Zoos, sometimes known as zoological parks or zoological gardens, are facilities that shelter animals for the public. To improve animal welfare, they reproduce natural settings and offer shelter to endangered animals. Observing a diverse range of animals from throughout the globe raises public awareness of ecological concerns and biodiversity. In order to promote international conservation efforts and preserve biodiversity, modern zoos place a strong emphasis on breeding programs, ethical procedures, and habitat preservation. Who wouldn’t love taking trips with friends and family to these incredible animal wonderlands, where they can witness the wonders of nature up close?
`List of the 10 Biggest Zoos in the World by Land Area
Here is the list of the 10 Largest Zoos in the World
- Toronto Zoo
- Columbus Zoo
- Bronx Zoo
- Beijing Zoo
- Henry Doorly Zoo
- San Diego Zoo
- Berlin Zoological Garden
- Taronga Zoo
- Moscow Zoo
- London Zoo
1. Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo is one of the biggest and most varied zoological parks worldwide and is located in Toronto, Canada. With more than 16, 000 animals from more than 500 species spread across 710 acres, the zoo provides a distinctive and thorough look at wildlife across the world.
Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Indo-Malaya, the Canadian Domain, and Tundra Trek are the seven diverse geographic regions that make up the zoo. Visitors can expect an immersive experience as each area is painstakingly created to imitate the natural habitats of the animals that call it home. The Great Barrier Reef, a colorful exhibition of marine life from the Australian coast, and the Gorilla Rainforest, the biggest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America, are two noteworthy displays.
The Toronto Zoo is a pioneer in the study and protection of animals, and it actively takes part in breeding initiatives for critically endangered species, including the Amur tiger, Sumatran tiger, and western lowland gorilla. The reproductive sciences department at the zoo has significantly aided international efforts to protect endangered animals.
Animals: It is home to more than 16,000 animals, representing a wide variety of the world’s fauna, including tigers, African lions, and polar bears.
2. Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo is well-known for its large animal collection and commitment to conservation, teaching, and research. It is situated in Powell, Ohio, which is just north of Columbus. Approximately 5,000 animals from over 600 species worldwide call the 580-acre zoo home.
There are other themed zones inside the zoo, such as the Congo Expedition, Shores & Aquarium, Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, Australia and the Islands, and North America. The impressions that guests get from these painstakingly created habitats closely resemble the natural surroundings of the animals. The Shores & Aquarium section, which houses manatees, polar bears, and a variety of aquatic animals, is one of the attractions’ highlights. Another is the Heart of Africa display, which offers guests a chance to see cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras rambling across vast savannahs.
Leading various breeding projects for endangered species, including the African lion, Amur tiger, and western lowland gorilla, the Columbus Zoo is a pioneer in animal conservation initiatives.
Animals: A large number of aquatic creatures in its aquarium, as well as a wide range of species, including gorillas, kangaroos, and polar bears, are among the main draws.
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3. Bronx Zoo
Located in New York City’s Bronx Park, the Bronx Zoo is one of the biggest and most well-known zoos worldwide. It provides a comprehensive and realistic wildlife experience, with over 4,000 creatures from more than 700 species housed on 265 acres.
The zoo is set up with themed areas that mimic authentic natural settings. The Congo Gorilla Forest, which is home to western lowland gorillas; the African Plains, which have lions, zebras, and giraffes; and Tiger Mountain, which displays Amur and Malayan tigers, are among the noteworthy exhibits. There’s also a beautiful butterfly garden and a cutting-edge aquatic birdhouse in the Bronx Zoo.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a global pioneer in animal conservation, manages the Bronx Zoo. WCS oversees conservation initiatives in almost 60 nations. The zoo supports global efforts to preserve habitat and takes part in breeding initiatives for endangered species, including the Komodo dragon, okapi, and snow leopard.
Animals: The zoo is home to a diverse range of creatures, including gorillas, African lions, and snow leopards, in addition to red pandas.
4. Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo is one of China’s best-known and oldest zoological parks, situated in the Xicheng District of the capital city. The 219-acre zoo was founded in 1906 and houses 14,500 animals from over 950 species, making it a significant hub for wildlife education and conservation in China.
The Giant Panda House, one of the zoo’s most well-known attractions, allows guests to see China’s prized national treasure in a habitat that is intended to resemble their natural surroundings. A staggering variety of different species may be found in the zoo, including uncommon and threatened species like the Chinese alligator, red-crowned crane, and South China tiger.
The Beijing Zoo is well-known for its expansive and varied collection, which includes fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The vast grounds of the zoo have lovely lakes, gardens, and ancient buildings, offering visitors a picturesque and informative experience. The zoo also has the biggest aquarium in China, with a wide range of aquatic animals and interesting displays.
Animals: The zoo is well-known for its assortment of local Chinese animals, including giant pandas, in addition to elephants and polar bears.
5. Henry Doorly Zoo
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most well-known zoos in the whole world. It is renowned for its state-of-the-art displays and commitment to animal protection, covering an area of more than 130 acres. Since its founding in 1894, it has developed into a pioneer in animal care and zoological innovation.
The zoo has a number of distinctive and large-scale exhibits. The world’s biggest indoor desert, the Desert Dome, features dry environments and the people that live there. The biggest indoor rainforest in North America, The Lied Jungle, transports guests to tropical settings brimming with a wide variety of plant and animal species. The stunning underwater experience provided by the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium includes a walk-through tunnel encircled by rays, sharks, and an array of vibrant species.
There are around 17,000 animals from almost 1,000 species in the Henry Doorly Zoo. Through initiatives aiming at reproducing endangered species and releasing them into the wild, it is heavily involved in worldwide conservation efforts. In addition, the zoo conducts major research initiatives and provides important information on animal behavior, genetics, and environmental protection.
Animals: Its world-class aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, as well as African elephants, giraffes, and lions, among other species.
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6. San Diego Zoo
Located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most well-known and cutting-edge zoos worldwide. More than 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies call the 100-acre zoo home. It is well known across the world for its innovative outdoor, cageless exhibitions that imitate real animal habitats.
The Panda Trek, which continues to teach visitors about panda conservation and house giant pandas until 2019, is one of the zoo’s most notable attractions. A few more noteworthy displays are the roomy Elephant Odyssey, the verdant Lost Forest, and the Polar Bear Plunge, which provides views of polar bears underwater.
It runs the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an organization that carries out conservation work in more than 100 nations. Important initiatives concentrate on animal health and genetics, habitat protection, and the reproduction of endangered species. The zoo’s initiatives have greatly helped species like the Hawaiian crow and the California condor.
Animals: Home to over 4,000 creatures, including gigantic pandas, elephants, and Arctic foxes, it is well-known for its realistic ecosystems.
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7. Berlin Zoological Garden
Founded in 1844, the Berlin Zoological Garden is also one of the most famous zoos in the world and is situated in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the world’s most species-rich zoos, with over 17,000 animals from approximately 1,400 species living on 86.5 acres.
The zoo offers a range of facilities that aim to resemble the natural settings in which its animals live. Notable exhibits include the Panda Garden, home to the famed giant pandas, and the Hippopotamus House, which enables underwater viewing of these wonderful species. The Alfred Brehm House, a cutting-edge habitat for large cats and other predators, is another feature of the zoo.
The Berlin Zoo is dedicated to both studying science and the protection of species. It takes part in several worldwide breeding initiatives that protect endangered animals, such as Przewalski’s horse and the black rhinoceros. The zoo’s research projects concentrate on veterinary care, genetics, and animal behavior; they provide important insights into international conservation efforts.
Animals: a broad range of animals, including giant pandas, gorillas, and a wide diversity of avian and aquatic species, may be found in the zoo.
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8. Taronga Zoo
Australia’s Taronga Zoo is well-known for its breathtaking setting overlooking Sydney Harbor. It is located in Sydney. With more than 5,000 creatures from 350 species living there, the 69-acre park provides visitors with a rich and varied wildlife experience.
The displays in the zoo are made to emphasize conservation efforts while showcasing animals in their natural habitats. The Great Southern Oceans exhibit, which showcases marine life from Australia’s southern coast, and Wild Asia, which transports visitors to Southeast Asia’s jungles, are two noteworthy attractions.
As part of its dedication to protecting wildlife, Taronga Zoo participates in breeding initiatives for endangered species, including Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers. In addition, the zoo funds a number of conservation initiatives that prioritize community education, species reintroduction, and habitat restoration.
Taronga Zoo’s aim is centered on education. In order to encourage guests to learn about wildlife and conservation, it provides a variety of educational programs, guided tours, and interactive displays.
Animals: The zoo, which specializes in Australian fauna, also has exotic animals, including Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers.
9. Moscow Zoo
Situated in the center of Moscow, Russia, the Moscow Zoo is among the world’s most renowned and historic zoological parks. Over 6,000 animals from over 1,000 species are housed in the 53-acre zoo, which was founded in 1864 and offers a rich and varied variety of fauna.
With many themed zones that mimic the natural habitats of its animal inhabitants, the zoo is split into two major areas that are joined by a pedestrian bridge. The Big Cats exhibit, which includes tigers, lions, and leopards, and the Polar World exhibit, which houses polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes, are two of the most notable displays.
The Moscow Zoo’s commitment to the preservation of uncommon and endangered animals is one of its main draws. The zoo has successfully produced several endangered animals, including the Persian leopard and the Amur tiger, and takes part in international breeding initiatives. The Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species at the Zoo also strives to protect the genetic variety of uncommon creatures.
Animals: It has a variety of creatures, including elephants and monkeys, as well as native Russian species like Siberian tigers and Amur leopards.
10. London Zoo
Founded in 1828, the London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and is situated in Regent’s Park, London, United Kingdom. It is one of the world’s most diversified zoos, with over 10,000 creatures from over 600 species living on its 36-acre campus.
The zoo offers a distinctive visiting experience because of its iconic and historically significant building and cutting-edge, interactive displays. A few of the notable attractions are the Jungle Life exhibit, which whisks visitors to the Amazon jungle, and the Land of the Lions, which is a reproduction of India’s Gir Forest National Park.
The London Zoo is actively involved in reproducing endangered animals and returning them into the wild, making it a leader in wildlife conservation. Breeding initiatives at the zoo have proven beneficial for animals like Asian lions and Sumatran tigers. Furthermore, with an emphasis on habitat preservation and species recovery, the zoo funds several conservation initiatives internationally.
Animals: A large range of animals are housed there, such as Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, and the well-known Reptile House.
A Table Comparison of the Largest Zoos in the World
| Rank | Zoo | Area | Number of Animal |
| 1 | Toronto Zoo | 710 acre | 16,000 animals |
| 2 | Columbus Zoo | 580 acre | 5,000 animals |
| 3 | Bronx Zoo | 265 acre | 4,000 animals |
| 4 | Beijing Zoo | 219 acre | 14,500 animals |
| 5 | Henry Doorly Zoo | 130 acre | 17,000 animals |
| 6 | San Diego Zoo | 100 acre | 4,000 animals |
| 7 | Berlin Zoological Garden | 86 acre | 17,000 animals |
| 8 | Taronga Zoo | 69 acre | 5,000 animals |
| 9 | Moscow Zoo | 53 acre | 6,000 animals |
| 10 | London Zoo | 36 acre | 10,000 animals |
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Conclusion
These biggest zoos in the world serve as vital hubs for conservation, teaching, and entertainment, in addition to being places where animals are shown. Their vast ecosystems support hundreds of species, and they are essential to maintaining biodiversity worldwide. These zoos motivate people to take action and increase awareness of the value of wildlife conservation through their efforts to breed endangered species, carry out important research, and educate the public. People may help with the continuous effort to protect the rich and diverse natural heritage of our planet for the benefit of current and future generations by visiting and supporting these institutions.
FAQs
Which European Zoo is the Biggest?
Europe’s largest zoo is located in the Berlin suburb of Lichtenberg and is called Tierpark.
Where in the World is the World’s Smallest Zoo?
The world’s smallest zoo is located in Wolverhampton! 24 minuscule creatures may be seen in this dynamic display inside a needle’s eye
Which States in the Union Have the Greatest Concentration of Companies Operating in the Zoo and Aquarium Sectors?
The states with the highest concentration of zoos and aquariums in the US are California (63 companies), Florida (61 businesses), and Texas (50 businesses).
Which Nation Boasts the Greatest Number of Zoos?
At 350, the United States has more zoos than any other nation.
