Best Zoo
Lions don't roam the Midwest, tropical birds don't roost in the Pacific Northwest and farm animals don't show up for work in the inner city. Zoos give people, young and old, the opportunity to meet (and sometimes interact with) animals that they would never otherwise see. Zoological parks also play important roles in wildlife conservation, species preservation and general education for the public. Which zoo inspires you?
These 10 zoos were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best. Congratulations to our 2024 winners; you can now visit our 2025 Best Zoo contest.
1. North Carolina Zoo—Asheboro, NC
From the Endangered Species Carousel and Air Hike Ropes Course to zookeeper talks and guided golf-cart tours, there's a lot to experience at the North Carolina Zoo. A Zoofari trip will take you onto a 40-acre expanse for a free-roaming look at rhinos, ostriches and herding animals. And, of course, you can explore all the animal exhibits, from the tiny desert pupfish to the African elephant.
2. Memphis Zoo—Memphis, TN
Located in the city's Overton Park, the Memphis Zoo houses more than 3,500 animals from 500 different species, ranging from the work animals at Once Upon a Farm to the exotic flyers in the Tropical Bird House. You can also learn about animals of the past in their newly opened Dino Park, which features lifelike replicas and interactive displays.
3. San Antonio Zoo—San Antonio, TX
This beloved institution in downtown San Antonio contributes to its community with an ever-evolving menu of educational outreaches, conservation efforts and wholesome fun. Its denizens range from hippos and reptiles to bears and big cats. After your tour, you can take part in extras like giraffe feeding, walk to neighboring Brackenridge Park for a picnic and paddleboats or enjoy vintage rides in Kiddie Park next door.
4. Brookfield Zoo—Chicago, IL
Since its opening in the 1930s, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been at the forefront of conservationist efforts and animal care. The zoological park spans 235 acres and features more than 500 different species of animals, including koalas, who've found a new habitat in the Hamill Family Play Zoo, and polar bears that visitors can watch from an underwater angle.
5. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance—Denver, CO
The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance features 80 acres of creature-filled fun and education, from lesser-known animals like wide-eyed aye-ayes and frilled lizards to familiar favorites like grizzly bears and capering capuchins. At the zoo, you can meet gorillas up-close in VR, pet sting rays IRL and stroll through an open aviary of colorful birds.
6. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo—Gulf Shores, AL
A small zoo ideal for young families, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo can be toured in a half-day visit. Your admission price includes access to the children's playground, and for a little extra, you can ride the carousel or train, feed a giraffe or add another animal encounter. The adjacent restaurant, Savanna, offers casual fine dining, making it a great place to eat when you leave the kids at home.
7. San Diego Zoo—San Diego, CA
With more than 680 species of animals, the San Diego Zoo provides a home to over 12,000 animals, and there are lots of ways to explore: attend a wildlife presentation, take a guided bus tour, watch a 4D film in the theater or get a bird's-eye view on the Skyfari aerial tram.
8. The Cincinnati Zoo—Cincinnati, OH
One of the nation's oldest zoos, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened in 1875. More than 400 different species of animals (from aardwolves to zebra bugs) now call it home, and it nurtures more than 3,000 species of plants. The zoo participates in numerous conservation programs and offers educational programs, like Zoo Camp and overnight stays, to the public.
9. St. Louis Zoo—St. Louis, MO
From brightly feathered flamingos to scaly, camouflaged snakes, you can find a wide variety among the more than 16,000 animals at the St. Louis Zoo. The zoo prioritizes the care of its animals with an on-site veterinary hospital and animal nutrition center. Visitors can learn even more at special shows featuring jumping sea lions or free-flying birds and Caribbean Cove, where they can touch and feed sting rays.
10. Audubon Zoo—New Orleans, LA
One of New Orleans's top family attractions, the Audubon Zoo features an array of endangered and wild animals, including white alligators, Louisiana black bears and red river hogs. Tour the Wings of the World exhibit, an immersive free-flight aviary, and then visit the adjacent Cool Zoo water park, which sponsors special adults-only events as well as children's fun.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Panel of experts
Jill Robbins is an expert writer focusing on family and adventure travel as well as practical tips to help everyone get the most value out of their vacation experience. Jill's work has appeared in the Miami Herald, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Business Insider, Tripsavvy, Matador Network, Wealth of Geeks, Canadian Traveller, Travel Awaits, San Antonio Magazine and more. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and two sons, but she's usually somewhere else. Learn more about her travels at https://www.rippedjeansandbifocals.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer who specializes in the outdoors, eco, vegan and sober travel. She's the author of Easy Portland Outdoors and the Sober Travel Handbook. Learn more about her at teresabergen.com.
Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus are freelance travel writers for print and online publications, along with their website smalltownplussize.com. Kristi is a Madison-area native while Tom happily adopted Wisconsin after their marriage in 1995. After living in many states across the country, they moved to Eau Claire. They enjoy exploring different cultures, history, roadside attractions and nature through road trips on backroads and two-lane highways. Along with international travel, they have visited 48 states, with only Hawaii and the elusive Rhode Island remaining.
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.