BEST ZOOS IN AMERICA

Zoos give us a chance to get a close-up view of animals we would probably never see in our lifetime, including endangered or rare species. Some of the best zoos in America even give us a chance to interact with the animals or see them in their natural habitats.

OLDIE BUT GOODIE: THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO

The Philadelphia Zoo is the country’s oldest—built in 1874—but it still leads the list of the top zoos in America. The intimate, 42-acre zoo provides a good look at 1,500 animals, including 17 endangered species. Feed nectar to colorful birds at the Lorikeet Encounter or meander along the Tortoise Trail to meet Mommy, the oldest living Galapagos tortoise in a U.S. zoo. Head over to the award-winning KidZooU where you’re sure to find Nema, the resident clown fish. Let your kids romp alongside frisky goat kids at the interactive Goat Bridge and Tower. Legs tired? Take a spin on the colorful Wildlife Carousel or rise high into the sky on the 6abc Zooballoon. 

LIVIN' LARGE: THE BRONX ZOO

Located in the Bronx, New York City’s northernmost borough, the 265-acre Bronx is one of the largest urban zoos in the world—so you may want to plan for more than a day to see it all. Luckily, you won’t have to do all the legwork. Kick back on the  as you explore a habitat that’s home to rhinos, elephants and red pandas. You can also get a glimpse of about 70 percent of the zoo by riding the shuttle. Hop off at  to meander down the to a glass-walled exhibit that extends deep into the tigers' habitat. Like many of the zoo's exhibits, this experience goes beyond merely observing the animals to include interactive learning experiences and education on conservation efforts.

WARM CALIFORNIA SUN: THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

Bears, bears, everywhere! Six of the world’s eight species of bear are endangered, and you can see all six at the San Diego. Fall in love with giant pandas, polar bears, sloth bears, grizzly bears, sun bears and spectacled, or Andean bears in up-close encounters and learn what it takes for each species to make a comeback. The bears are just a few of the zoo’s 4,000 rare and endangered animals. Head to the and laugh at wrinkly naked mole rats as they bustle through plexiglass tunnels. Board the to get a birds-eye view of the animals below. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers—this San Diego icon is also a botanical garden. 

HEART OF TEXAS: THE HOUSTON ZOO

With more than 900 species on display, there’s a lot to see and do at the Houston. The zoo goes beyond observation and conservation with family friendly activities for all ages. Watch primitive-looking Galapagos tortoises stroll around their habitat, then visit the adjacent exhibit. Animatronics and special effects create a lifelike experience. Look out—they just might spray you with water! To really cool off, head to the and splash through 13,500 square feet of watery fun at the . A hot Houston summer’s day is also prime time to dip into the air-conditioned  exhibit. See animals from the desert, rainforest, coral reef and river’s edge up close through glass windows.  

SEE IT FREE: ST. LOUIS ZOO

Looking for some cheap thrills? Entrance into the  is free, and you’ll see 600 animal species in its 90 acres! While it’s free to look at the animals, you’ll pay nominal fees for certain prime attractions. Arrive early so you won’t have to pay admission during the first hour at the  or . Buy a ticket for the  and get a unique perspective of the exhibits as you make your way around the park. Head for  to visit Kali, the park’s famous polar bear. Keepers prep his area with toys, logs and ice during the first hour the park is open—you can watch him make his grand entrance around 9 a.m. 

THAT OL' DISNEY MAGIC: DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

See eye-to-eye with animals in re-creations of their natural habitat at  in Orlando, Florida. You’ll see much more than great apes along the. An underwater viewing area brings you nose-to-nose with a hippopotamus as schools of colorful fish swim by. Get in a staring contest with a meerkat and explore the interactive exhibits to learn what humans and great apes have in common. Need to cool down? Jump on a raft headed down the just one of the park’s thrill rides. Look out—shore-bound visitors get the opportunity to tag you with streams of water! Afterwards, hop on a locomotive at to journey towhere you can get hands-on with animals at the 

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