Best Zoos in the World 2023 that are a Must Visit - Top 10
by Surya
Updated Apr 08, 2023
Best Zoos in the World 2023
A zoological garden, also known as a zoo, is a facility where animals are kept within enclosures for public exhibition and often bred for conservation purposes. The term "zoo" is an abbreviation for the zoological garden, which refers to the study of animals, or zoology. The first zoo was the London Zoological Gardens, which opened in 1828 for scientific study and to the public in 1847. Today, zoos are popular attractions worldwide, with over 181 million people visiting them in the United States alone each year.
Zoos are home to a wide variety of animals from all parts of the Earth. While people have kept wild animals for thousands of years, early collections were often private menageries created by the wealthy to display their power. As civilizations developed, zoos also became public spaces for displaying exotic animals. Modern zoos are different from earlier collections because they focus on animal conservation and education. Zoos work to preserve endangered species through breeding programs and research initiatives.
For animal lovers and families, visiting a zoo is a thrilling and educational experience. Zoos offer a unique opportunity to witness a wide variety of animals up close and to learn about their natural habitats and behaviors. With so many zoos around the world, it can be challenging to decide which ones to visit. In this article, we will explore some of the best zoos in the world, each with its unique characteristics and offerings.
Have a visit to the Best Zoos in the US 2023
Top 10 Zoos In The World 2023
Zoos and animal reserves provide an opportunity for individuals to experience and learn about animals from around the world in one location, making them an ideal destination for trips with friends and family. These wildlife wonderlands offer an educational experience where visitors can observe nature's creations up close. Here is a list of the top 10 zoos in the world, which are sure to provide an unforgettable experience of exploring and understanding creatures from all corners of the globe.
S.No.
Name of the Zoo
Location
1
Tiergarten Schönbrunn
Vienna, Austria
2
Bronx Zoo
New York City, USA
3
San Diego Zoo
San Diego, USA
4
Singapore Zoo
Singapore
5
Beijing Zoo
Beijing, China
6
National Zoological Gardens
Pretoria, South Africa
7
Zoologischer Garten
Berlin, Germany
8
Taronga Zoo
Sydney, Australia
9
Chester Zoo
England, UK
10
Wellington Zoo
Wellington, New Zealand
Top Zoos in the World
1. Tiergarten Schönbrunn
Tiergarten Schönbrunn, located in Vienna, Austria, is the world's oldest zoo, having operated since 1752. Originally established as the imperial menagerie, this historic institution now focuses on conservation and education while retaining its elegant Baroque buildings. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, such as oriental small-clawed otters, arctic wolves, elephants, and Siberian tigers.
2. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo, situated in Bronx Park, is the largest zoo in the United States, covering 265 acres. It was established in 1899 and boasts a population of over 6,000 animals representing more than 700 species from around the globe. With a river flowing through it, this zoo features animals of all sizes, from tigers, lions, and gorillas to lemurs and reptiles.
3. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo, established in 1916, is located in Balboa Park, California, and is one of the best zoos in the United States. Divided into eight exhibits themed around geography and habitat, the zoo is home to over 3,500 animals from 650 species, making it the most visited zoo and the main attraction in California.
4. Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is an international zoo situated in the center of this small Southeast Asian nation, spread over 69 acres, with exhibits arranged into eleven zones. It is home to 2,800 animals from 315 species, including orangutans, lemurs, sloths, kangaroos, lions, and zebras.
5. Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo, located in the Xicheng District of Beijing, is China's largest and oldest zoo, established in 1906. The zoo features over 450 species of land animals and more than 500 species of marine life. The zoo is designed with classical Chinese gardens and houses rare creatures native to China, including giant pandas, red pandas, and Sichuan golden-hair monkeys.
6. National Zoological Gardens
The largest and most famous zoo in Africa is the National Zoological Garden, commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, located in South Africa. The zoo has been in operation since 1899 and covers an area of 210 acres. It is home to over 9,000 animals from 600 different species, including African penguins, African savannah elephants, hippopotamuses, and even endangered Okapi. In addition to animals from Africa, the zoo also has creatures from Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
7. Zoologischer Garten
Berlin Zoological Garden, also known as Zoologischer Garten of Berlin, is a historic zoo in Germany that opened in 1844. It is the largest zoo in the world in terms of the number of animals, with over 20,200 animals from 1,380 different species. The Berlin Zoo is not only a heritage site but also a major player in many different breeding programs.
8. Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia is the largest zoo in the country and covers an area of 69 acres. Established in 1916, the zoo is now home to over 4,000 animals from 350 different species. Visitors can see a variety of native Australian wildlife such as tree kangaroos, koalas, and emus, as well as rare creatures from around the world like sun bears and endangered Sumatran tigers.
9. Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo, located in the United Kingdom, is the country's most popular wildlife attraction and one of the largest zoos in the UK, covering over 128 acres of land. Established in 1931, the zoo is now home to over 35,000 animals from a variety of species, including Capybaras, Babirusas, and Andean bears.
10. Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo, New Zealand's most beloved zoo, was established in 1906 with the gift of a single young lion to the city of Wellington. The zoo has now expanded to house over 500 animals, including chimpanzees, cheetahs, little blue penguins, and kiwi birds, which are the national icon of New Zealand. The zoo's main focus is on conservation, and it is the first zoo in the world to have its own animal hospital.
Top 10 Largest Zoo in the World
Here is the Top 10 list of the biggest and largest Zoos in the World;
S.No
Name of the Zoo
Location
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
India
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ohio, USA
National Zoological Gardens
Pretori, South Africa
Henry Doorly Zoo
Nebraska, USA
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
DC, USA
Moscow Zoo
Russia
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
California, USA
The Bronx Zoo
New York, USA
Toronto Zoo
Canada
Beijing Zoo
China
Which is the Asia's Biggest Zoo?
Discover the top 10 must-visit destinations for animal lovers in Asia with this list of the best zoos on the continent in 2023. From the serene Deer Park in Japan to the stunning Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in the United Arab Emirates, and the world-famous Singapore Zoo, this list covers the top-rated zoos in Asia that you simply can't afford to miss. Whether you're planning your next vacation or looking for some inspiration, this list will give you plenty of ideas for the best places to visit and experience the rich diversity of wildlife and animal habitats in Asia.
So the Taipei Zoo, also known as Muzha Zoo, is the largest zoo in Asia with its origins dating back to 1914. This Zoo features 8 outdoor and 6 indoor display areas, including a children's zoo, a Formosan animal area, an Asian tropical rainforest area, and an Antarctic penguin house. It is also home to three giant pandas. Located in Taipei, Taiwan, a visit to Taipei Zoo typically takes about an hour. The local currency used in Taiwan is TWD Dollar. In 1914, a Japanese citizen founded a private zoological garden named Maruyama Zoo, which later became Taipei Zoo in 1946 when it was taken over by the Taipei government. One of the significant events in the zoo's history was the offering of two pandas named Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan from the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 2008, which was known as "panda diplomacy" and symbolized unity. Taipei Zoo covers a vast area of 165 hectares, but only 90 hectares are open to the public. Visitors to Taipei Zoo can explore a diverse range of wildlife, including domestic animals and those from places like Australia, Africa, and Asian tropical rainforests, such as koalas, penguins, pandas, and butterflies.
Conclusion:
Zoos play an essential role in animal conservation and education, and visiting them can be a thrilling experience for both adults and children. The zoos we have highlighted in this article are among the best in the world, each offering unique and innovative experiences for visitors. From San Diego to Singapore, New York to Sydney, these zoos stand out for their conservation efforts, commitment to animal welfare, and innovative exhibits. A visit to any of these zoos is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Top 10 Best Zoos in the World - FAQs
San Diego Zoo is the number 1 zoo in the nation.
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in West Bengal's Darjeeling has been adjudged the best zoo in the country.
India's largest zoo is in Kochi (Cochin), India.
South Africa is known for its rich wildlife and this is a world-famous zoo located here.