Best zoo in each state
- Thread starter Arizona Docent
- Start date
States I've toured Zoos in-
California- Living Desert
Illinois- Brookfield
Maryland- Maryland Zoo
Michigan- Detroit
New Mexico- American International Rattlesnake Museum
New York- Bronx
Ohio- Columbus
Pennsylvania- Clyde Peeling's Reptiland
Thanks for participating everyone! As I said, many of these are states I have not been to and are wild guesses based on internet photos.
I am happy to replace Franklin Park with Southwicks as seems to be the consensus from people in the area.
I knew everyone would beat me up for not picking Woodland Park as the Washington pick, but I am sticking to my guns. Northwest Trek is one of the best, if not the best, zoological parks in the country.
As for Denver, I know from previous posts that is something I will never see eye to eye with other ZooChatters.
Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh was a tough call. I like Philadelphia (been twice) and have never been to Pittsburgh, so if those who have seen both say Philly is the choice I am happy to change.
As for San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park, obviously it is preference as to if you prefer expansive field exhibits (but less species) or tons of species. I clearly prefer the former, which also explains my preference of Northwest Trek over Woodland Park. However, in my defense, I will say that just about everyone I know who is familiar with both San Diego facilities prefer the park over the zoo.
I am happy to replace Franklin Park with Southwicks as seems to be the consensus from people in the area.
I knew everyone would beat me up for not picking Woodland Park as the Washington pick, but I am sticking to my guns. Northwest Trek is one of the best, if not the best, zoological parks in the country.
As for Denver, I know from previous posts that is something I will never see eye to eye with other ZooChatters.
Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh was a tough call. I like Philadelphia (been twice) and have never been to Pittsburgh, so if those who have seen both say Philly is the choice I am happy to change.
As for San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park, obviously it is preference as to if you prefer expansive field exhibits (but less species) or tons of species. I clearly prefer the former, which also explains my preference of Northwest Trek over Woodland Park. However, in my defense, I will say that just about everyone I know who is familiar with both San Diego facilities prefer the park over the zoo.
zoomania18
Well-Known Member
Nice threads +1
Just an idea, feel free to say no, perhaps we can choose out top 25 pics and then move on to 15, then 10, then 5, etc...
I think at the moment Memohis is better (pandas and all that) but Nashville will soon beat them. Nashville is rapidly expanding with plans for lots more African wildlife, as well as plans for polar bears, penguins, etc. expected to be complete by 2020. Meanwhile, Memphis has been delaying the same exhibit over and over again.
Where has the zoo mentioned Polar Bears? All these plans will not be done by 2020. They're still working on Andean Bears and company, Elephant Barn expansion and Tiger expansion. Some of the other plans slated are for Giant Otter, Spider Monkeys and so on. The African expansion is some time off. Adding the African expansion and penguins is well beyond 2020. They desperately need a new Vet Hospital and that will happen before some of the plans you mentioned. The state of Polar Bears in the U.S. can't even facilitate some of the recently opened exhibits. Leaving exhibits with one Polar Bear, if that. Some may just transition over to Grizzly/Brown Bear or even Tiger.
I agree. It would not be a smart move for the zoo to try to build a polar bear exhibit.
azcheetah2
Well-Known Member
If I had to choose between SDZ and WAP, I would probably pick WAP because, like you said, their field exhibits are HUGE plus they have Cheetahs and you know how much I like Cheetahs. SDZ has more in terms of animals I enjoy seeing at a zoo, but you can't beat the field exhibits at WAP plus their tours.
For Arizona, I would probably choose Phoenix over ASDM, but I'm biased, obviously. hahaha.
For Washington, I've only ever been to Woodland Park and I was a child so I don't really count that. hahaha. I haven't been to any of the other zoos.
Nashville Zoo expansion plans: Lions, cheetahs, otters and more
Many apologies I misread polar birds as bears. This article states that the zoo will double its amount of animals by 2020. I agree totally about the polar bears, no zoo should have plans for them at this point. The breeding really needs to get started. Back on topic, I think most of these are accurate (San Diego is arguable, so are a few others) but I vote Animal Kingdom for Florida. I haven't been to Miami so I can't say for there, but I love the themeing of Animal Kingdom.
Many apologies I misread polar birds as bears. This article states that the zoo will double its amount of animals by 2020. I agree totally about the polar bears, no zoo should have plans for them at this point. The breeding really needs to get started. Back on topic, I think most of these are accurate (San Diego is arguable, so are a few others) but I vote Animal Kingdom for Florida. I haven't been to Miami so I can't say for there, but I love the themeing of Animal Kingdom.
A different article by the zoo: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/grow-wild
Allow me to be the minority then. I visit both the Park and the Zoo about 5 times a year each,and for me personally,the diversity of species and the climate of the zoo,as well as its size can never be beat by the Safari Park. They're two very different atmospheres,and the whole left side of the Zoo especially is amazing. I never pay attention to horticultural collections,but the Hidden Forest area of the zoo is something to be seen. The Safari Park is great in its own right,and is not to be taken lightly either,but I strongly disagree with the current "Journey Into Africa" system,where some jewels of their collection,namely the entirety of their Asian Plains exhibits, are viewable only by special,extra tours.
You are not the only. The Park sacrifices most birds, reptiles, and amphibians for its large mammal collection. While there are a few rarities (shoebill stork, black milk snake isn't that common, and Hidden Jungle is great) it otherwise fails. The lemur walk was a letdown (in a sense), kind of bland and pointless on a day where the lemurs are inactive, and not a great habitat for them. A lot of the Condor Ridge exhibits were not the best, and all have bad chain link viewing. The zoo has great exhibits (save for a few) but the space isn't that great in all of them. I prefer the zoo, but it really seems to be a taste thing.
Glad to see I'm not the only one. The Safari Park's bird collection seems especially abysmal due to the amazing collection of the Zoo itself,and most of it is contained within one of two aviaries. One of these aviaries (Wings of the World) is particularly bizarre as it outright abandons geography and offers a mix of species from various places. I know it's intentionally complimentary to the Zoo,but I feel as though a small overlap of species (perhaps with different subspecies) would not be unwelcome. It'd be especially nice for the Safari Park to work in more primates. I can think of only the lemurs,the gorillas(who I feel need a new exhibit),and a primate species on a small island near the flamingo lagoon (Langurs?),and I could easily see them adding more Asian primates at some point in the future. As I said,I love both,and the Safari Park absolutely excels at their exhibition of cheetahs,hoofstock,tigers,and lions,but the Zoo just has so much more. Right now the Safari Park seems more interested in extra-charge tours and "experiences". I'm wondering how Betsy (if she sees this) feels on the matter.
The Binder Park Zoo is a nice little zoo and worth a visit if you're in the area, but as to the best in the state, I don't think it can compete with Detroit. People especially interested in penguins should take a look at the plans for our new penguin house. They're going to turn the old penguinarium into, of all things, a bat conservation center.
I still think the zoo needs a small mammals house but nobody has asked me. I'm not sure how the reptile house ranks, but I guess it would be high if you add the nearby Amphibville.
Video: Virtual tour of Detroit Zoo's future penguin conservation center | MLive.com
I still think the zoo needs a small mammals house but nobody has asked me. I'm not sure how the reptile house ranks, but I guess it would be high if you add the nearby Amphibville.
Video: Virtual tour of Detroit Zoo's future penguin conservation center | MLive.com
@Shellheart:
The map for the park also had lemurs on an island in the lagoon, but I didn't see any (or any signs for them) on my recent visit. Near the flamingo lagoon there was an island habitat for Kikuyu (probably spelled wrong) Colobus monkey. In the official guide book pair that I bought at the zoo (which I have misplaced) there was a section about gibbons the African woods section (I will look for it thoroughly soon, a brief scour of the house resulted nothing) and the images appeared to show the gibbon species that is at the zoo, which is buff crested. I do not like the style of gorilla habitat, which many zoos use: long and thin. It is also slightly sparse on vegetation. However, the Safari Park's habitat is much deeper than most of its style, with more enrichment for the gorillas (ropes, rocks, etc.). I feel that this style of habitat is being phased out and will soon become outdated.
As for Betsy, I'll let her speak for herself. I will say one thing: she visits the zoo nearly ever week. She visits the park a few times a year, maybe. She also tends to just go for tigers and gorillas at the park. I think the opinion is clear, but again, I'll let her say for herself.
The map for the park also had lemurs on an island in the lagoon, but I didn't see any (or any signs for them) on my recent visit. Near the flamingo lagoon there was an island habitat for Kikuyu (probably spelled wrong) Colobus monkey. In the official guide book pair that I bought at the zoo (which I have misplaced) there was a section about gibbons the African woods section (I will look for it thoroughly soon, a brief scour of the house resulted nothing) and the images appeared to show the gibbon species that is at the zoo, which is buff crested. I do not like the style of gorilla habitat, which many zoos use: long and thin. It is also slightly sparse on vegetation. However, the Safari Park's habitat is much deeper than most of its style, with more enrichment for the gorillas (ropes, rocks, etc.). I feel that this style of habitat is being phased out and will soon become outdated.
As for Betsy, I'll let her speak for herself. I will say one thing: she visits the zoo nearly ever week. She visits the park a few times a year, maybe. She also tends to just go for tigers and gorillas at the park. I think the opinion is clear, but again, I'll let her say for herself.
Updated-
California- Living Desert
Illinois- Brookfield
Maryland- Maryland Zoo
Michigan- Detroit
New Mexico- Rattlesnake Museum
New York- Bronx
Ohio- Columbus
Pennsylvania- Living Treasures Moraine (near Newcastle, Pa.)
Here is my list
Alabama:Birmingham Zoo
Alaska:Alaska Zoo
Arizona
hoenix Zoo
Arkansas:Little Rock Zoo
California:San Diego Zoo
Colorado
enver Zoo
Connecticut:Beardsley Zoo
Delaware:Bardywine Zoo
Florida:Zoo Miami
Georgia:Zoo Atlanta
Hawaii:Honolulu Zoo
Idaho: Zoo Boise
Illinois:Brookfield Zoo
Indiana:Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Iowa:Blank Park Zoo
Kansas:Sedgewick County Zoo
Kentucky:Louisville Zoo
Louisiana:Audubon Zoo
Maine:York's Wild Kingdom
Maryland:Maryland Zoo
Massachusetts:Franklin Park Zoo
Michiganetroit Zoo
Minnesota:Minnesota Zoo
Mississippi:Jackson Zoo
Missouri:St Louis Zoo
Montana:Zoo Montana
Nebraska:Henry Doorly Zoo
Nevada:Sierra Safari Zoo
New Hampshire:Charmingfare Farm
New Jersey:Cape May County Zoo
New Mexico:ABQ Biopark
New York:Bronx Zoo
North Carolina:North Carolina Zoo
North Dakota:Chahinkapa Zoo
Ohio:Columbus Zoo
Oklahoma:Tulsa Zoo
Oregon:Oregon Zoo
Pennsylvaniahiladelphia Zoo
Rhode Island:Roger Williams Park Zoo
South Carolina:Riverbanks Zoo
South Dakota:Great Plains Zoo
Tennessee:Memphis Zoo
Texas:Fort Worth Zoo
Utah:Hogle Zoo
Vermont:Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center
Virginia:Virginia Zoo
Washington:Woodland Park Zoo
West Virginia:Oglebay Good Zoo
Wisconsin:Milwaukee County Zoo
Wyoming:The Science Zone(Only thing that I could find in Wyoming that is close to a zoo)
Alabama:Birmingham Zoo
Alaska:Alaska Zoo
Arizona
hoenix ZooArkansas:Little Rock Zoo
California:San Diego Zoo
Colorado
enver ZooConnecticut:Beardsley Zoo
Delaware:Bardywine Zoo
Florida:Zoo Miami
Georgia:Zoo Atlanta
Hawaii:Honolulu Zoo
Idaho: Zoo Boise
Illinois:Brookfield Zoo
Indiana:Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Iowa:Blank Park Zoo
Kansas:Sedgewick County Zoo
Kentucky:Louisville Zoo
Louisiana:Audubon Zoo
Maine:York's Wild Kingdom
Maryland:Maryland Zoo
Massachusetts:Franklin Park Zoo
Michigan
etroit ZooMinnesota:Minnesota Zoo
Mississippi:Jackson Zoo
Missouri:St Louis Zoo
Montana:Zoo Montana
Nebraska:Henry Doorly Zoo
Nevada:Sierra Safari Zoo
New Hampshire:Charmingfare Farm
New Jersey:Cape May County Zoo
New Mexico:ABQ Biopark
New York:Bronx Zoo
North Carolina:North Carolina Zoo
North Dakota:Chahinkapa Zoo
Ohio:Columbus Zoo
Oklahoma:Tulsa Zoo
Oregon:Oregon Zoo
Pennsylvania
hiladelphia ZooRhode Island:Roger Williams Park Zoo
South Carolina:Riverbanks Zoo
South Dakota:Great Plains Zoo
Tennessee:Memphis Zoo
Texas:Fort Worth Zoo
Utah:Hogle Zoo
Vermont:Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center
Virginia:Virginia Zoo
Washington:Woodland Park Zoo
West Virginia:Oglebay Good Zoo
Wisconsin:Milwaukee County Zoo
Wyoming:The Science Zone(Only thing that I could find in Wyoming that is close to a zoo)
For the states I've been to (for longer than just a transit from one state to another):
California: San Diego Zoo
Florida: haven't been to many but for now, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Georgia: Zoo Atlanta
Hawaii: Honolulu Zoo
Kentucky: Louisville Zoo
Maryland: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Missouri: Saint Louis Zoo
Ohio: Columbus Zoo
Oklahoma: Tulsa Zoo
Tennessee: Nashville Zoo (personal preference, though I enjoy the Memphis Zoo almost equally)
Texas: Dallas Zoo (not much of a competition)
Virginia: Virginia Zoo
Washington, D.C. (Because why not): Smithsonian's National Zoo
Although I lived in Kansas I never visited a zoo in the state, even though the Segdwick County Zoo (and nearby Tanganyika Wildlife Park) were only three hours away. Apparently it was "too far", even though that's a normal day trip drive now. The only facility in New Jersey that I've visited is Adventure Aquarium. I've only visited one facility in North Carolina, and it wasn't a traditional zoo. It's been ages since I've gone to Philadelphia as well, so I didn't count that state either. Hopefully the latter two will change soon!
California: San Diego Zoo
Florida: haven't been to many but for now, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Georgia: Zoo Atlanta
Hawaii: Honolulu Zoo
Kentucky: Louisville Zoo
Maryland: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Missouri: Saint Louis Zoo
Ohio: Columbus Zoo
Oklahoma: Tulsa Zoo
Tennessee: Nashville Zoo (personal preference, though I enjoy the Memphis Zoo almost equally)
Texas: Dallas Zoo (not much of a competition)
Virginia: Virginia Zoo
Washington, D.C. (Because why not): Smithsonian's National Zoo
Although I lived in Kansas I never visited a zoo in the state, even though the Segdwick County Zoo (and nearby Tanganyika Wildlife Park) were only three hours away. Apparently it was "too far", even though that's a normal day trip drive now. The only facility in New Jersey that I've visited is Adventure Aquarium. I've only visited one facility in North Carolina, and it wasn't a traditional zoo. It's been ages since I've gone to Philadelphia as well, so I didn't count that state either. Hopefully the latter two will change soon!
SusScrofa
Well-Known Member
For me personally these are the best zoological facilities from the states where I've visited ones in. I know OP didn't include aquariums but I think they should be and I don't think a new thread is necessary just to include them so I will be adding them in my list. I'm also including number of zoos I visited in each state in parentheses, this can include true zoos, aquariums, safari parks, specialist collections and nature centers/museums with at least some wild mammals/birds of prey.
Alabama (9): Montgomery Zoo
Montgomery Zoo beats out the AZA-accredited Birmingham Zoo thanks to great savanna exhibits and more consistent quality. The Mann Museum is also really cool and has a great North American taxidermy collection. Although Birmingham has a more diverse collection of birds and small carnivores, there are too many really subpar exhibits that bring it down. I've visited probably the majority of zoological facilities in Alabama and besides the big two there is a surprising number of small but solid facilities here.
Arizona (4): Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo is overall a very good traditional zoo, with a wonderful Arizona-themed complex. Odysea Aquarium, Out Of Africa (surprisingly good for non-AZA) and Goldfield Mines Serpentarium are the other facilities I visited in the state. I have not visited ASDM or Wildlife World, but the formers animal collection has declined greatly and its exclusively/largely a native-only zoo while the latter has some really poor quality areas so I don't think either would knock Phoenix off the top spot but I can't say for certain until I visit.
California (3): San Diego Zoo
I prefer the larger and more diverse collection at SDZ over the safari park. I've only visited those two and Los Angeles, but pretty confident San Diego would win even if I visited every collection in the state.
Connecticut (7): Mystic Aquarium
I prefer both of the states main aquariums over Beardsley Zoo, but its Mystics excellent marine mammal collection and Beluga exhibit that seals (no pun intended) the deal. I suspect Beardsley would win by default if aquariums are excluded simply because there really isn't really any other traditional zoo in the state.
Delaware (1): Brandywine Zoo
A tiny and forgettable zoo but it wins by default since there isn't much else.
Florida (~70): Zoo Miami
I've visited pretty much all the major zoos in the state and many of the smaller places, and Miami still ranks as the best for me. Its sad to see the rarities slowly dying out but I love the tropical naturalistic design of the zoo and its exhibit complexes. I prefer traditional zoos like Miami and Jacksonville (runner-up) over the theme park zoos like DAK and Busch Gardens, which are both very good as well but don't have as large of a collection and have all the negative associations expected of major theme parks like insane lines and crowds, limited access to special exhibits and high prices.
Georgia (20): Georgia Aquarium
Whale Sharks, mantas, Tiger Sharks, Ocean Voyager. This aquarium is phenomenal and even as someone who prefers traditional zoos to aquariums, there's no way Zoo Atlanta can beat the unique and amazing experience at Georgia Aquarium. Atlanta is a very good zoo that I feel punches above its weight and would easily be best in state if I had to exclude the aquarium, but admittedly there isn't any real competition as most of the other zoos in Georgia are either good but small nature center-type places or junky roadsides and meh safari parks.
Louisiana (7): Audubon Zoo
I took a zoo trip to Louisiana this summer and while I didn't revisit Audubon Zoo this trip I can safely say it beats out all the other traditional zoos in the state, although Alexandria and Baton Rouge each have some charm. I've never been to the Audubon Aquarium but I doubt I'd take it over the zoo especially with no marine mammals present outside of Sea Otters.
Maryland (7 + National Zoo): National Aquarium (or National Zoo)
Keeping this strictly to Maryland, I would go with National Aquarium, although if I'm being honest compared to most others who have visited I was slightly disappointed with it. Its probably due to the odd layout of the facility and Australia being a lot smaller than I thought it would be as well as the fact that I generally prefer traditional zoos over aquariums. Still, the quality is great and I did love the Rainforest area. My runner up and non-aquarium pick would be Maryland Zoo and was thinking of giving it the upset but until they rebuild the abandoned entrance area and improve the primate exhibits I'm choosing the aquarium. If I lumped DC into Maryland, National Zoo would easily be my pick as favorite.
Massachusetts (2): Franklin Park Zoo
If you judge it as the zoological representation of Boston, FPZ could be considered one of the most disappointing zoos in America. But on its own its a decent facility and I would take it over Stone Zoo. Those are the only 2 zoos I visited in the state and since both aren't very large and have their flaws its possible Southwicks, Buttonwood Park or NE Aquarium could win if I ever get to them.
Mississippi (5): Mississippi Aquarium
A very enjoyable aquarium that few zoochatters will ever visit due to being located in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Zoo would be my choice if no aquariums are allowed but its not even that good of a zoo, it just beats out the rest of the hellholes in the state like Tupelo Buffalo Park and Jackson Zoo (I only visited the first one).
Nevada (1): Shark Reef Aquarium
This is the only facility I visited but there really is nothing else to compete with it, Nevada is a zoological wasteland. Animal Ark would be the closest thing to a non-aquarium zoo in the state. Its a crime Las Vegas doesn't have a traditional accredited zoo.
New Jersey (12): Cape May Zoo
Free admission and preferring zoos over aquariums is a big advantage for Cape May here. I also really enjoyed the reptile house. Adventure Aquarium was a very close second though and Turtle Back Zoo is close behind as well. Maybe Six Flags Safari could win if I ever visit?
New York (21): Bronx Zoo
I haven't visited Buffalo Zoo and a handful of tiny places but I can say with 100% confidence Bronx is the best zoo in the state (not a bold statement either).
North Carolina (11): North Carolina Zoo
NC Zoo has one of the highest levels of exhibit quality I've ever seen, although the limited collection prevents it from reaching its true potential (that could change soon with Asia and other expansions). I really enjoyed Greensboro as well and consider it a worthy competitor. I haven't visited any of the aquariums or the really interesting Sylvan Heights Bird Park.
Ohio (7): Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
I visited Ohio in the spring and managed to visit Columbus, Cleveland, Akron and the Wilds as well as a number of nature centers in the Cleveland Metro area (of which I personally only count 3 as large enough to qualify as zoological facilities). All these zoos were good to great, but Columbus truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best zoos in the country although it lacks the collection size to compete with places like Bronx and San Diego (and Omaha most likely as well). I didn't get to visit Toledo or Cincinnati so perhaps either of those two could offer competition.
Pennsylvania (12): Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
It was a tough choice between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but as of now I'm inclined to give Pittsburgh the edge. I think the highs and lows at Pitt are more extreme than Philadelphia, but its those positive highs that make it stand out more. The aquarium building at Pittsburgh is also very well done for an "inside-zoo" aquarium. Philadelphia has a better collection in my opinion and some exhibit highlights like zoo360 and the bird house, but the collection has been on the decline and a lot of areas are really of very average to below average quality. Plus I have no idea what the heck they were going for with the Water is Life complex.
Rhode Island (2): Roger Williams Park Zoo
Save The Bay Aquarium was a nice amateurish aquarium center but there's no way it could compete with what might be the best traditional zoo in New England (though thats not saying much). Nothing else in the tiny state will come close to matching RWPZ I can guarantee.
South Carolina (6): Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks is a pretty solid although clearly outdated in areas. I did sadly miss the opening of the new ARC. I don't think there is really any competition within the state, unless South Carolina Aquarium is much better than I think it would be.
Tennessee (9): Memphis Zoo
I had to visit Tennessee several times this year and I did get the pleasure to tour all the major zoos and aquariums in the state. Although tempted to give the excellent Tennessee Aquarium the nod for the best in state, I have to take the traditional approach and go with the also excellent Memphis Zoo. Although the elephant exhibit isn't very good, I think its an underrated zoo overall and I personally rank it as one of my favorite zoo experiences. I will say that once Nashville Zoo completes its planned African expansion it may very well become best in the state, the quality of all their new completed projects have been excellent.
Virginia (1): Virginia Zoo
I thought Virginia Zoo was a pretty good place with a very comprehensive reptile house. I haven't visited any other zoos in the state, although the larger Metro Richmond Zoo seems to be of lower quality and the Virginia Aquarium doesn't seem to stand out much.
West Virginia (1): Oglebay Good Zoo
I got to visit this little zoo on the way back from my Ohio trip and I thought it was quite the nice facility. Definitely "good". I don't think any of the few other facilities in the state would be of much competition.
If I had to guess the best for the remaining states without having experienced any zoos within them.....
Alaska: Alaska Zoo
Arkansas: Little Rock Zoo
Colorado: Denver Zoo
Hawaii: Honolulu Zoo
Idaho: Zoo Boise
Illinois: Brookfield Zoo? Maybe Shedd.
Indiana: Indianapolis Zoo
Iowa: Blank Park Zoo
Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo
Kentucky: Louisville Zoo
Maine: York's Wild Kingdom? Maybe Maine Wildlife Park.
Michigan: Detroit Zoo
Minnesota: Minnesota Zoo
Missouri: St. Louis Zoo
Montana: Zoo Montana
Nebraska: Omaha Zoo
New Hampshire: Squam Lakes Nature Center
New Mexico: ABQ Biopark Zoo
North Dakota: Dakota Zoo?
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Zoo
Oregon: Oregon Zoo
South Dakota: Great Plains Zoo
Texas: Dallas Zoo or Houston Zoo or Fort Worth Zoo? Lots of choices.
Utah: Hogle Zoo? Maybe Tracy Aviary.
Vermont: VINS? Not much choices.
Washington: Woodland Park Zoo
Wisconsin: Milwaukee County Zoo? Maybe Henry Vilas.
Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Center? Not much choices.
Alabama (9): Montgomery Zoo
Montgomery Zoo beats out the AZA-accredited Birmingham Zoo thanks to great savanna exhibits and more consistent quality. The Mann Museum is also really cool and has a great North American taxidermy collection. Although Birmingham has a more diverse collection of birds and small carnivores, there are too many really subpar exhibits that bring it down. I've visited probably the majority of zoological facilities in Alabama and besides the big two there is a surprising number of small but solid facilities here.
Arizona (4): Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo is overall a very good traditional zoo, with a wonderful Arizona-themed complex. Odysea Aquarium, Out Of Africa (surprisingly good for non-AZA) and Goldfield Mines Serpentarium are the other facilities I visited in the state. I have not visited ASDM or Wildlife World, but the formers animal collection has declined greatly and its exclusively/largely a native-only zoo while the latter has some really poor quality areas so I don't think either would knock Phoenix off the top spot but I can't say for certain until I visit.
California (3): San Diego Zoo
I prefer the larger and more diverse collection at SDZ over the safari park. I've only visited those two and Los Angeles, but pretty confident San Diego would win even if I visited every collection in the state.
Connecticut (7): Mystic Aquarium
I prefer both of the states main aquariums over Beardsley Zoo, but its Mystics excellent marine mammal collection and Beluga exhibit that seals (no pun intended) the deal. I suspect Beardsley would win by default if aquariums are excluded simply because there really isn't really any other traditional zoo in the state.
Delaware (1): Brandywine Zoo
A tiny and forgettable zoo but it wins by default since there isn't much else.
Florida (~70): Zoo Miami
I've visited pretty much all the major zoos in the state and many of the smaller places, and Miami still ranks as the best for me. Its sad to see the rarities slowly dying out but I love the tropical naturalistic design of the zoo and its exhibit complexes. I prefer traditional zoos like Miami and Jacksonville (runner-up) over the theme park zoos like DAK and Busch Gardens, which are both very good as well but don't have as large of a collection and have all the negative associations expected of major theme parks like insane lines and crowds, limited access to special exhibits and high prices.
Georgia (20): Georgia Aquarium
Whale Sharks, mantas, Tiger Sharks, Ocean Voyager. This aquarium is phenomenal and even as someone who prefers traditional zoos to aquariums, there's no way Zoo Atlanta can beat the unique and amazing experience at Georgia Aquarium. Atlanta is a very good zoo that I feel punches above its weight and would easily be best in state if I had to exclude the aquarium, but admittedly there isn't any real competition as most of the other zoos in Georgia are either good but small nature center-type places or junky roadsides and meh safari parks.
Louisiana (7): Audubon Zoo
I took a zoo trip to Louisiana this summer and while I didn't revisit Audubon Zoo this trip I can safely say it beats out all the other traditional zoos in the state, although Alexandria and Baton Rouge each have some charm. I've never been to the Audubon Aquarium but I doubt I'd take it over the zoo especially with no marine mammals present outside of Sea Otters.
Maryland (7 + National Zoo): National Aquarium (or National Zoo)
Keeping this strictly to Maryland, I would go with National Aquarium, although if I'm being honest compared to most others who have visited I was slightly disappointed with it. Its probably due to the odd layout of the facility and Australia being a lot smaller than I thought it would be as well as the fact that I generally prefer traditional zoos over aquariums. Still, the quality is great and I did love the Rainforest area. My runner up and non-aquarium pick would be Maryland Zoo and was thinking of giving it the upset but until they rebuild the abandoned entrance area and improve the primate exhibits I'm choosing the aquarium. If I lumped DC into Maryland, National Zoo would easily be my pick as favorite.
Massachusetts (2): Franklin Park Zoo
If you judge it as the zoological representation of Boston, FPZ could be considered one of the most disappointing zoos in America. But on its own its a decent facility and I would take it over Stone Zoo. Those are the only 2 zoos I visited in the state and since both aren't very large and have their flaws its possible Southwicks, Buttonwood Park or NE Aquarium could win if I ever get to them.
Mississippi (5): Mississippi Aquarium
A very enjoyable aquarium that few zoochatters will ever visit due to being located in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Zoo would be my choice if no aquariums are allowed but its not even that good of a zoo, it just beats out the rest of the hellholes in the state like Tupelo Buffalo Park and Jackson Zoo (I only visited the first one).
Nevada (1): Shark Reef Aquarium
This is the only facility I visited but there really is nothing else to compete with it, Nevada is a zoological wasteland. Animal Ark would be the closest thing to a non-aquarium zoo in the state. Its a crime Las Vegas doesn't have a traditional accredited zoo.
New Jersey (12): Cape May Zoo
Free admission and preferring zoos over aquariums is a big advantage for Cape May here. I also really enjoyed the reptile house. Adventure Aquarium was a very close second though and Turtle Back Zoo is close behind as well. Maybe Six Flags Safari could win if I ever visit?
New York (21): Bronx Zoo
I haven't visited Buffalo Zoo and a handful of tiny places but I can say with 100% confidence Bronx is the best zoo in the state (not a bold statement either).
North Carolina (11): North Carolina Zoo
NC Zoo has one of the highest levels of exhibit quality I've ever seen, although the limited collection prevents it from reaching its true potential (that could change soon with Asia and other expansions). I really enjoyed Greensboro as well and consider it a worthy competitor. I haven't visited any of the aquariums or the really interesting Sylvan Heights Bird Park.
Ohio (7): Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
I visited Ohio in the spring and managed to visit Columbus, Cleveland, Akron and the Wilds as well as a number of nature centers in the Cleveland Metro area (of which I personally only count 3 as large enough to qualify as zoological facilities). All these zoos were good to great, but Columbus truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best zoos in the country although it lacks the collection size to compete with places like Bronx and San Diego (and Omaha most likely as well). I didn't get to visit Toledo or Cincinnati so perhaps either of those two could offer competition.
Pennsylvania (12): Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
It was a tough choice between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but as of now I'm inclined to give Pittsburgh the edge. I think the highs and lows at Pitt are more extreme than Philadelphia, but its those positive highs that make it stand out more. The aquarium building at Pittsburgh is also very well done for an "inside-zoo" aquarium. Philadelphia has a better collection in my opinion and some exhibit highlights like zoo360 and the bird house, but the collection has been on the decline and a lot of areas are really of very average to below average quality. Plus I have no idea what the heck they were going for with the Water is Life complex.
Rhode Island (2): Roger Williams Park Zoo
Save The Bay Aquarium was a nice amateurish aquarium center but there's no way it could compete with what might be the best traditional zoo in New England (though thats not saying much). Nothing else in the tiny state will come close to matching RWPZ I can guarantee.
South Carolina (6): Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks is a pretty solid although clearly outdated in areas. I did sadly miss the opening of the new ARC. I don't think there is really any competition within the state, unless South Carolina Aquarium is much better than I think it would be.
Tennessee (9): Memphis Zoo
I had to visit Tennessee several times this year and I did get the pleasure to tour all the major zoos and aquariums in the state. Although tempted to give the excellent Tennessee Aquarium the nod for the best in state, I have to take the traditional approach and go with the also excellent Memphis Zoo. Although the elephant exhibit isn't very good, I think its an underrated zoo overall and I personally rank it as one of my favorite zoo experiences. I will say that once Nashville Zoo completes its planned African expansion it may very well become best in the state, the quality of all their new completed projects have been excellent.
Virginia (1): Virginia Zoo
I thought Virginia Zoo was a pretty good place with a very comprehensive reptile house. I haven't visited any other zoos in the state, although the larger Metro Richmond Zoo seems to be of lower quality and the Virginia Aquarium doesn't seem to stand out much.
West Virginia (1): Oglebay Good Zoo
I got to visit this little zoo on the way back from my Ohio trip and I thought it was quite the nice facility. Definitely "good"
. I don't think any of the few other facilities in the state would be of much competition.If I had to guess the best for the remaining states without having experienced any zoos within them.....
Alaska: Alaska Zoo
Arkansas: Little Rock Zoo
Colorado: Denver Zoo
Hawaii: Honolulu Zoo
Idaho: Zoo Boise
Illinois: Brookfield Zoo? Maybe Shedd.
Indiana: Indianapolis Zoo
Iowa: Blank Park Zoo
Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo
Kentucky: Louisville Zoo
Maine: York's Wild Kingdom? Maybe Maine Wildlife Park.
Michigan: Detroit Zoo
Minnesota: Minnesota Zoo
Missouri: St. Louis Zoo
Montana: Zoo Montana
Nebraska: Omaha Zoo
New Hampshire: Squam Lakes Nature Center
New Mexico: ABQ Biopark Zoo
North Dakota: Dakota Zoo?
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Zoo
Oregon: Oregon Zoo
South Dakota: Great Plains Zoo
Texas: Dallas Zoo or Houston Zoo or Fort Worth Zoo? Lots of choices.
Utah: Hogle Zoo? Maybe Tracy Aviary.
Vermont: VINS? Not much choices.
Washington: Woodland Park Zoo
Wisconsin: Milwaukee County Zoo? Maybe Henry Vilas.
Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Center? Not much choices.
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