Biggest Zoos in the World - Top 10 Wild Wonderlands
by Maivizhi A | Updated May 06, 2023
Biggest Zoos in the World 2023
Zoos are one of the most popular attractions in the world, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom up close. While there are thousands of zoos around the world, some stand out for their size and the sheer number of animals they house. These zoos are often major tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at the incredible creatures that call them home.
The biggest zoos in the world offer a glimpse into the diversity of the natural world, with habitats and exhibits that mimic the animals' native environments. From the lush rainforests of South America to the arid deserts of Africa, these zoos bring together a vast array of species from across the globe.
But size is not the only thing that sets these zoos apart. They also boast state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology that allows visitors to learn about and interact with the animals in new and exciting ways. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family outing, these zoos offer something for everyone.
So, join us on a journey to explore the biggest zoos in the world and discover the fascinating creatures that call them home. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible diversity of life on our planet!
Top 10 Biggest Zoos in the World
Here is the list of the Top 10 Zoos in the World with their location.
1
The Wilds Safari Park
Cumberland, Ohio
2
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
India
3
North Carolina Zoo
Asheboro, North Carolina
4
San Diego Zoo Safari
San Diego, California
5
The Living Desert Zoo
Palm Desert, California
6
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Tamil Nadu, India
7
Nandankanan Zoological Park
India
8
Toronto Zoo
Toronto, Canada
9
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
India
10
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Liberty Township, Ohio
S.No
Zoo Name
Location
Let us see each one of the Biggest Zoos in the World.
1. The Wilds Safari Park, Cumberland, Ohio, USA
The Wilds Safari Park is one of the largest and most unique zoos in the world, located in Cumberland, Ohio. The park spans over 10,000 acres and is home to over 25 species of rare and endangered animals from around the world.
Visitors can take guided tours through the park on open-air safari vehicles to see animals like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and cheetahs in their natural habitats. The park also offers zip-line adventures, horseback riding, and overnight camping experiences for visitors who want to get up close and personal with the animals.
2. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park , Andhra Pradesh, India
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, is the largest zoo in Asia and one of the largest in the world. The park covers an area of 5,357 acres and is home to over 1,500 animals from over 100 species, including tigers, lions, elephants, and bears.
The park also features a large aviary, reptile house, and a butterfly park. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park on a battery-operated vehicle, or enjoy a safari ride to see animals like deer, antelopes, and wild boar. The park is also committed to conservation efforts and has a breeding program for several endangered species. Overall, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.
3. North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, North Carolina
North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, North Carolina, is one of the largest zoos in the world, spanning over 2,600 acres of land. The zoo is divided into two main areas: North America and Africa. The North America section features animals such as black bears, red wolves, and cougars, while the Africa section houses elephants, rhinos, and lions, among others.
One of the unique features of this zoo is the African Plains exhibit, which allows visitors to see animals like zebras and giraffes in their natural habitat. Additionally, the North Carolina Zoo is committed to conservation efforts, participating in breeding programs for endangered species like the red wolf and the American ocelot.
4. San Diego Zoo Safari, San Diego, California
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located in San Diego, California, is another one of the largest zoos in the world, covering over 1,800 acres. The zoo focuses on showcasing animals in natural habitats and has several exhibits that simulate African and Asian environments. Visitors can see animals like cheetahs, lions, and tigers, as well as endangered species like the California condor and the Sumatran tiger.
One of the most popular attractions at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the African Tram, which takes visitors on a guided tour of the park's African exhibits. The zoo also has a strong focus on conservation, with several breeding programs for endangered species and partnerships with conservation organizations around the world.
5. The Living Desert Zoo, Palm Desert, California
The Living Desert Zoo is located in Palm Desert, California, and spans over 1,200 acres of land. It was established in 1970 and is home to over 450 animals from various desert habitats around the world. The zoo offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to explore exhibits such as the African village, which houses zebras, cheetahs, and giraffes, as well as the North American desert, which is home to bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors can also learn about conservation efforts and the role that zoos play in protecting endangered species through educational programs and interactive exhibits.
6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Tamil Nadu, India
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, also known as Vandalur Zoo, is located in Tamil Nadu, India, and covers an area of 1,265 acres. It was established in 1855 and is one of the oldest zoos in India. The zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from 167 species, including lions, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses.
The zoo also has a large aviary, aquarium, and reptile house. The zoo is involved in various conservation efforts, such as breeding programs for endangered species, and it also serves as a center for research and education. Visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats through guided tours and interactive exhibits. The zoo also has a large botanical garden with over 500 species of plants, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
7. Nandankanan Zoological Park, Orissa, India
Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in India, located in the city of Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha. The zoo covers an area of over 400 hectares and is home to more than 1,500 animals of around 150 different species. Some of the animals found in the zoo include white tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian elephants, saltwater crocodiles, and many more.
The park is renowned for its conservation efforts, and it is the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo has several breeding programs in place for endangered species, including the white tiger, which is native to India. It also has a botanical garden that showcases a diverse range of flora from the region.
8. Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Canada, located in the city of Toronto, Ontario. The zoo covers an area of over 287 hectares and is home to more than 5,000 animals of around 500 different species. Some of the animals found in the zoo include polar bears, gorillas, lions, tigers, and many more.
The zoo is known for its efforts to promote conservation and education, and it has several conservation programs in place for endangered species. The zoo also has a range of exhibits that showcase animals from different parts of the world, including the African Savanna, the Tundra Trek, and the Great Barrier Reef.
In addition to its animal exhibits, the Toronto Zoo also has a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, including a splash pad, a ropes course, and a Zoomobile that takes visitors on a tour of the zoo. Overall, the Toronto Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and anyone interested in learning about wildlife conservation.
9. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakapatnam, India
Located in Visakhapatnam, India, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the largest and most popular zoos in India. It covers an area of 625 acres and is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
The zoo is divided into different sections, including a Primate section, a Carnivore section, a Lesser Carnivore section, a Herbivore section, and a Nocturnal Animals section. Visitors can also enjoy a toy train ride, a cable car ride, and a musical fountain show. The zoo is named after former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and is open to the public every day except Monday.
10. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Liberty Township, Ohio, USA
Located in Liberty Township, Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest and most well-known zoos in the United States. It covers an area of 588 acres and is home to over 10,000 animals from over 600 species. The zoo is divided into different regions, including the Heart of Africa, North America, Asia Quest, and the Shores region.
The zoo also features a water park, a golf course, and a zip line. In addition, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is known for its conservation efforts, including its support for the conservation of cheetahs, manatees, and polar bears. The zoo was founded in 1927 and has since become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Which is the Biggest Zoo in the World?
The largest zoo in the world by land area is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located in California, USA. It covers an area of 1,800 acres and houses over 3,500 animals from more than 400 species.
The Wilds Safari Park is a conservation center and safari park located in Cumberland, Ohio, USA. It spans over 10,000 acres and is home to more than 30 rare and endangered species from around the world, including giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, and more.
Unlike traditional zoos, The Wilds is dedicated to conservation, education, and research. They work to protect endangered species by breeding them in captivity and releasing them into the wild when possible. They also conduct research on animal behavior, habitat restoration, and other conservation-related topics.
The Wilds offers a variety of safari experiences, including open-air tours, horseback riding, and zip-lining. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities and educational programs to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
As for whether The Wilds is the largest zoo in the world, it is difficult to determine as there are different ways to measure a zoo's size. However, The Wilds is one of the largest wildlife conservation centers in North America, and its vast size and diverse collection of animals make it a unique and exciting destination for visitors.
Largest Zoos in the World
Zoos have become a popular attraction for people worldwide, with some zoos standing out for their size and the variety of animals they house. The largest zoos offer visitors the chance to see animals in their natural habitats, participate in educational programs, and learn about conservation efforts.
The Wilds Safari Park, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, North Carolina Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari, and The Living Desert Zoo are examples of zoos that are among the largest in the world. These zoos offer visitors a unique experience that combines education, entertainment, and conservation efforts. By visiting these zoos, people can gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of life on our planet and the importance of protecting it.
Biggest Zoos in the World - FAQs
The largest zoo in the world is the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, located in Andhra Pradesh, India. It covers an area of 5,357 acres and is home to over 1,500 animals from over 100 species.
The largest zoo in the United States is The Wilds Safari Park, located in Cumberland, Ohio. It spans over 10,000 acres and is home to over 25 species of rare and endangered animals from around the world.
Yes, many of these zoos prioritize conservation efforts and have breeding programs for endangered species.
It depends on the zoo and the species of animal. While some zoos may offer opportunities for visitors to feed or touch certain animals.
Admission prices vary depending on the zoo, but many of these zoos offer discounted rates for children, seniors, and students.