Greatest Public Zoo Collection

[Meilimonkey]

Since there is now a positive trend of zoos and aquariums decreasing their overall collections and focusing more on education and conservation at least in the US and Europe.

I thought it would be interesting to see when and where you guys thought the most extensive and diverse animal collection ever assembled occurred.

For example with my limited knowledge of zoos worldwide I would say that the San Diego Zoo between 1995 and 2000 had the most extensive animal collection ever seen.

What do you guys think?

 

[Mehdi]

I think that London Zoo, which kept over 5000 species of vertebrates in its history, probably is above all others. I don't know when though, 1930s perhaps?

 

[Daktari JG]

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing San Diego had more species earlier
as in the 70's or 80's.

London might be best guess for all time. Surely Berlin would rival that. Another might be Shedd Aquarium (who might be the current leader).

 

[Mehdi]

Shedd is the definitely the current leader with 1600 species (followed up by Zoo Berlin).