three in Washington state and perhaps Salt Lake City.
I guess if I did the math I’d have a better idea of where to place my bets.
Anyway, well done and I am really looking forward to the rest of your thread.
Looks like Texas is next and I hope she is well represented. I’m guessing Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Fossil Rim. Maybe switch one of the last three for Gladys Porter. Outside bets to be placed on Cameron Park or even maybe…Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch? But if Oregon didn’t make the cut…
Looking past Texas, I can only see maybe the big three in Washington state and perhaps Salt Lake City.
I guess if I did the math I’d have a better idea of where to place my bets.
Anyway, well done and I am really looking forward to the rest of your thread.
San Antonio will be interesting. Many of the exhibits are fine but its not full of massive exhibit complexes (for now) and is largely functional. At the same time it has a ton of rarities in its fish, bird, and reptile collections; as well as having an extremely well rounded mammal collection (bar any great apes). In my opinion it has the best collection of any Texas zoo right now, especially given Houstons basically non-existent bird collection. But we’ll see 
I can imagine we’ll have a bunch of Texas zoos though.
I can imagine we’ll have a bunch of Texas zoos though.
Aardwolf
Well-Known Member
From a rarity perspective, I'd be surprised if Dallas World Aquarium doesn't make the list, but we shall see. Tomorrow will tell whether or not Tennessee Aquarium makes the list. It's certainly unique in being a major freshwater aquarium, so I could see it squeezing in
I thought Houston was supposed to have a really good bird collection? Do they no longer breed turacos?
They went out of a lot of species unfortunately, not just turacos.
As of last year no turacos were on display and I only saw about 32 species. With the closure of the bird garden, row of bird displays, and bird house the collection is almost all in the Pantanal exhibit. The zoo had plans to rebuild the bird garden but they are no longer mentioned online. My guess is due to the Galapagos construction next dooe they want to finish up before building a fairly simple complex. The zoo still has a bunch of birds of display though, although more common species seem to have been dispersed.
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:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/tennessee-aquarium.1275/
Zoo Website:
Tennessee Aquarium · Chattanooga Attractions • IMAX Movies
Zoo Map:
https://tnaqua.org/app/uploads/2020/05/CampusMap_2019update.jpg
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:
https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/categories/tennessee-aquarium.1275/
Zoo Website:
Tennessee Aquarium · Chattanooga Attractions • IMAX Movies
Zoo Map:
https://tnaqua.org/app/uploads/2020/05/CampusMap_2019update.jpg
Imagine missing out on a lifetick because of your gender.Hiding such a sought-after species in a restroom is quite a weird move. But given the adult final size of the species, that specimen won’t be there for long...