Alabama: Gulf Coast Zoo in Alabama Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores
Visit for the shores, remain for the
Gulf Coast Zoo
With a spooky reptile house (where you might even handle some snakes!), infant kangaroos, and more than 500 distinctive displays, it’s heaven for those who adore animals. Be sure not to skip the popular sloth section, where visitors can interact with and stroke these adorable critters. If you’re unable to visit the zoo yet still have a soft spot for furry quadrupeds rather than humans, consider this option instead.
Add one of these animal-inspired presents to your Christmas list.
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Alaska: The Alaska Zoo located in Anchorage
There’s something
beary
special about the
Alaska Zoo
Not only does this make it the sole zoo in the north, but it also boasts a brand-new Polar Bear Transition Center. Completed by the non-profit organization in 2016, this exclusive center focuses on rehabilitating orphaned polar bear cubs found in nature until they recover their strength (it even includes a specific area designed as a birthing den for expectant mother polar bears). When visiting, be sure to greet Cranbeary, who has recently joined the ranks of the zoo’s collection of bears.
Arizona: The Reid Park Zoo in Tucson
TripAdvisor calls
this small-but-mighty zoo
A “secret treasure” of the Grand Canyon State. The zoo initially opened in the 1960s and has grown and extended its facilities over time. For example,
in April 2019
In 2014, Reid Park Zoo created history by being the site where the first-ever elephant was born in Arizona. Recently, they unveiled a new Mayan temple-themed exhibit designed specifically for a group of four spider monkeys. Discover more!
50 amazing truths about America’s 50 states
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Arkansas: Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, located in Hot Springs
Embrace your inner Steve Irwin at the
Arkansas Alligator Farm
In Hot Springs, you can strike a pose for the ideal photo alongside a baby alligator. Should you prefer not to touch them (which we completely understand), you can still have an interactive experience by feeding the alligators using meat on a stick or make your way to the
petting zoo
For those seeking heartwarming moments with baby goats, emus, and more.
California: San Diego Zoo
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to work as a zookeeper? You can find out through the “Zookeeper for a Day” program at the facility.
San Diego Zoo
Choose between caring for koalas or giraffes, then follow a zookeeper as they feed and interact with the animals and prepare their living spaces. You’ll have the opportunity to enter the animal enclosures and engage in some manual labor. While cargo pants and a safari hat are suggested, they’re not mandatory.
Colorado: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located in Colorado Springs
While Denver boasts being the Mile High City, Colorado Springs offers an equally fascinating attraction: It houses the biggest group of giraffes in the United States! Observe these 16 graceful creatures as they play in their natural savanna environment, purchase a painting made by the animals—think stamped hoof prints—or perhaps feed them some romaine lettuce yourself. Don’t let their strikingly long, purple-black tongues—which can extend up to 20 inches—startle you though! Explore this unique experience at the city’s wildlife sanctuary.
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Connecticut: Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Great things can be found in tiny containers. As seen with
Beardsley Zoo
In Connecticut (the state’s sole zoo!), size isn’t everything when it comes to land area; however, this place boasts an impressive array of creatures and fun activities. Stroll through a simulated tropical rainforest with birds flying above, admire Reka and Zeya—the recently arrived Amur tiger twins—or hop aboard the indoor carousel. You also get the chance to sponsor one of the carousel animals by having your name inscribed on it.
Delaware: Brandywine Zoo, Delaware
The slogan “A New Year, A New Zoo” resonates at this family-oriented destination in Wilmington, which has just introduced a fresh red panda exhibition featuring animals named Rochan and Meri. The display includes a bamboo grove along with hanging structures designed for the creatures’ amusement. This addition is part of their ongoing enhancements.
zoo’s
The $13 million master plan encompasses 17 new exhibitions, increased visitor events, and introduces an animal hospital for rescued or injured wildlife. It seems you might have found your next summer destination…
Florida: Zoo Miami
This is the sole subtropical zoo located within the United States.
Miami must-see
Homes more than 500 animal species and approximately 1,200 distinct types of plants. Notable attractions feature the Kaziranga Camp Rhino Encounter, allowing visitors to feed and interact with the park’s single-horned Indian rhinos, as well as the Mission Everglades exhibit, offering boat rides through Florida’s marshy terrain. Here, guests could catch sight of a majestic bald eagle flying above or an alligator cruising alongside the watercraft! Explore
The coziest quaint town in every state
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Georgia: Zoo Atlanta
There’s plenty to appreciate here.
Zoo Atlanta
, like the
giant panda
Check out the exhibit (one of just four U.S. zoos housing these adorable critters) or participate in the Wild Encounters, which allow visitors to get up close and personal by feeding their favorite animals such as elephants or even lions. However, one of the most recent attractions drawing crowds across all age groups is the Treeton Trail—a suspended rope walkway above the zoo that culminates in a thrilling zip line descent from top to bottom.
Hawaii: The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, located in Hilo
Imagine you believe you must travel all the way to South America to explore a genuine rainforest? Think twice. Once you enter
this Hawaii hotspot
At this unique tropical zoo in the U.S., you’ll get the sensation of being deep within the Amazon, encircled by massive orchids, towering bamboo forests, and around 80 distinct animal varieties. As you meander through the simulated rainforest—experiencing more than 125 inches of annual rainfall—you can observe spider monkeys and lemurs leaping among the branches while listening to the vibrant calls of vividly colored parrots.
Idaho: Yellowstone Bear World, located in Rexburg
No visit to Yellowstone is complete without stopping at
this drive-through
—We’re not referring to something as simple as ordering a Happy Meal here. In this location, you have the opportunity to traverse through the rugged expanse of Rocky Mountain wilderness and observe bison, white-tailed deer, wolves, and even grizzly bears roaming freely. For those who dare, after completing your adventure, you might also get to touch and feed one of the young bear cubs!
Illinois: Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Along with
These 20 indulgences are enjoyable at any age.
, nobody surpasses the joy of the zoo experience. For instance? In Chicago’s
Brookfield Zoo
, you can grab a drink to enjoy as you walk around. Of course, staying hydrated is important as you explore the 250 acres filled with incredible displays such as the famous Tropic World, home to primates including orangutans and gorillas, or the Australia House, where—you guessed it—bats soar above your head.
Indiana: Indianapolis Zoo
You may not consider Indiana as a destination for interacting with dolphins, but that’s precisely what you can experience there.
Indianapolis Zoo
When you visit, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to feed and interact with the marine mammals. Don’t forget to meet Aurora and Pakak, the Pacific walruses; they are among just eleven such creatures in North American zoos. If you go,
actually
Swimming with dolphins? Find out where you can do that, along with 17 additional once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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Des Moines: Blank Park Zoo, Iowa
If you’re searching for the top zoo in Iowa—and indeed, the sole accredited one—there’s no need to look beyond this place.
Blank Park Zoo
Just outside of Des Moines lies your destination. The first item on the schedule is Hub Harbor, famous for its captivating sea lion shows where these young seals leap from the water and execute astounding stunts. Afterward, explore the remainder of the park; perhaps take a leisurely turn on the vintage carousel or opt instead for an exhilarating $10 camel ride.
Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo, located in Wichita
Is that Dumbo? Home to the planet’s largest elephant enclosure with an astounding capacity of 550,000 gallons, the Zambezi River Valley exhibit at this location features
Kansas zoo
Is the third largest in the nation and houses a group of seven large African elephants. Should you find yourself drawn to one of the adopted safari animals, you have the option to become a Zoo Pal and “adopt” an elephant to claim as yours!
Kentucky: The Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Located in Horse Cave
Hey there! Head down under over here.
Australian-themed park
In the heart of Kentucky, you can interact with kangaroos, hand-feed colorful rainbow lorikeets, and marvel at an extremely rare white bison. Afterward, join a guided exploration through Mammoth Onyx Cave to see the fascinating “cave cauliflower” formations and breathtaking stalactites. Should this experience spark your interest in visiting authentic Australia afterward,
Here are the top-traveled locations within the nation.
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Louisiana: Audubon Zoo in New Orleans
You could be right at the center of New Orleans, but once you enter through the gates,
Audobon Zoo
As soon as you arrive, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a Lowcountry swamp. Walk beneath the hanging Spanish moss where legendary white alligators glide through the dark water, and witness critically endangered whooping cranes flying above. Don’t forget to visit the Jaguar Jungle before leaving, to see felines and bats up close.
Maine: York’s Wild Kingdom
Discussing a one-stop shop, we can talk about the town of York’s.
Wild Kingdom
On the New England coastline, you’ll find all your heart desires in a single location: a zoo, an amusement park, an 18-hole mini-golf course, paddleboat rentals, and even a spooky haunted house—there truly is something for every visitor. However, should you have to pick just one must-see attraction, it would be Rewa, the sole white Bengal tiger at the zoo and the only such creature in the entire state.
Maryland: The Maryland Zoo, located in Baltimore
Part wildlife, part history lesson (established in 1876), the
Maryland Zoo
In Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park lies the country’s third oldest zoo. While every one of the 160 acres deserves exploration, families with young children should particularly make their way to the acclaimed Children’s Zoo, which offers a plethora of engaging activities, exciting play areas for climbing, and opportunities for interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes or combing through goat fur.
Massachusetts: The Franklin Park Zoo, located in Boston,
Believe zoos are only meant for children? Think twice.
Franklin Park Zoo
In Boston, for example, there are various events tailored for adults (and sometimes these activities can be quite adult-oriented).
only
Throughout the year, various events take place, such as wine tasting sessions and the yearly Brew at the Zoo festival. If you’re visiting with children, explore the open-flight areas like vibrant Butterfly Hollow or the Aussie Aviary, where a bird could perch on your shoulder!
Michigan: Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak
There are typical penguin exhibitions, and then there’s the one at the
Detroit Zoo
In Michigan, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center stands as the largest penguin facility globally, housing more than 75 birds representing four distinct species within its 326,000-gallon habitat. Visitors can admire these creatures through an underwater tunnel. Should you have a slight obsession with penguins, consider this:
13 facts you probably weren’t aware of regarding the penguin species
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Minnesota: Como Park Zoo, located in Saint Paul
The
Como Park Zoo
That’s precisely where you ought to find yourself on any given Thursday if you reside in the vicinity of Minnesota. This is due to the fact that each Thursday throughout April, the zoo organizes its Lil’ Explorer event. During this time, children have the opportunity for an exclusive look at the animals, listen to story readings, and engage in educational games. As an added bonus, both the zoo and conservatory offer free admission, allowing you and your little ones to discover the 25 distinct exhibitions available afterwards.
Mississippi: Hattiesburg Zoo
“I’ve never heard anyone say they don’t like sloths.” This is precisely why the Sloth Experience at theصند
Hattiesburg Zoo
Serving as a significant attraction, who wouldn’t love to personally interact with and cuddle these adorable, fuzzy animals? Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to create meals for the sloths and gain knowledge from an experienced zookeeper. For those unable to make the trip, viewing the Sloth Cam online offers another way to catch sight of Maple, the young sloth that was recently born during the summertime.
Missouri: St. Louis Zoo
The
best zoo
In Missouri, it’s essentially a solo performance—or should we say, a one-person show?
bear
Visitors come from across the state to visit Kali (pronounced “Cully”), the 1,150-pound polar bear who was saved from Alaska’s wilds in 2013 when he was just a cub. At age five, he has turned into an iconic figure at McDonnell Polar Bear Point in St. Louis. You and your children have the opportunity to sleep overnight in sleeping bags right under the underwater viewing area of his habitat! Don’t miss this experience.
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Montana: ZooMontana, Billings
Nestled amidst the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains, ZooMontana takes pride in describing itself as more of a habitat rather than just another zoo.
Montana must-visit
It primarily features northern animals such as wolves, bears, and tigers living in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats closely. For children aspiring to work with wildlife someday, we offer a junior zookeeper experience for a day; participants will also get a patch and a certificate to keep.
Nebraska: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha
Two words—Desert Dome: This display at theصند
Henry Doorly Zoo
Is the biggest indoor desert globally (and it also boasts the planet’s most extensive geodesic dome), making it an essential addition to your Midwest must-see list. Stroll through the sweltering, dry environments crafted to mimic those found in Africa, Asia, and the southern U.S., home to creatures like cobras, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and many others. For some respite from the heat, head beneath the desert to the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, which will introduce you to various nocturnal animals.
Nevada: Sierra Safari Zoo in Reno
The wildest spot in Nevada can hardly match the untamed nature of the Las Vegas Strip.
Sierra Safari Zoo
. The Reno park showcases a variety of exotic creatures—including six distinct monkey species and eight types of wild felines—providing sanctuary for these animals without a place to call home, be it former laboratory residents or those displaced due to zoos shutting down. Be sure not to overlook the stunning white tigers that enjoy basking in the sunlight during pleasant weather days.
New Hampshire: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, located in Holderness,
If anywhere can make education enjoyable, it’s this place.
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
nestled in New Hampshire. Begin your exploration with a stroll along the exhibition path (expect to dedicate about two to three hours as you meander through various animal habitats, so consider bringing a packed lunch!), followed by a cruise around the adjacent lake. Should the little ones still be brimming with energy, direct them towards the play area, where they can clamber over the massive spiderweb structure.
Cape May County Park & Zoo is located in New Jersey.
The acreage totals: 200. The animal count exceeds 550. Entry cost: Absolutely worth it. There’s nothing quite like an exhilarating (and free!) day trip to make your day complete.
Cape May County Park and Zoo
Open daily excluding Christmas, this zoo features popular attractions like the ring-tailed lemur group, stunning snow leopards, and rare red pandas. Don’t miss the reptile and amphibian exhibit, which houses vibrantly colored toxic tree frogs. Come discover more!
top state fair or celebration in every state
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New Mexico: Albuquerque Zoo
One of the benefits of the
Albuquerque Zoo
The range of programs available daily at the facility includes various family-oriented events such as feeding sessions for animals, storytelling led by zookeepers, and opportunities to interact with alpacas and llamas. Don’t miss out on visiting the Carnivores exhibit, home to some of Earth’s most formidable hunters ranging from polar bears to jaguars.
New York: Bronx Zoo
When it pertains to the
Bronx Zoo
the real question is not about what activities are available, but rather what
isn’t
There’s plenty to see at this bustling urban zoo, which houses more than 6,000 creatures. From colorful birds flying overhead in the aviary to elusive tigers hidden beneath the Wild Asia monorail, there’s something for everyone. For those fond of spine-tingling encounters, the World of Reptiles exhibit features a massive anaconda among other fascinating critters.
North Carolina: The North Carolina Zoo located in Asheboro
Who could have imagined that the planet’s biggest natural habitat?
zoo
Is tucked away in the quaint town of Asheboro, North Carolina? You will surely require a full day to discover everything this park offers, ranging from exploring the savannas via the Zoofari ride to meeting the recently acquired Yura, the wild polar bear. If you’re curious about what gems other states might be concealing,
Take a look at this compilation of hidden gems in each state.
North Dakota: Red River Zoo, located in Fargo
While the
Red River Zoo
boasts more than 300 creatures across 75 distinct species, with a particular focus on endangered animals such as Pallas cats and recently introduced black-footed ferrets. Under the Species Survival Plan, this zoo stands out as the sole facility capable of breeding specific rare species, ensuring an ongoing supply of charming newborns, including a litter of Pallas’ cats born last spring. Below are
11 exotic creatures you might not have known are facing extinction
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Ohio: Cincinnati Zoo
Next time you visit Cincinnati, you might frequently hear people mention Fiona, the beloved female hippo weighing around 1,000 pounds. This premature-born animal gained popularity after being cared for publicly and now enjoys status as an internationally recognized figure and social media sensation with her very own show at theincinnati Zoo.
zoo
Indeed, truly—it’s titled “The Fiona Show.”
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Zoo
Explore the foggy rainforests during your journey
Oklahoma City Zoo
as you search for fiery orangutans, swinging chimpanzees and the real crowd favorite: the two troops of gorillas that live in the zoo’s Great EscApe exhibit. But if you’re more into the tropical Caribbean than bamboo-filled Asia, fear not—just make your way over to the Island Life exhibit, where you’ll find flamingoes, boa constrictors, and the great Galapagos tortoises.
Oregon: The Oregon Zoo, located in Portland,
Portland is renowned for its eccentricity, so it comes as no surprise that its zoo stands out just as much. Rather than featuring African elephants, the
Oregon Zoo
Over the past five decades, she has devoted herself to breeding and saving Asian elephants, known for their smaller size and lower numbers. For example, consider Chendra, a 25-year-old female who stands as the sole Bornean pygmy elephant residing in the United States today.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
The
Philadelphia Zoo
boasts the distinction of being the nation’s oldest zoo, having opened more than 150 years ago. Today, it remains vibrant, featuring notable attractions such as Big Cat Falls, where visitors can observe leopards, lions, and tigers roaming freely, and Carnivore Kingdom, which was home to the first white lion cub born in the United States.
Rhode Island: The Roger Williams Park Zoo, located in Providence
Interestingly enough, some of the best features of Rhode Island’s sole
zoo
aren’t even related to animals. For instance, at Carousel Village, children have the opportunity to enjoy a ride on the historic carousel, leap about in the bouncy castle, or embark on a gentle horseback journey through the park. Similarly, there’s the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, which showcases more than a quarter-million ancient artifacts and fossils.
Riverbanks Zoo is located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Not every person from South Carolina lives on sweet tea. There are others, such as the charming marsupials at the
Riverbank Zoo
Koalas in the ‘s Koala Knockout exhibit have a preference for eucalyptus leaves. Meanwhile, creatures such as the harbor seals at Sea Lion Landing enjoy feasting on slippery raw fish. If you wish to get close-up experiences with these animals, consider planning your visits according to the schedule of feeding times and interactive sessions.
South Dakota: Home of Bear Country USA, Located in Rapid City
Fasten your seatbelts, bear-tracking explorers. As you journey for three miles along the appropriately named route,
Bear Country park
Keep an eye out for elk, wolves, and bears. If you’re fortunate, you might spot some adorable cubs frolicking in the hills as their mother watches over them.
Tennessee: Memphis Zoo
You will have to reserve nearly five hours to journey through the animal-packed paradise that is the
Memphis Zoo
Make sure to visit the latest exhibition, Zambezi River Hippo Camp, where Nile crocodiles lounge on sunlit shores as vibrant pink flamingos and voracious hippos play in the waters. During the colder months when you’re at the zoo, lace up your skates and glide across the outdoor ice rink illuminated by one million twinkling Christmas lights.
Texas: San Antonio Zoo
If there’s one thing this Texas
zoo
What they want you to do is head outdoors and have some fun. This spot in San Antonio houses the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot, which is the country’s premier children’s zoo designed exclusively for those under five years old. Here, you can find various special activities that will captivate young minds for extended periods. Join a bug hunt, create monkey snacks (and see the monkeys relish them), or scurry through underground passages as though you were a prairie dog.
Utah: Hogle Zoo, located in Salt Lake City
Envision yourself face-to-face with a scarce snow leopard, with a Siberian lynx close by. This is precisely what you will encounter at Utah’s finest attraction.
zoo
, where the Asian Highlands showcase highlights some of the globe’s most breathtaking (and critically endangered) large cats. Observe them leaping and prowling through the reconstructed Himalayan Village, before moving on to Grandma’s House where you will gain insights into these formidable felines from, yes, an amusing grandmother who also shares a folk tale or two. Make sure not to overlook this portion.
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Vermont: ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington
The nearest place resembling a real zoo in Vermont is the
ECHO Leahy Center
It leans more towards being an aquarium rather than an animal kingdom. However, despite having fewer cuddly creatures, it compensates with engaging and informative activities suitable for everyone. Observe a daily snake feeding session, enjoy interacting at the touch tidal pool area, or dive into an instructive VR experience where your mission is to rescue Lake Champlain.
Virginia: Metro Richmond Zoo, Mosely
Get acquainted with Kumbali and Kago, the unexpected pair who claim this place as their own.
Metro Richmond Zoo
At home (alongside more than 2,000 other creatures) lies a duo that captures the affection of everyone who visits. The special bond between them stems from their distinct backgrounds: Kumbali is a young cheetah, whereas Kago is a playful pup. Rescued by the zoo in 2015, these two have remained inseparable ever since and visiting them at this attraction in Virginia is highly recommended. However, should your plans not permit such an outing,
Here are 50 incredibly charming puppy pictures that are nearly as endearing.
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Seattle: Woodland Park Zoo, Washington
Situated in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge district, this 92-acre area is located here.
zoo
is renowned for its conservation initiatives, working to protect wildlife and their natural environments globally. In the zoo located in Washington, visitors can observe threatened orangutans swinging through the simulated rainforest abovehead, and join in celebrating your beloved creature’s antics.
birthday
(The zoo provides each of its inhabitants, including the rhinos, with their very own “cakes!”), or come see the newly arrived rare red panda cubs, Zeya and Ila.
West Virginia: The West Virginia Zoo, located in Kingwood
Previously known as Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo, this wildlife destination embodies the untamed charm of its home state’s motto. Operating annually from April through October, it stands out as one of West Virginia’s premier attractions.
zoo
is a must for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with the critters. Buy a bag of treats to feed the monkeys and giraffes (some of whom are national celebs, having starred in commercials, ads, and even movies), or get your picture taken with the lion cubs.
Wisconsin: Henry Vilas Zoo, located in Madison,
When the Vilas family gifted the land for the zoo to the city of Madison in honor of their son, they made only one condition: the zoo should never impose an entry fee. Hence, regardless of whether you wish to dedicate your whole day or merely a few hours to exploring this park, everything remains entirely free—making it one of ten zoos that do not require payment from visitors. For your information, the latest addition to the zoo, known as Arctic Passage, features the biggest exhibition yet; here, guests can enjoy underwater views of polar bears, seals, and grizzly bears.
Wyoming: Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary, located in Hartsville
Did you know this interesting tidbit? Wyoming doesn’t have an official zoo. However, there’s a special haven for animal enthusiasts located here.
Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary
Nestled within Platte County, this is the sole refuge in the entire nation dedicated to rehabilitating various ex-research and laboratory creatures ranging from felines to equines. Keep in mind that you must make a reservation should you wish to stay overnight in one of their yurt accommodations onsite. For more information, continue exploring below.
weirdest creature in every state
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