List and Rank The North American Zoos You Have Visited!

I prefer to rank zoos and aquariums differently, they generally are quite different

Aquariums:
1. Shedd
2. Georgia aquarium (would be 1st just for ocean voyager, but overall Shedd is better)
3. Sea World San Diego
3. Ripley's aquarium of Canada
4. The Florida aquarium
5. Downtown aquarium Denver

Zoos:
1. Saint Louis zoo
2. Denver zoo
3. San Diego zoo (If this sounds blasphemous, it's because I need to go back)
4. Brookfield zoo
5. Lincoln park zoo
6. Tampa's Lowery park zoo
7. Indianapolis zoo
8. San Diego zoo Safari Park (Same thing as SDZ)
9. Zoo Knoxville
10. Aikman's wildlife adventure
11. Scovill zoo
12. Phillips Park zoo
13. Alligator and wildlife discovery center
14. Cosley zoo
15. RainForest discovery adventure zoo (great collection of small mammals and reptiles for the size, but needs better habitats)
 
ChunkyMunky pengopus said:
I prefer to rank zoos and aquariums differently, they generally are quite different

Aquariums:
1. Shedd
2. Georgia aquarium (would be 1st just for ocean voyager, but overall Shedd is better)
3. Sea World San Diego
4. Ripley's aquarium of Canada
5. The Florida aquarium
6. Downtown aquarium Denver

Zoos:
1. Saint Louis zoo
2. Denver zoo
3. San Diego zoo (If this sounds blasphemous, it's because I need to go back)
4. Brookfield zoo
5. Lincoln park zoo
6. Tampa's Lowery park zoo
7. Indianapolis zoo
8. San Diego zoo Safari Park (Same thing as SDZ)
9. Zoo Knoxville
10. Aikman's wildlife adventure
11. Scovill zoo
12. Phillips Park zoo
13. Alligator and wildlife discovery center
14. Cosley zoo
15. RainForest discovery adventure zoo (great collection of small mammals and reptiles for the size, but needs better habitats)
Click to expand...
I would actually update/rearrange the list to this:
1. Saint Louis zoo
2. Denver zoo
3. San Diego zoo (If this sounds blasphemous, it's because I need to go back)
4. Brookfield zoo
5. Lincoln park zoo
6. Tampa's Lowery park zoo
7. Indianapolis zoo
8. San Diego zoo Safari Park (Same thing as SDZ)
9. Zoo Knoxville
10. Peggy Notebaert nature museum
11. Aikman's wildlife adventure
12. Scovill zoo
13. Alligator and wildlife discovery center
14. seaside seabird sanctuary
15. Cosley zoo
16. RainForest discovery adventure zoo
17. Phillips park zoo
 
Last edited:
Zoos
1. Bronx Zoo
2. National Zoological Park
3. Miami MetroZoo
4. Houston Zoo
5. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
6. Disney's Animal Kingdom
7. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
8. Franklin Park Zoo
9. Lion Country Safari
10. Flamingo Gardens
11. Jungle Island (Used to have a larger roster of species, but has decreased since Irma)
12. Monkey Jungle
13. Bayou Wildlife Zoo
14. Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción

Misc Institutions
1. Moody Gardens
2. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
3. Epcot
4. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
5. Butterfly World

Aquariums
1. Georgia Aquarium
2. National Aquarium
3. New England Aquarium
4. Aqua Rio
5. SeaWorld Orlando
6. Downtown Aquarium Houston
7. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
8. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
9. Miami Seaquarium
10. Key West Aquarium
11. Aquarium Encounters
12. Loggerhead Marinelife Center
13. Dolphin Research Center
14. The Turtle Hospital

Museums
1. American Museum of Natural History
2. National Museum of Natural History
3. The Houston Museum of Natural Science
4. Museum of Science
5. Skeletons Museum of Osteology
6. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
7. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
8. Museum of Discovery and Science
9. Miami Children's Museum
 
Enzothephotographer said:
Zoos
1. Bronx Zoo
2. National Zoological Park
3. Miami MetroZoo
4. Houston Zoo
5. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
6. Disney's Animal Kingdom
7. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
8. Franklin Park Zoo
9. Lion Country Safari
10. Flamingo Gardens
11. Jungle Island (Used to have a larger roster of species, but has decreased since Irma)
12. Monkey Jungle
13. Bayou Wildlife Zoo
14. Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción

Misc Institutions
1. Moody Gardens
2. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
3. Epcot
4. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
5. Butterfly World

Aquariums
1. Georgia Aquarium
2. National Aquarium
3. New England Aquarium
4. Aqua Rio
5. SeaWorld Orlando
6. Downtown Aquarium Houston
7. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
8. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
9. Miami Seaquarium
10. Key West Aquarium
11. Aquarium Encounters
12. Loggerhead Marinelife Center
13. Dolphin Research Center
14. The Turtle Hospital

Museums
1. American Museum of Natural History
2. National Museum of Natural History
3. The Houston Museum of Natural Science
4. Museum of Science
5. Skeletons Museum of Osteology
6. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
7. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
8. Museum of Discovery and Science
9. Miami Children's Museum
Click to expand...
Magic Kingdom has animals?
 
Here's mine. (Brackets = last visit)
  1. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Columbus, OH (2018)
  2. Detroit Zoo, Detroit, MI (2021)
  3. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Toledo, OH (2021)
  4. John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, MI (2019)
  5. Akron Zoo, Akron, OH (2017)
  6. Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, MI (2020)
  7. Garlyn Zoo, Naubinway, MI (2013?) (Distant memory)
Honestly, it's kind of pathetic if you ask me.
 
When I started my lifelist in 2020, I started ranking the zoos I've visited since:

14. Animal Adventures Family Zoo
13. Aquarium of Niagara
12. The Seas Pavilion at Epcot
11. Franklin Park Zoo
10. Capron Park Zoo
9. Southwicks Zoo
8. Mystic Aquarium
7. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
6. Stone Zoo
5. Roger Williams Park Zoo
4. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
3. Buttonwood Park Zoo
2. Buffalo Zoo
1. Disney's Animal Kingdom
 
Neil chace said:
When I started my lifelist in 2020, I started ranking the zoos I've visited since:

14. Animal Adventures Family Zoo
13. Aquarium of Niagara
12. The Seas Pavilion at Epcot
11. Franklin Park Zoo
10. Capron Park Zoo
9. Southwicks Zoo
8. Mystic Aquarium
7. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
6. Stone Zoo
5. Roger Williams Park Zoo
4. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
3. Buttonwood Park Zoo
2. Buffalo Zoo
1. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Click to expand...

For a moment I was reading this list as the top being #1 :p

~Thylo
 
The years indicate the last time I visited the institution.

1. Woodland Park Zoo (2017)
2. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (2010)
3. Disney's Animal Kingdom (2007)
4. San Diego Zoo (2016)
5. Bronx Zoo (2022)
6. Detroit Zoo (2009)
7. Cincinnati Zoo (2010)
8. Toronto Zoo (2022)
9. Calgary Zoo (2020)
10. Toledo Zoo (2010)
11. Oregon Zoo (2017)
12. Smithsonian National Zoo (2014)
13. Lincoln Park Zoo (2010)
14. Central Park Zoo (2005)
15. Vancouver Aquarium (2020)
16. Bio Dome de Montreal (2009)
17. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (2014)
18. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium (2013)
19. Phoenix Zoo (2016)
20. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (2010)
21. New York Aquarium (2005)
22. Peterborough Zoo (2006)
23. African Lion Safari (2008)
24. Buffalo Zoo (2008)
25. Seattle Aquarium (2017)
26. Safari Niagara (2021)
27. High Park Zoo (2020)
28. Bowmanville Zoo (2008) CLOSED
29. Elmvale Jungle Zoo (2003)
30. Oshawa Zoo (2006)
31. Jungle Cat World (2009)
32. North Wood Exotic Ranch (2004) CLOSED
33. Marineland Canada (2003)

If you want any of my opinions on any facility I am happy to share! I've been to an additional 15 facilities outside of North America as well.
 
TheGerenuk said:
Well, I've visited many North American zoos. I guess I'll give this a go (ratings out of 10 are in brackets).

Typical Zoos and Safari Parks:
  1. Bronx Zoo (9.9)
  2. Lowry Park Zoo (9.7)
  3. Toronto Zoo (Local zoo, 9.6)
  4. Zoo Atlanta (9.3)
  5. North Carolina Zoo (9.2)
  6. Cleveland Zoo (9.1)
  7. Cincinnati Zoo (9.0)
  8. Detroit Zoo (8.95)
  9. Columbus Zoo (8.9,) [would be higher if I visited again]
  10. Brookfield Zoo (8.8)
  11. Pittsburgh Zoo (8.75) [would be higher if I visited again]
  12. Assiniboine Park Zoo [Winnipeg] (8.72)
  13. Calgary Zoo (8.7)
  14. Parc Safari [Hemmingford, Quebec] (8.69)
  15. Lincoln Park Zoo (8.67)
  16. Binder Park Zoo (8.65)
  17. African Lion Safari (8.63)
  18. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (8.6)
  19. National Zoo (8.5)
  20. Central Park Zoo (8.48)
  21. Zoo de Granby (8.45)
  22. Maryland Zoo (8.4)
  23. Toledo Zoo (8.3)
  24. Safari Niagara [Niagara Falls area] (8.0)
  25. Erie Zoo (7.7)
  26. Rosamond Gifford Zoo (7.5)
  27. Edmonton Valley Zoo (7.0)
  28. Utica Zoo (6.7)
  29. Seneca Zoo (6.5)
  30. Bowmanville Zoo [Closed] (6.3)
  31. Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (6.0)
  32. New York State Zoo (5.5)
Aquariums:
  1. Georgia Aquarium (9.9)
  2. Shedd Aquarium (9.8)
  3. National Aquarium [Baltimore] (9.5)
  4. Vancouver Aquarium (9.0)
  5. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (8.5)
  6. Florida Aquarium (8.0)
  7. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada [Toronto] (7.8)
Theme Parks (animal portions only):
  1. Disney's Animal Kingdom (9.7)
  2. Busch Gardens [Tampa] (9.4)
  3. Sea World Orlando (8.0)
  4. Marineland of Canada [Niagara Falls] (4.0)
Well, that's about it. I will update the list next time I visit any zoo, aquarium, or theme park with animals.
-:cool::cool:TheWalrus:cool::cool:
Click to expand...
I think it's time to update this old list. Numbers in brackets represent year of last visit. Bold entries are new.
Zoos and Safari Parks:
  1. San Diego Zoo (2019)
  2. Bronx Zoo (2014)
  3. Toronto Zoo (2022)
  4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (2019)
  5. North Carolina Zoo (2015)
  6. Cincinnati Zoo (2015)
  7. Detroit Zoo (2011)
  8. Zoo Atlanta (2015)
  9. Columbus Zoo (2011)
  10. Brookfield Zoo (2011)
  11. Pittsburgh Zoo (2015)
  12. Assiniboine Park Zoo (2016)
  13. Calgary Zoo (2016)
  14. ZooTampa at Lowry Park (2015)
  15. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (2011)
  16. Lincoln Park Zoo (2011)
  17. Smithsonian National Zoo (2010)
  18. Philadelphia Zoo (2010)
  19. Zoo de Granby (2021)
  20. Central Park Zoo (2014)
  21. Honolulu Zoo (2018)
  22. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (2011)
  23. Binder Park Zoo (2011)
  24. Maryland Zoo (2010)
  25. Toledo Zoo (2009; highly outdated)
  26. Parc Safari (2021)
  27. African Lion Safari (2019)
  28. Reptilia (2018)
  29. Safari Niagara (2020)
  30. Rosamond Gifford Zoo (early 2010s)
  31. Magnetic Hill Zoo (2018)
  32. Bird Kingdom (2019)
  33. Erie Zoo (early 2010s)
  34. Edmonton Valley Zoo (2016)
  35. Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (2016)
  36. High Park Zoo (2018)
  37. Utica Zoo (2008)
  38. Seneca Zoo (late 2000s - early 2010s)
  39. Bowmanville Zoo [Closed] (mid 2010s)
  40. New York State Zoo (2008)
  41. Brantford Twin Valley Zoo (2018)
  42. Elmvale Jungle Zoo (2019)
  43. Jungle Cat World (late 2000s)
  44. Oshawa Zoo (2018)
Aquariums:
  1. Georgia Aquarium (2015)
  2. Shedd Aquarium (2011)
  3. National Aquarium in Baltimore (2010)
  4. Vancouver Aquarium (2016)
  5. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (2018)
  6. Florida Aquarium (2015)
  7. The Seas with Nemo and Friends (2013)
  8. Waikiki Aquarium (2018)
  9. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (2015)
  10. Aquarium of Quebec (2019)
  11. Aquarium of Niagara (2008)
Theme Parks:
  1. Disney's Animal Kingdom (2013)
  2. SeaWorld San Diego (2018)
  3. Busch Gardens Tampa (2015)
  4. Sea World Orlando (2013)
  5. Marineland of Canada (mid 2010s)
And if I was to organize each listing into tiers:
The Best: Zoos #1-9, Aquariums #1-2, Theme Parks #1-2
Excellent: Zoos #10-17, Aquariums #3-6, Theme Parks #3-4
Great: Zoos #18-25, Aquariums #6-8
Good: Zoos #26-32, Aquariums #9-10
Meh: Zoos #33-38
Bad: Zoos #39-41, Aquarium #11
Horrible: Zoos #42-44, Theme Park #5
 
I’ll attempt to rank the 38-39 North American Zoological Facilities I’ve visited so far. I will split them into three categories: Traditional Zoos Zoos, Aquariums, and Nature Centers & The Like.

Zoos
1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
2. San Diego Zoo
3. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
4. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
5. Saint Louis Zoo
6. Minnesota Zoo
7. Dallas Zoo
8. Smithsonian’s National Zoo
9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
10. Brookfield Zoo
11. Detroit Zoo
12. Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park
13. Milwaukee County Zoo
14. Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History
15. Lake Superior Zoo
16. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
17. Blank Park Zoo
18. Zollman Zoo at Oxbow Park
19. Gulf Breeze Zoo
20. Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
21. Hemker Park & Zoo
22. Pine Grove Zoo
23. Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Education Park
24. Safari North Wildlife Park
25. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (Old Zoo)
26. Shell Factory & Nature Park

Aquariums
1. SeaLife Minnesota
2. Great Lakes Aquarium
3. Waikiki Aquarium
4. The Seas Pavilion at Epcot
5. Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum
6. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (has a sizable aquarium underneath the nature center)

Nature Centers & The Like
1. Westwood Hills Nature Center
2. Gabbert’s Raptor Center
3. Richardson Nature Center
4. Wood Lake Nature Center
5. Bell Museum (based solely off of the animal exhibits, the museum itself is phenomenal)
6. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W)
7. Dodge Nature Center
 
I'll only rank zoos and safari parks that I've been to in the last 6 years or so, there are a few others I've been to in my life but I cant rank them because I don't remember well or I wasn't able to get a full visit for one reason or another. I also broke the list into tiers, divided by a dash. I actually did not find even the lowest-ranked zoos to be bad; generally the lower-ranked ones are in that spot because they are smaller in size then the others, though Id say among the large city zoos, Audobon was my most disappointing/least favorite.

San Diego Zoo
Zoo Miami
Bronx Zoo
-
Los Angeles Zoo
SD Safari Park
-
Phoenix Zoo
Out of Africa Wildlife Park - Arizona
Atlanta Zoo
Lion Country Safari - Florida
-
Palm Beach Zoo - Florida
-
Audobon Zoo - Louisiana
Naples Zoo - Florida
-
Prospect Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo

As for aquariums, same rule as before, I'm only ranking the ones Ive been to in the last few years and splitting them into tiers. I'm nowhere near as big of a fan of aquariums as I am with zoos, and actually did not enjoy a few of them (the bottom tier). While I dont have any definitive position on cetacean captivity, I will admit that ever since they have beenincreasingly phased out my interest in aquariums has waned. But the top two aquariums in my rankings I would consider amazing and right up there with the better zoos.

SeaWorld Orlando (admittedly more of a theme park)
Georgia Aquarium
-
Maritime Aquarium - Connecticut
-
Miami Seaquarium
OdySea Aquarium - Arizona
New York Aquarium

I've been to sanctuaries, alligator/game farms, science centers and other places that showcase animals in captivity but don't feel it fair to rank them.
 
TheGerenuk said:
I think it's time to update this old list. Numbers in brackets represent year of last visit. Bold entries are new.
Zoos and Safari Parks:
  1. San Diego Zoo (2019)
  2. Bronx Zoo (2014)
  3. Toronto Zoo (2022)
  4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (2019)
  5. North Carolina Zoo (2015)
  6. Cincinnati Zoo (2015)
  7. Detroit Zoo (2011)
  8. Zoo Atlanta (2015)
  9. Columbus Zoo (2011)
  10. Brookfield Zoo (2011)
  11. Pittsburgh Zoo (2015)
  12. Assiniboine Park Zoo (2016)
  13. Calgary Zoo (2016)
  14. ZooTampa at Lowry Park (2015)
  15. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (2011)
  16. Lincoln Park Zoo (2011)
  17. Smithsonian National Zoo (2010)
  18. Philadelphia Zoo (2010)
  19. Zoo de Granby (2021)
  20. Central Park Zoo (2014)
  21. Honolulu Zoo (2018)
  22. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (2011)
  23. Binder Park Zoo (2011)
  24. Maryland Zoo (2010)
  25. Toledo Zoo (2009; highly outdated)
  26. Parc Safari (2021)
  27. African Lion Safari (2019)
  28. Reptilia (2018)
  29. Safari Niagara (2020)
  30. Rosamond Gifford Zoo (early 2010s)
  31. Magnetic Hill Zoo (2018)
  32. Bird Kingdom (2019)
  33. Erie Zoo (early 2010s)
  34. Edmonton Valley Zoo (2016)
  35. Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (2016)
  36. High Park Zoo (2018)
  37. Utica Zoo (2008)
  38. Seneca Zoo (late 2000s - early 2010s)
  39. Bowmanville Zoo [Closed] (mid 2010s)
  40. New York State Zoo (2008)
  41. Brantford Twin Valley Zoo (2018)
  42. Elmvale Jungle Zoo (2019)
  43. Jungle Cat World (late 2000s)
  44. Oshawa Zoo (2018)
Aquariums:
  1. Georgia Aquarium (2015)
  2. Shedd Aquarium (2011)
  3. National Aquarium in Baltimore (2010)
  4. Vancouver Aquarium (2016)
  5. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (2018)
  6. Florida Aquarium (2015)
  7. The Seas with Nemo and Friends (2013)
  8. Waikiki Aquarium (2018)
  9. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (2015)
  10. Aquarium of Quebec (2019)
  11. Aquarium of Niagara (2008)
Theme Parks:
  1. Disney's Animal Kingdom (2013)
  2. SeaWorld San Diego (2018)
  3. Busch Gardens Tampa (2015)
  4. Sea World Orlando (2013)
  5. Marineland of Canada (mid 2010s)
And if I was to organize each listing into tiers:
The Best: Zoos #1-9, Aquariums #1-2, Theme Parks #1-2
Excellent: Zoos #10-17, Aquariums #3-6, Theme Parks #3-4
Great: Zoos #18-25, Aquariums #6-8
Good: Zoos #26-32, Aquariums #9-10
Meh: Zoos #33-38
Bad: Zoos #39-41, Aquarium #11
Horrible: Zoos #42-44, Theme Park #5
Click to expand...
I forgot to add Buffalo Zoo to the list. I'd put it at #24, just above Maryland.
 
SusScrofa said:
I'll only rank zoos and safari parks that I've been to in the last 6 years or so, there are a few others I've been to in my life but I cant rank them because I don't remember well or I wasn't able to get a full visit for one reason or another. I also broke the list into tiers, divided by a dash. I actually did not find even the lowest-ranked zoos to be bad; generally the lower-ranked ones are in that spot because they are smaller in size then the others, though Id say among the large city zoos, Audobon was my most disappointing/least favorite.

San Diego Zoo
Zoo Miami
Bronx Zoo
-
Los Angeles Zoo
SD Safari Park
-
Phoenix Zoo
Out of Africa Wildlife Park - Arizona
Atlanta Zoo
Lion Country Safari - Florida
-
Palm Beach Zoo - Florida
-
Audobon Zoo - Louisiana
Naples Zoo - Florida
-
Prospect Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo

As for aquariums, same rule as before, I'm only ranking the ones Ive been to in the last few years and splitting them into tiers. I'm nowhere near as big of a fan of aquariums as I am with zoos, and actually did not enjoy a few of them (the bottom tier). While I dont have any definitive position on cetacean captivity, I will admit that ever since they have beenincreasingly phased out my interest in aquariums has waned. But the top two aquariums in my rankings I would consider amazing and right up there with the better zoos.

SeaWorld Orlando (admittedly more of a theme park)
Georgia Aquarium
-
Maritime Aquarium - Connecticut
-
Miami Seaquarium
OdySea Aquarium - Arizona
New York Aquarium

I've been to sanctuaries, alligator/game farms, science centers and other places that showcase animals in captivity but don't feel it fair to rank them.
Click to expand...

I forgot one more aquarium I visited, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It was actually pretty good. I also put SeaQuarium a little higher as it definitely needs to update its old and small tanks and is too pricey for its size, but it does have fun marine mammal shows.

Seaworld
Georgia
-
Mandalay Bay
Maritime
-
Seaquarium
-
OdySea
NY
 
I've very much enjoyed seeing everyone's lists. I figured I'd join in on the fun!

Most zoos/aquariums I've had the pleasure of visiting are in the United States, but I have a few from other countries. I decided to add those few to my list, unbolded.

Zoos
1. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (As an ungulate person, this facility is hard to beat)
2. San Diego Zoo
3. Singapore Zoo (Current local zoo)
4. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
5. Toronto Zoo
6. Brookfield Zoo
7. Bronx Zoo
8. Zoo Miami
9. Singapore Night Safari
10. Minnesota Zoo
11. Singapore River Wonders
12. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (Facility that surprised me the most)
13. Nashville Zoo (Not a bad exhibit)
14. Denver Zoo
15. Cincinnati Zoo
16. Indianapolis Zoo
17. Smithsonian's National Zoo
18. Detroit Zoo (Not as high as most people's list, but growing up in Michigan devalued it for me)
19. Toledo Zoo
20. Lincoln Park Zoo
21. John Ball Zoo (Hometown zoo)
22. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
23. Binder Park Zoo
- From great facility to "meh" line
24. Zoo Knoxville
25. Lake Superior Zoo (I do enjoy this little gem)
26. NEW Zoo
27. Safari West
28. Potter Park Zoo
29. Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
30. Potawatomi Zoo

Aquariums
1. Shedd Aquarium
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
3. S.E.A. Aquarium Singapore (Very underrated)
4. Steinhart Aquarium - California Academy of Sciences
5. New England Aquarium
6. Alaska SeaLife Center (Most informative)
7. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
8. Great Lakes Aquarium (Beautiful small gem of a facility)
9. Newport Aquarium
10. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World (My favorite of the "Sea Life" brand)
11. Sea Life Minnesota
12. Sea Life Michigan
13. Gulfarium

Theme Parks
1. SeaWorld San Diego
2. Epcot's The Living Seas
 
This is my list
Some zoos like Nashville, Lincoln Park, and the Clearwater Aquarium have gotten better than when I last went. Other places like Shedd and Disney’s Animal kingdom I don’t remember as well partly because I was 5. I try and make sure that my family hits the local zoo or aquarium when we go on a trip.

Aquariums
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg, TN (2017)
6. Newport Aquarium - Newport, KY (2022)
5. New England Aquarium - Boston, MA (2019)
4. Clearwater Aquarium - Clearwater, FL (2015)
3. Seattle Aquarium - Seattle, WA (2021)
2. Shedd Aquarium - Chicago, IL (2015)
1. Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta, GA (2020)

Zoos
14. Mesker Park Zoo - Evansville, IN (2020)
13. Utah’s Hogle Zoo - Salt Lake City, UT (2019)
12. Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL (2016)
11. Franklin Park Zoo - Boston, MA (2019)
10. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo - Ft. Wayne, IN (2017)
9. Nashville Zoo - Nashville, TN (2017)
8. Indianapolis Zoo - Indianapolis, IN (2022)
7. Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, WA (2021)
6. Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, OH (2018)
5. Memphis Zoo - Memphis, TN (2021)
4. St. Louis Zoo - St. Louis, MO (2018)
3. Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, GA (2020)
2. Columbus Zoo - Powell, OH (2021)
1. Smithsonian’s National Zoo DC (2016)

Rescue Centers
1. Exotic Feline Rescue Center - Center Point, IN (2021)

Theme Parks
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Bay Lake, FL (2015)
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, FL (2022)

 
Here we go with some very subjective rankings!

Zoos

“I did not like them” tier

33) Miller Park Zoo
32) Racine Zoo
31) Cosley Zoo (It’s actually fine, just very small)
30) Greenville Zoo (Would be higher if some species had more space)
29) Saginaw Children’s Zoo

Good-tier

28) Potawatomi Zoo
27) Scovil Zoo
26) Henry Vilas Zoo (Would be higher if I heard a single good thing about their management)
25) Peoria Zoo
24) Chattanooga Zoo
23) Western North Carolina Nature Center
22) John Ball Zoo
21) Potter Park Zoo
20) Mesker Park Zoo (Amazonia is way too good to be in this zoo)
19) Akron Zoo (I liked the native birds aviary a whole lot)

Great-Tier

18) NEW Zoo (Moose!)
17) Milwaukee County Zoo (South half is nearly in “I did not enjoy this,” North half is high on great tier”)
16) Knoxville Zoo
15) Toledo Zoo (It’s showing its age bad)
14) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (This high because of The Rainforest)
13) Lincoln Park Zoo (Pretty great for the size)
12) Nashville Zoo (Weird that they have a sign admitting they moved the graves of enslaved individuals to build the zoo. Felt like I was about to be cursed for liking this place so much. Surprisingly great pizza.)
11) Indianapolis Zoo (Has a few of the most charismatic fauna but not a broad collection)
10) Binder Park Zoo (I liked the big Savannah area a lot)
9) Riverbanks Zoo (Old home zoo, has koalas and a pretty great bird collection)
8) Detroit Zoo (Entirely on the strength of Arctic Ring of Life and the Penguinarium, rest is around #15-20)
7) Brookfield Zoo (The decaying ruins of the world’s greatest zoo can still be awe inspiring)
6) Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (Aesthetically perfect. Solid collection. A ton of nostalgia.)
5) Louisville Zoo (Africa could use a tune up and the Indonesia exhibits felt small. Only things holding them back from the top.)

Top Tier. I could make a case for any of these for #1.

4) North Carolina Zoo (Big, and only getting bigger)
3) St. Louis Zoo (I love the River area, the insect house, the children’s zoo, kind of everything but the hoofstock area)
2) Cincinnati Zoo (I hate the layout but it has so many cool species and nice exhibits)
1) Columbus Zoo (Even in the winter when Africa is closed it gives the others a run for their money)

Aquariums

10-9) SEALIFE (Michigan, Charlotte)
8) South Carolina Aquarium
7) NC Aquarium @ Fort Fisher
6) NC Aquarium @ Pine Knolls
5-4) Ripley’s (Smokies, South Carolina)
3) Newport Aquarium
2) Shedd Aquarium
1) Tennessee Aquarium (Here partially out of exasperation for how overlooked it is)

Maybe there are notable differences between Sealife and Ripley’s locations. I’d give the edge to Smokies for Ripley’s because penguins. I hate both SeaLife aquariums I’ve visited and am mad at myself that I will pay to visit a half dozen more to finish my quest to visit every AZA facility. Edge to Michigan because it’s in a cooler mall, I guess.

Museums, Misc.

7) The Butterfly House
6) Boonshoft Museum
5) National Mississippi River Museum
4) Museum of Life and Science
3) Greensboro Science Center
2) Brookgreen Gardens
1) International Crane Foundation

All of these are decent if you live in the city. I would only travel for the top four. I would only travel more than three hours for the top two. Both are excellent trips that I strongly recommend. Also, the area around Brookgreen is super underrated as a vacation destination in South Carolina. Georgetown has some lovely salt marshes if you’re into that kind of thing.

Safari Parks

2) African Safari Park
1) The Wilds

The Wilds is the single best experience I’ve had visiting the facilities on this list, and that trip occurred on a miserable October morning.
 
Persephone said:
Here we go with some very subjective rankings!

Zoos

“I did not like them” tier

33) Miller Park Zoo
32) Racine Zoo
31) Cosley Zoo (It’s actually fine, just very small)
30) Greenville Zoo (Would be higher if some species had more space)
29) Saginaw Children’s Zoo

Good-tier

28) Potawatomi Zoo
27) Scovil Zoo
26) Henry Vilas Zoo (Would be higher if I heard a single good thing about their management)
25) Peoria Zoo
24) Chattanooga Zoo
23) Western North Carolina Nature Center
22) John Ball Zoo
21) Potter Park Zoo
20) Mesker Park Zoo (Amazonia is way too good to be in this zoo)
19) Akron Zoo (I liked the native birds aviary a whole lot)

Great-Tier

18) NEW Zoo (Moose!)
17) Milwaukee County Zoo (South half is nearly in “I did not enjoy this,” North half is high on great tier”)
16) Knoxville Zoo
15) Toledo Zoo (It’s showing its age bad)
14) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (This high because of The Rainforest)
13) Lincoln Park Zoo (Pretty great for the size)
12) Nashville Zoo (Weird that they have a sign admitting they moved the graves of enslaved individuals to build the zoo. Felt like I was about to be cursed for liking this place so much. Surprisingly great pizza.)
11) Indianapolis Zoo (Has a few of the most charismatic fauna but not a broad collection)
10) Binder Park Zoo (I liked the big Savannah area a lot)
9) Riverbanks Zoo (Old home zoo, has koalas and a pretty great bird collection)
8) Detroit Zoo (Entirely on the strength of Arctic Ring of Life and the Penguinarium, rest is around #15-20)
7) Brookfield Zoo (The decaying ruins of the world’s greatest zoo can still be awe inspiring)
6) Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (Aesthetically perfect. Solid collection. A ton of nostalgia.)
5) Louisville Zoo (Africa could use a tune up and the Indonesia exhibits felt small. Only things holding them back from the top.)

Top Tier. I could make a case for any of these for #1.

4) North Carolina Zoo (Big, and only getting bigger)
3) St. Louis Zoo (I love the River area, the insect house, the children’s zoo, kind of everything but the hoofstock area)
2) Cincinnati Zoo (I hate the layout but it has so many cool species and nice exhibits)
1) Columbus Zoo (Even in the winter when Africa is closed it gives the others a run for their money)

Aquariums

10-9) SEALIFE (Michigan, Charlotte)
8) South Carolina Aquarium
7) NC Aquarium @ Fort Fisher
6) NC Aquarium @ Pine Knolls
5-4) Ripley’s (Smokies, South Carolina)
3) Newport Aquarium
2) Shedd Aquarium
1) Tennessee Aquarium (Here partially out of exasperation for how overlooked it is)

Maybe there are notable differences between Sealife and Ripley’s locations. I’d give the edge to Smokies for Ripley’s because penguins. I hate both SeaLife aquariums I’ve visited and am mad at myself that I will pay to visit a half dozen more to finish my quest to visit every AZA facility. Edge to Michigan because it’s in a cooler mall, I guess.

Museums, Misc.

7) The Butterfly House
6) Boonshoft Museum
5) National Mississippi River Museum
4) Museum of Life and Science
3) Greensboro Science Center
2) Brookgreen Gardens
1) International Crane Foundation

All of these are decent if you live in the city. I would only travel for the top four. I would only travel more than three hours for the top two. Both are excellent trips that I strongly recommend. Also, the area around Brookgreen is super underrated as a vacation destination in South Carolina. Georgetown has some lovely salt marshes if you’re into that kind of thing.

Safari Parks

2) African Safari Park
1) The Wilds

The Wilds is the single best experience I’ve had visiting the facilities on this list, and that trip occurred on a miserable October morning.
Click to expand...
May I ask why you don't like Toledo? I would rank as one of, if not my number one favorite "traditional" zoo (basically, not including aquariums).
 
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