List and Rank The North American Zoos You Have Visited!

  1. I’ve really loved most of the zoos I’ve visited, so for most of this list, the ranking is really close. The last two roadside zoos are the only ones that I do not recommend.

1. Bronx Zoo: This one takes first for two main reasons: THE CONGO GORILLA EXHIBIT, which is literally my favorite zoo exhibit ever, and the fact I visited on the most gorgeous, glorious fall day ever when the grounds were in peak color, and watching the animals interact with the colorful foliage was a delight. (I was also in a great mood because it was the first day of my honeymoon!) The size and scale of this place is jaw-dropping.

2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Once again, the excellent gorilla exhibit helps this rank near the top spot. I can watch them for hours.
The amazing safari ride, cool hippo viewing, and of course the fun theming are great, too. And I love roller coasters and the snacks, so there’s that.

3. Fort Worth Zoo: I love the interactive elements here. I really enjoyed the bird feeding aviary experience and getting to touch some Texan animals. They have so many interesting species and a fun atmosphere that really immerses you in the experience. But as you can tell from the previous entry, I actually enjoy a theme park vibe.

4. San Diego Zoo: This should probably rank higher, but I visited back in 2004 when, on the bright side, they had TONS of amazing and unique species, which was incredible, but on the downside, many of those exhibits were rather cramped and small and would soon be replaced and renovated. I still haven’t been to the updated zoo! It was awesome getting to see some favorite species like okapis, sun bears, tree kangaroos, koalas, and several types of wild pigs.

5. Maryland Zoo: A controversial choice for this spot, I actually consider Maryland Zoo my “favorite” zoo without it being the best because it’s so near and dear to my heart. It has a certain charm to it, perhaps because it’s located in Charm City. Its smaller size lets me spend more time watching the animals at each exhibit, and there are some fun interactive exhibits. I just love the vibe. The penguin exhibit and Maryland Wilderness are fun and unique, but I am in love with the baby chimps. Their exhibit is not beautiful, but they’re incredibly active and fun to watch, especially the babies.

6. National Zoo: This is my local zoo and the zoo I visit the most. It and Maryland are my two home zoos. The panda exhibit, Asia trail, and any kind of baby bears of any species really set this one apart. the American Trail is my favorite for nostalgic reasons. I love this zoo, but I feel like there is at times a brutalist, institutional feel to its design that makes it feel less warm and festive than some others on this list (but that feels very DC).

7. Philadelphia Zoo: I visited in 2015, before the zoo apparently removed some of my favorite species. I loved the variety of animals, especially some of the ones I couldn’t see at my home zoo. The Zoo360 feature was my favorite element of the zoo. I had an unforgettable experience of feeling watched (while my husband and I walked around eating cheesesteaks), turned around, looked up, and saw SEVERAL LION CUBS clustered above our head. Did they smell the cheesesteaks and follow us? We’ll never know.

8. Catoctin Zoo: This roadside zoo has some pleasant exhibits and the staff seems to care. From what I’ve heard, they’ve some upgraded over the years, but the worst exhibits are/ were disturbingly substandard and some awful things have happened here. I had a very mixed experience the two times I visited here as a kid.

9. Natural Bridge Zoo: Do not visit this zoo. It’s horrifying and even as a kid, I could tell something was wrong here. This was the zoo that now makes me care whether a place is accredited before visiting. It’s the only zoo I’ve been to where multiple animals are visibly sick or injured and literally gave me recurring nightmares that still persist decades later.
 
So I just got back from a trip to South Carolina that unfortunately had to be cut short for emergency reasons, but I was at least able to add a new facility under my belt - the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC. I also shuffled a few facilities around after giving some second thoughts.

New additions are underlined. Re-ranked entries are in italics. The 7 facilities I listed in my last post that I have not visited since childhood are not included here.

Here is my updated ranking.
  • 1). Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Omaha, NE)
  • 2). Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga, TN)
  • 3). Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville, FL)
  • 4). Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
  • 5). Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA
  • 6). North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro, NC)
    • Looking back, I think NC Zoo is slightly better than the GSC. Slightly. New developments at both put these facilities neck-and-neck for me.
  • 7). Greensboro Science Center (Greensboro, NC)
  • 8). Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL)
  • 9). Disney's Animal Kingdom (Bay Lake, FL)
  • 10). SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, FL)
  • 11). Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (West Yellowstone, WY)
    • Moving this up a few spots; looking back, while it's a very limited facility, it does what it sets out to do excellently.
  • 12). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (Columbia, SC)
    • An enjoyable zoo, but also a mixed bag. Some areas are very strong (ARC, Birdhouse, Gorillas, Sea Lion Landing) while others are subpar (Conservation Center, Grottos, Siamangs).
  • 13). North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh, NC)
  • 14). ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)
  • 15). Ripley's Aquarium at Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, SC)
    • Looking back, I do think Ripley's is better than any of the SeaLife facilities, even if it's still strictly generic as far as aquariums go.
  • 16). SeaLife Charlotte-Concord (Concord, NC)
  • 17). SeaLife Orlando (Orlando, FL)
  • 18). Greenville Zoo (Greenville, SC)
  • 19). Museum of Life and Sciences (Durham, NC)
  • 20). Gatorland USA (Orlando, FL)
  • 21). Lazy 5 Ranch (Mooresville, NC)
 
Here’s my list and ranking
1 Omaha Zoo
2 Arizona Sonoran Desert museum
3 Bronx Zoo
4 Philadelphia Zoo
5 Bear Country
6 Adventure aquarium
7 Jeinkinsons aquarium
8 Sea World Orlando
9 Disneys animal kingdom.
 
Astrotom3000 said:
So I just got back from a trip to South Carolina that unfortunately had to be cut short for emergency reasons, but I was at least able to add a new facility under my belt - the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC. I also shuffled a few facilities around after giving some second thoughts.

New additions are underlined. Re-ranked entries are in italics. The 7 facilities I listed in my last post that I have not visited since childhood are not included here.

Here is my updated ranking.
  • 1). Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Omaha, NE)
  • 2). Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga, TN)
  • 3). Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville, FL)
  • 4). Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
  • 5). Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA
  • 6). North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro, NC)
    • Looking back, I think NC Zoo is slightly better than the GSC. Slightly. New developments at both put these facilities neck-and-neck for me.
  • 7). Greensboro Science Center (Greensboro, NC)
  • 8). Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL)
  • 9). Disney's Animal Kingdom (Bay Lake, FL)
  • 10). SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, FL)
  • 11). Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (West Yellowstone, WY)
    • Moving this up a few spots; looking back, while it's a very limited facility, it does what it sets out to do excellently.
  • 12). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (Columbia, SC)
    • An enjoyable zoo, but also a mixed bag. Some areas are very strong (ARC, Birdhouse, Gorillas, Sea Lion Landing) while others are subpar (Conservation Center, Grottos, Siamangs).
  • 13). North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh, NC)
  • 14). ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)
  • 15). Ripley's Aquarium at Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, SC)
    • Looking back, I do think Ripley's is better than any of the SeaLife facilities, even if it's still strictly generic as far as aquariums go.
  • 16). SeaLife Charlotte-Concord (Concord, NC)
  • 17). SeaLife Orlando (Orlando, FL)
  • 18). Greenville Zoo (Greenville, SC)
  • 19). Museum of Life and Sciences (Durham, NC)
  • 20). Gatorland USA (Orlando, FL)
  • 21). Lazy 5 Ranch (Mooresville, NC)
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That’s interesting that me and you have Omaha zoo for our number one on our rankings.
 
Tigeanderson said:
Here’s my list and ranking
1 Omaha Zoo
2 Arizona Sonoran Desert museum
3 Bronx Zoo
4 Philadelphia Zoo
5 Bear Country
6 Adventure aquarium
7 Jeinkinsons aquarium
8 Sea World Orlando
9 Disneys animal kingdom.
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When did you visit ASDM and why did you rank it above Bronx and Philly? Any reason you ranked DAK at the bottom?
 
birdsandbats said:
When did you visit ASDM and why did you rank it above Bronx and Philly? Any reason you ranked DAK at the bottom?
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I visited ASDM in 2019 and I ranked it above the Bronx and Philly because I really enjoyed it like walking around and seeing wildlife that inhabits the Sonoran desert and also I ranked it above Philly and Bronx because it was the first encounter I have had with North American river otter, Javelina aka collared peccary and Coyote and I also ranked it higher than Philly because I enjoyed seeing the Mexican grey wolf there and I ranked animal kingdom at the bottom because that’s how much I enjoy it now but I enjoyed it a lot much more when I went when I was very little but I do like it still but I also put ASDM above Bronx and Philly because I really like it how it’s not in the center of a city and the plants are the plants that are there like they didn’t have to bring in plants to simulate where the animals are from.
 
Tigeanderson said:
I visited ASDM in 2019 and I ranked it above the Bronx and Philly because I really enjoyed it like walking around and seeing wildlife that inhabits the Sonoran desert and also I ranked it above Philly and Bronx because it was the first encounter I have had with North American river otter, Javelina aka collared peccary and Coyote and I also ranked it higher than Philly because I enjoyed seeing the Mexican grey wolf there and I ranked animal kingdom at the bottom because that’s how much I enjoy it now but I enjoyed it a lot much more when I went when I was very little but I do like it still but I also put ASDM above Bronx and Philly because I really like it how it’s not in the center of a city and the plants are the plants that are there like they didn’t have to bring in plants to simulate where the animals are from.
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Hate to be a grammar stickler here, but you got a HELL of a runon sentence, my guy. Chop it up a bit or put it in paragraphs and you got a much more coherent post. I don't wanna be snarky about it, just saying this outta sincerity.
 
StoppableSan said:
Hate to be a grammar stickler here, but you got a HELL of a runon sentence, my guy. Chop it up a bit or put it in paragraphs and you got a much more coherent post. I don't wanna be snarky about it, just saying this outta sincerity.
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Just thought I would ask but did my runon sentence answer your questions regarding when I went to ASDM and also why I ranked it above the Bronx and Philly and also why I have animal kingdom at the bottom.
 
Tigeanderson said:
Just thought I would ask but did my runon sentence answer your questions regarding when I went to ASDM and also why I ranked it above the Bronx and Philly and also why I have animal kingdom at the bottom.
Click to expand...
It was my question, not @Tigeanderson's.

You didn't really answer the Animal Kingdom question at all. I get why you like ASDM, but better than Bronx, really? ASDM has declined a lot in the past few years, but even at its height in the early 2000s and early 2010s I don't think many would have ranked it above Bronx, which is universally considered to be one of the best zoos in the world.
 
Well I went to the ASDM in the late 2010s and I just really enjoyed it like I am not saying that the Bronx is not a good zoo I do like it’s just that like with the ASDM you see less talked about creatures like porcupine, Armadillo, Ringtail, Javelina, prarie dog and I also like e ASDM over the Bronx because the lizards minus the poisonous lizards sort of roam free.
And with animal kingdom I just would have expected more from it like creatures like Douc langur animals from Europe, Australia and North America and also bring in creatures from South America and also like with the Asian section have animals like Indian rhinos and elephants and creatures that live in the foothills of the Himalayas like Père David’s deer and other creatures but I also put it last because like I am not really big fan of animals in a theme park like I mean I do like how the six flags thats not far from me had like sea lions and a drive through safari its just that like when I went to animal kingdom I did a bugs life attraction and I was scared for some reason but I forgot why.
 
Tigeanderson said:
Well I went to the ASDM in the late 2010s and I just really enjoyed it like I am not saying that the Bronx is not a good zoo I do like it’s just that like with the ASDM you see less talked about creatures like porcupine, Armadillo, Ringtail, Javelina, prarie dog and I also like e ASDM over the Bronx because the lizards minus the poisonous lizards sort of roam free.
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Some would apply the 'less talked about creatures' criterion to Bronx as well, as they have a number of rare species such as gaur. The free-roaming lizards certainly sound fun though and ringtail and javelina are definitely rare! ADSM is still a well-loved institution on zoochat with its focus on a specific habitat cited pretty often. I think you're in good company there.

You're still using run-on sentences and a lot of users here will be sticklers about that. I do that too sometimes. The best advice is anywhere you would stop take a breath in real life, put a period. :)
 
Tigeanderson said:
Well I went to the ASDM in the late 2010s and I just really enjoyed it like I am not saying that the Bronx is not a good zoo I do like it’s just that like with the ASDM you see less talked about creatures like porcupine, Armadillo, Ringtail, Javelina, prarie dog and I also like e ASDM over the Bronx because the lizards minus the poisonous lizards sort of roam free.
And with animal kingdom I just would have expected more from it like creatures like Douc langur animals from Europe, Australia and North America and also bring in creatures from South America and also like with the Asian section have animals like Indian rhinos and elephants and creatures that live in the foothills of the Himalayas like Père David’s deer and other creatures but I also put it last because like I am not really big fan of animals in a theme park like I mean I do like how the six flags thats not far from me had like sea lions and a drive through safari its just that like when I went to animal kingdom I did a bugs life attraction and I was scared for some reason but I forgot why.
Click to expand...
Also what do you mean about poisonous lizards roaming free? There are no free-roaming lizards at ASDM minus any wild ones you may have seen. I can't even think of any poisonous lizard species in the area.
 
birdsandbats said:
Also what do you mean about poisonous lizards roaming free? There are no free-roaming lizards at ASDM minus any wild ones you may have seen. I can't even think of any poisonous lizard species in the area.
Click to expand...
By poisonous lizards I mean Gila Monsters and Beaded lizards.
 
JVM said:
Some would apply the 'less talked about creatures' criterion to Bronx as well, as they have a number of rare species such as gaur. The free-roaming lizards certainly sound fun though and ringtail and javelina are definitely rare! ADSM is still a well-loved institution on zoochat with its focus on a specific habitat cited pretty often. I think you're in good company there.

You're still using run-on sentences and a lot of users here will be sticklers about that. I do that too sometimes. The best advice is anywhere you would stop take a breath in real life, put a period. :)
Click to expand...
okay thanks for the advice i will keep that advice in mind.
 
My ranking

1. Bronx Zoo
I just got back from visiting the Bronx Zoo a few days ago and it was an amazing experience. This zoo just slightly takes the top pick over San Diego for me because I love how woodsy it is and how it has winding pathways through the forest. The shade is a huge help on summer days and it creates a sense that the zoo is less crowded than it really is. All of the exhibits were fantastic, and I loved the focus on conservation (with a great emphasis on how in situ and ex situ conservation works together) and the themed detailing of Tiger Mountain and Congo Gorilla Forest, the latter of which is probably the single best zoo exhibit I've ever seen. We watched a short film about gorilla conservation and when it ended, the screen rose up to reveal the gorilla habitat, which was spacious and beautiful. The whole troop was sitting and eating celery in front of us. The monorail was an innovative and fun way to see that part of the zoo; I loved seeing their large herds of Przewalski's horses and deer. They had a large variety of birds compared to other zoos I've seen. The only part I didn't like too much was the leopard in JungleWorld. She's an Amur leopard, so I feel like it's strange that she's being portrayed as a "jungle" animal that would live in a hot and humid climate. I don't like to criticize zoos based on exhibit size unless something is egregiously wrong because I know a lot of zoos are just doing the best they can do with a limited amount of space, but I felt that this exhibit was more suitable for a small cat (maybe a clouded leopard or jungle cat) than a big one. Other than that, I loved every second of visiting here. The only parts I ran out of time to see were the interiors of the historic buildings in Zoo Center (love how they've preserved their zoo's history while still modernizing it btw), Mouse House, and Himalayan Highlands. Good food, and the Dancing Crane Plaza was really nice.
2. San Diego Zoo
Another amazing zoo! Its world-renowned reputation is well-deserved, in my opinion. Amazing variety of species, amazing exhibits, beautiful scenery. They also have a great conservation focus. The bus tour at the beginning of the day was a great way to get a sense of the general layout of the zoo before walking on foot. The only part of the zoo I didn't get to was the bear grottos, but I saw those from the bus tour anyway. The keeper talk on jaguars was the highlight of the day. The trail with the tiger exhibits and other species was really well-done. Not my favorite giraffe or cheetah habitats, but other than that all of the habitats were great. The food options and gift shop were also very good.
3. Mystic Aquarium
This is my favorite aquarium. The outdoor section is really beautiful with a nice wetlands area, avoiding the theme park look of other marine parks, and the indoor collection was great. I don't know much about cetacean husbandry but I really enjoyed the beluga habitat, and the sea lion feeding was very well done.
4. National Zoo
I haven't been here in several years, but I remember this being a really good zoo. Smithsonian does so many amazing things for conservation. The North America Trail, the elephant habitat, and the panda habitat were particular highlights. Personally I wish they'd renovate the Big Cat exhibits to move away from the "pit" type of habitat, and some of the architecture, as others have mentioned, was very brutalist and not the most aesthetically pleasing. The Small Mammal House was also a bit outdated, in my opinion. However, I really enjoyed this zoo, and I'd like to go back.
5. New England Aquarium
I like this aquarium a lot. I haven't been in a while, but I love the Giant Ocean Tank and the variety of species. It's also fun how you can see the seals without paying for admission. I also really like the educational films shown at the Simons Theatre.
6. Southwick's Zoo
Admittedly, a lot of my feelings for this zoo are based on nostalgia, as it was the zoo I grew up going to and the zoo I fell in love with animals at. Despite this, as I've learned more about zoo design and what makes a good zoo, I still find this zoo to be not bad at all. The African Plains are really nice, and they have a really strong educational program. Some of the habitats, especially for primates and small mammals, aren't the greatest and there is a bit of a commercial feel at times, especially with the addition of new rides such as the "Flying Eagle" one that makes a very unpleasant noise. However, I've never seen anything at this zoo that made me truly uncomfortable and I usually visit every year. I prefer AZA zoos in general but I would consider this zoo ethical, even if they have some problems.
7. Capron Park Zoo
I feel bad putting this zoo as my second-to-least favorite because I actually had a good time going here. The tropical bird house was an unexpected delight, and the zoo was very cute with a very nice local feel. I rank it at #7 not because it is "bad" but simply because I liked the other zoos on this list more. However, I hope they soon are able to phase out the lion and sun bear exhibits. I didn't witness any concerning behavior but they were very small and old-fashioned. Maybe they could use that space to expand the habitat of their Amur leopard.

8. SeaWorld San Diego
I did not like this place at all when I visited last summer. I did not enjoy the combination of theme park and aquarium and I felt that it really detracted from the conservation message. All the buildings had very faded paint and were very unclean, and the blaring pop music probably wasn't too pleasant for the pinnipeds, I'd imagine. The dolphin show, sea otter/sea lion show, and orca show were fun and very well-done, although the former two could've been more educational. The whole place felt more like it was commercializing and selling marine life rather than promoting their conservation. I wanted to like this park because they took a lot of sh*t during the Blackfish days from some very ignorant people, but I found very little to enjoy here. I wish I could have that day from my trip to San Diego back to visit the SDZ Safari Park instead.

I wish I could rank the Zoo New Englands (Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo) but despite living in New England my whole life I've not yet been to them because as a kid my parents always took me to the closer and larger Southwick's, so they're the next zoos on my "to visit" list. Also I've technically been to the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Disney's Animal Kingdom but I don't think I could give them ratings because I was just a kid then
 
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PantheraLeoMelanochaita said:
My ranking

1. Bronx Zoo
I just got back from visiting the Bronx Zoo a few days ago and it was an amazing experience. This zoo just slightly takes the top pick over San Diego for me because I love how woodsy it is and how it has winding pathways through the forest. The shade is a huge help on summer days and it creates a sense that the zoo is less crowded than it really is. All of the exhibits were fantastic, and I loved the focus on conservation (with a great emphasis on how in situ and ex situ conservation works together) and the themed detailing of Tiger Mountain and Congo Gorilla Forest, the latter of which is probably the single best zoo exhibit I've ever seen. We watched a short film about gorilla conservation and when it ended, the screen rose up to reveal the gorilla habitat, which was spacious and beautiful. The whole troop was sitting and eating celery in front of us. The monorail was an innovative and fun way to see that part of the zoo; I loved seeing their large herds of Przewalski's horses and deer. They had a large variety of birds compared to other zoos I've seen. The only part I didn't like too much was the leopard in JungleWorld. She's an Amur leopard, so I feel like it's strange that she's being portrayed as a "jungle" animal that would live in a hot and humid climate. I don't like to criticize zoos based on exhibit size unless something is egregiously wrong because I know a lot of zoos are just doing the best they can do with a limited amount of space, but I felt that this exhibit was more suitable for a small cat (maybe a clouded leopard or jungle cat) than a big one. Other than that, I loved every second of visiting here. The only parts I ran out of time to see were the interiors of the historic buildings in Zoo Center (love how they've preserved their zoo's history while still modernizing it btw), Mouse House, and Himalayan Highlands. Good food, and the Dancing Crane Plaza was really nice.
2. San Diego Zoo
Another amazing zoo! Its world-renowned reputation is well-deserved, in my opinion. Amazing variety of species, amazing exhibits, beautiful scenery. They also have a great conservation focus. The bus tour at the beginning of the day was a great way to get a sense of the general layout of the zoo before walking on foot. The only part of the zoo I didn't get to was the bear grottos, but I saw those from the bus tour anyway. The keeper talk on jaguars was the highlight of the day. The trail with the tiger exhibits and other species was really well-done. Not my favorite giraffe or cheetah habitats, but other than that all of the habitats were great. The food options and gift shop were also very good.
3. Mystic Aquarium
This is my favorite aquarium. The outdoor section is really beautiful with a nice wetlands area, avoiding the theme park look of other marine parks, and the indoor collection was great. I don't know much about cetacean husbandry but I really enjoyed the beluga habitat, and the sea lion feeding was very well done.
4. National Zoo
I haven't been here in several years, but I remember this being a really good zoo. Smithsonian does so many amazing things for conservation. The North America Trail, the elephant habitat, and the panda habitat were particular highlights. Personally I wish they'd renovate the Big Cat exhibits to move away from the "pit" type of habitat, and some of the architecture, as others have mentioned, was very brutalist and not the most aesthetically pleasing. The Small Mammal House was also a bit outdated, in my opinion. However, I really enjoyed this zoo, and I'd like to go back.
5. New England Aquarium
I like this aquarium a lot. I haven't been in a while, but I love the Giant Ocean Tank and the variety of species. It's also fun how you can see the seals without paying for admission. I also really like the educational films shown at the Simons Theatre.
6. Southwick's Zoo
Admittedly, a lot of my feelings for this zoo are based on nostalgia, as it was the zoo I grew up going to and the zoo I fell in love with animals at. Despite this, as I've learned more about zoo design and what makes a good zoo, I still find this zoo to be not bad at all. The African Plains are really nice, and they have a really strong educational program. Some of the habitats, especially for primates and small mammals, aren't the greatest and there is a bit of a commercial feel at times, especially with the addition of new rides such as the "Flying Eagle" one that makes a very unpleasant noise. However, I've never seen anything at this zoo that made me truly uncomfortable and I usually visit every year. I prefer AZA zoos in general but I would consider this zoo ethical, even if they have some problems.
7. Capron Park Zoo
I feel bad putting this zoo as my second-to-least favorite because I actually had a good time going here. The tropical bird house was an unexpected delight, and the zoo was very cute with a very nice local feel. I rank it at #7 not because it is "bad" but simply because I liked the other zoos on this list more. However, I hope they soon are able to phase out the lion and sun bear exhibits. I didn't witness any concerning behavior but they were very small and old-fashioned. Maybe they could use that space to expand the habitat of their Amur leopard.

8. SeaWorld San Diego
I did not like this place at all when I visited last summer. I did not enjoy the combination of theme park and aquarium and I felt that it really detracted from the conservation message. All the buildings had very faded paint and were very unclean, and the blaring pop music probably wasn't too pleasant for the pinnipeds, I'd imagine. The dolphin show, sea otter/sea lion show, and orca show were fun and very well-done, although the former two could've been more educational. The whole place felt more like it was commercializing and selling marine life rather than promoting their conservation. I wanted to like this park because they took a lot of sh*t during the Blackfish days from some very ignorant people, but I found very little to enjoy here. I wish I could have that day from my trip to San Diego back to visit the SDZ Safari Park instead.

I wish I could rank the Zoo New Englands (Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo) but despite living in New England my whole life I've not yet been to them because as a kid my parents always took me to the closer and larger Southwick's, so they're the next zoos on my "to visit" list. Also I've technically been to the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Disney's Animal Kingdom but I don't think I could give them ratings because I was just a kid then
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* I should say that the Capron Park Zoo has a sloth bear, not a sun bear, and the otters in the SWSD show were Asian small-clawed otters, my bad
 
Here is my current ranking of 122 American facilities I've been to. They all have at least a wild mammal, bird of prey and/or a good number of herps. Some other places I visited had collections that were too small to qualify. All were visited from from 2021 or more recent except three facilities, but even those were visited from 2017. There were a couple of places I visited when I was young that are excluded because I don't remember them well enough. List divided into four categories. This is not meant to be scientific and is subject to change, just my opinion at the current time based on enjoyment and feelings about quality, collection, size, value and other personal factors.

Important Note: A number of places in the lower rankings are not primarily "zoos", but different types of attractions like museums, botanical gardens, boat tours, historic sites etc. I'm judging them based on the the animal-related sections and not the main specialty of the establishment. Some of these are recommended to visit for the non-zoo attractions.

Category 1
Zoos, safari parks and smaller collections charging over $5 admission.

1. San Diego Zoo
2. Bronx Zoo
3. Zoo Miami
4. Smithsonian National Zoo
5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
6. Jacksonville Zoo
7. Zoo Atlanta
8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
10. Los Angeles Zoo
11. Phoenix Zoo (2020)
12. Brevard Zoo
13. Philadelphia Zoo
14. Out Of Africa Wildlife Park
15. Lion Country Safari
16. Audubon Zoo
17. Zoo Tampa
18. Virginia Zoo
19. Cape May County Zoo
20. Maryland Zoo
21. Palm Beach Zoo
22. Roger Williams Park Zoo
23. Turtle Back Zoo
24. Riverbanks Zoo
25. Franklin Park Zoo
26. Central Florida Zoo
27. Naples Zoo
28. Staten Island Zoo
29. Queens Zoo
30. Stone Zoo
31. Central Park Zoo
32. Beardsley Zoo
33. Prospect Park Zoo
34. Greenville Zoo
35. Elmwood Park Zoo
36. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
37. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
38. Flamingo Gardens
39. Lehigh Valley Zoo
40. Wild Florida Safari
41. Trevor Zoo
42. Cohanzick Zoo
43. Bergen County Zoo
44. Charles Towne Landing Historical Site
45. Reptile World Serpentarium
46. Shell Factory Nature Park
47. Everglades Alligator Farm
48. Audubon Center For Birds Of Prey
49. Stamford Museum & Nature Center
50. Butterfly World
51. Brandywine Zoo
52. Eudora Wildlife Safari Park
53. Pine Mountain Safari
54. Earthplace
55. Goldfield Mines Superstition Serpenterium
56. Liberty Science Center
57. Sawgrass Recreation Park
58. Calusa Nature Center
59. The Wonder Gardens
60. Bee City Zoo
61. Plumpton Park Zoo

Category 2
Aquariums and places with focus on fish and marine life + smaller places over $5.

1. SeaWorld Orlando (2017)
2. Georgia Aquarium (2019)
3. Florida Aquarium
4. Mystic Aquarium
5. Adventure Aquarium
6. National Aquarium
7. Maritime Aquarium
8. New York Aquarium
9. Shark Reef Aquarium
10. Miami Seaquarium
11. Frost Museum Of Science
12. EPCOT
13. UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
14. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
15. Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium
16. OdySea Aquarium
17. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
18. Cox Science Center & Aquarium
19. Sandoway Discovery Center
20. Museum Of Discovery & Science
21. Glen Echo Park Aquarium
22. Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Category 3
Nature centers, sanctuaries and other small mostly native collections that are free to $5.

1. Oatland Island Wildlife Center
2. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Upper Schuylkill Valley Park
4. St. Lucie County Aquarium
5. The River Center
6. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
7. Peace River Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Marshy Point Nature Center
9. Quogue Wildlife Refuge
10. Hobe Sound Nature Center
11. Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center
12. The Raptor Trust
13. Trailside Museums & Zoo
14. Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (CLOSED)
15. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
16. Loggerhead Marinelife Center
17. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
18. Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
19. Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
20. Tree Hill Nature Center
21. New Canaan Nature Center
22. Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
23. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
24. Sweetbriar Nature Center
25. Sawgrass Nature Center
26. JA McFaul Environmental Center
27. Tackapausha Museum & Preserve
28. Darien Nature Center
29. Daggerwing Nature Center
30. Okeeheelee Nature Center
31. Croydon Creek Nature Center
32. Briar Bush Nature Center
33. Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge
34. Carrie Murray Nature Center
35. Tidelands Nature Center
36. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
37. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Category 4
Private-tour facilities

1. Wellington Conservation Center
2. Panther Ridge Conservation Center

Nothing else here :)
 
Last edited:
SusScrofa said:
Here is my current ranking of 122 American facilities I've been to. They all have at least a wild mammal, bird of prey and/or a good number of herps. Some other places I visited had collections that were too small to qualify. All were visited from from 2021 or more recent except three facilities, but even those were visited from 2017. There were a couple of places I visited when I was young that are excluded because I don't remember them well enough. List divided into four categories. This is not meant to be scientific and is subject to change, just my opinion at the current time based on enjoyment and feelings about quality, collection, size, value and other personal factors.

Important Note: Also worth mentioning a number of these places in the lower rankings are not primarily "zoos", but different types of attractions like museums, botanical gardens, boat tours, historic sites etc. I'm judging them based on the the animal-related exhibits and not the main specialty of the establishment.

Category 1
Zoos, safari parks and smaller collections charging over $5 admission.

1. San Diego Zoo
2. Bronx Zoo
3. Zoo Miami
4. Smithsonian National Zoo
5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
6. Jacksonville Zoo
7. Zoo Atlanta
8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
9. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
10. Los Angeles Zoo
11. Phoenix Zoo (2020)
12. Brevard Zoo
13. Philadelphia Zoo
14. Out Of Africa Wildlife Park
15. Lion Country Safari
16. Audubon Zoo
17. Zoo Tampa
18. Virginia Zoo
19. Cape May County Zoo
20. Maryland Zoo
21. Palm Beach Zoo
22. Roger Williams Park Zoo
23. Turtle Back Zoo
24. Riverbanks Zoo
25. Franklin Park Zoo
26. Central Florida Zoo
27. Naples Zoo
28. Staten Island Zoo
29. Queens Zoo
30. Stone Zoo
31. Central Park Zoo
32. Beardsley Zoo
33. Prospect Park Zoo
34. Greenville Zoo
35. Elmwood Park Zoo
36. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
37. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
38. Flamingo Gardens
39. Lehigh Valley Zoo
40. Wild Florida Safari
41. Trevor Zoo
42. Cohanzick Zoo
43. Bergen County Zoo
44. Charles Towne Landing Historical Site
45. Reptile World Serpentarium
46. Shell Factory Nature Park
47. Everglades Alligator Farm
48. Audubon Center For Birds Of Prey
49. Stamford Museum & Nature Center
50. Butterfly World
51. Brandywine Zoo
52. Eudora Wildlife Safari Park
53. Pine Mountain Safari
54. Earthplace
55. Goldfield Mines Superstition Serpenterium
56. Liberty Science Center
57. Sawgrass Recreation Park
58. Calusa Nature Center
59. The Wonder Gardens
60. Bee City Zoo
61. Plumpton Park Zoo

Category 2
Aquariums and places with focus on fish and marine life + smaller places over $5.

1. SeaWorld Orlando (2017)
2. Georgia Aquarium (2019)
3. Florida Aquarium
4. Mystic Aquarium
5. Adventure Aquarium
6. National Aquarium
7. Maritime Aquarium
8. New York Aquarium
9. Shark Reef Aquarium
10. Miami Seaquarium
11. Frost Museum Of Science
12. EPCOT
13. UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
14. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
15. Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium
16. OdySea Aquarium
17. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
18. Cox Science Center & Aquarium
19. Sandoway Discovery Center
20. Museum Of Discovery & Science
21. Glen Echo Park Aquarium
22. Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Category 3
Nature centers, sanctuaries and other small mostly native collections that are free to $5.

1. Oatland Island Wildlife Center
2. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Upper Schuylkill Valley Park
4. St. Lucie County Aquarium
5. The River Center
6. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
7. Peace River Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Marshy Point Nature Center
9. Quogue Wildlife Refuge
10. Hobe Sound Nature Center
11. Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center
12. The Raptor Trust
13. Trailside Museums & Zoo
14. Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (CLOSED)
15. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
16. Loggerhead Marinelife Center
17. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
18. Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
19. Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
20. Tree Hill Nature Center
21. New Canaan Nature Center
22. Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
23. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
24. Sweetbriar Nature Center
25. Sawgrass Nature Center
26. JA McFaul Environmental Center
27. Tackapausha Museum & Preserve
28. Darien Nature Center
29. Daggerwing Nature Center
30. Okeeheelee Nature Center
31. Croydon Creek Nature Center
32. Briar Bush Nature Center
33. Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge
34. Carrie Murray Nature Center
35. Tidelands Nature Center
36. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
37. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Category 4
Private-tour facilities

1. Wellington Conservation Center
2. Panther Ridge Conservation Center

Nothing else here :)
Click to expand...
A visit to Saint Louis would really mess with your category system. ;)
 
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