Which Zoo To Go To?

There are many zoos across the US, over 200 to be specific. Many zoos have been visited and rated, and there is a list of the best zoos across the US.

Topping out the list is the San Diego Zoo. San Diego features more than 800 species of animals on 100 acres. Animals live in exhibits that are often similar to their natural habitat. Often, animals that co-existed in the wild together will co-exist together in the exhibit. The San Diego Zoo also features a large collection of rare plants and grows much of the food used to feed the animals, such as bamboo and eucalyptus.

Next on the list is Lowry Park Zoo. Lowry has more than 180 animals, including many Florida species, all housed on 56 acres. Lowry Park Zoo was rated one of the top zoos to take children to. Some features include exhibits where patrons can feed the animals. Lowry Park is very active in conservation of many animals, including orangutans, African elephants and chimpanzees. Coming in third on the list is the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. The park is split between two locations; 163 acres at Rock Creek Park and a 3,200 acre conservation and research center near Shenandoah National Park. The conservation center is not open to the public. The National Zoo is best known for its exhibits, such as the Giant Pandas, the Cheetah Conservation Station and Amazonia (a simulated rainforest.)

Coming in last on the list, is Saint Louis Zoo. Saint Louis houses more than 17,900 exotic animals, and features a climate controlled penguin habitat and the new fragile forest; which provides natural habitat to Orangutans and Western Lowland Gorillas. The Saint Louis Zoo also provides educational services to more the 200,000 adults and children a year.

Weather you live nearby or far away, agree or disagree, these zoos top the list of the best American zoos. Some other places that didn't make the list, but are worth mentioning are Disney's Animal Kingdom, Sea World, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. So take a trip and visit one of these great zoos, parks and aquariums. You'll be glad you did.