Zoos are one of the most entertaining places to visit, whether you’re a child or an adult. Today’s zoos are absolutely stunning, with interactive events and adventurous tours. Some of the best zoos in the world are whole-day adventures, where the entire family can make great, long-lasting memories. The experience of bonding with animals at these zoos will be cherished for years by both young and old visitors.
The Best Zoos In The World To Visit With Family
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Arignar Anna Zoological Park, India
The stunning Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the most famous zoos in Vandalur and is the largest zoo in India. It is considered one of the best zoos in the world. This magnificent zoo offers elephant rides, an education center, and a mini children’s playground/park. The zoo’s flora and fauna are unique, adding to the wild environment throughout this establishment. The zoo is located in Chennai, sprawls across 1,260 acres, and houses local and exotic animals. The zoo has 138 different species of animals, including the Himalayan brown bear, lion, tiger, elephant, and much more.
Interesting Fact: Arignar Anna Zoo was established in 1885, making it the oldest public zoo in India.
Read More: 5 Magnificent Kid-Friendly Vacations in the US to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up
Avilon Zoo, Philipines
Discover the vast array of wildlife at Avilon Zoo, the largest zoo in the Philipines and one of the best zoos in the world for family visits. It’s spread over 19 acres and houses over 3,000 individual specimens, including 600 different mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. Guided zoo tours educate guests about local animals and teach them to conserve and protect the natural environment, including animal breeding programs.
The Avilon Zoo is very interactive as it allows guests to get up close and personal with some friendlier animals, including orangutans, miniature horses, and the Philippine eagle owl. Needless to say, if you love interactions with animals, then this is one of the best zoos in the world for you!
Insider Tip: Kids can have fun at the “Farmland” area, feeding rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, bearcats, sheep, and other animals.
Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo, Canada
The beautiful Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo is located in Morpeth, Ontario, and is known by locals as a hidden gem. They feature domestic and exotic animals such as zebras, donkeys, wolves, camels, tigers, lions, jaguars, cougars, and much more. Also, tropical birds, waterfowl, reptiles, and lots of monkeys can be found throughout the zoo.
At the zoo, visitors will find a playground, a splash pad, a picnic area, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop where you can also purchase feed to give to the animals. The Greenview Aviaries is definitely one of the best zoos in the world if you’re interested in exotic animals in a very intimate setting.
Taronga Zoo, Australia
The breathtaking Taronga Zoo is the perfect zoo to visit when you’re in Sydney, Australia. This zoo educates adults and children of all ages about the diversity of animals and the number of amazing animal experiences.
Once you’re there, spread your time between viewing some of the 4,000 animals, listening to the keeper talks and shows, going on a tiger trek, or going wild with the new high ropes course for ages three and older called “Wild Ropes.” An incredible experience offered at the site is the opportunity to become a Taronga Zoo Keeper for a Day. Taronga Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world for engaging animal experiences.
Insider Tip: Enjoy an adventure-filled night at the zoo in a safari-style tent when you stay at the Roar and Snore accommodations.
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Kumasi Zoo, Africa
The Kumasi Zoo (Kumasi Zoological Garden) opened in 1957. It has been a great place for tourist visits. It provides the necessary shelters for all the endangered and rare animals, with around 60 kinds of animals, including buffalo, lions, chimpanzees, rare birds, and reptiles, so bring your camera.
With all these tremendous scenic beauties, the Kumasi zoo is undoubtedly one of the best zoos in the world. It’s located in the Ashanti Region and is spread over an area of 1.5 square kilometers.
Interesting Facts: Kumasi Zoo also houses a scientific research facility and a field laboratory. Researchers study animal behavior, human interaction, and the transmission of diseases. It’s also used to breed endangered wildlife species that are becoming extinct due to logging and hunting. Breeding programs are developed to release animals back to the wild once it is safe. Clearly, this is one of the best zoos in the world and is a strong advocate for the health and study of animals.
Zoologico Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara Zoo is located in the beautiful city of Jalisco, Mexico, and is recognized as Mexico’s largest zoo and one of the best zoos in the world. The zoo is also an ecological reserve spread over an area of one square mile. It hosts close to 4,000 animals belonging to 392 different species, including exotic birds, amphibians, colorful fish, mammals, and reptiles. The place also has a special section called the Veterinary Rancho, where trained vets explain clever techniques of dealing with domestic animals.
Interesting Facts: Guadalajara Zoo started operating in 1988 as a project to promote conservation and research. The zoo has bred the rare Mexican wolf and the endangered Morelet’s crocodile. This Mexican zoo is well known as one of the best zoos in the world.
Beijing Zoo, China
Located in the Xicheng District, the Beijing Zoo is the largest zoo in China. There are over 450 animal species and 500 marine animals in the zoo, making it one of the best zoos in the world.
The Beijing Zoo is home to 14,500 animals, including leopards, gorillas, hippos, pandas, elephants, and dolphins. Lush gardens and trees surround the ancient zoological experience. It features running streams and a lotus pool.
Interesting Facts: The Beijing Zoo was established in 1906, during the late Qing dynasty. It’s the oldest zoo in China and the oldest public park in northern China. It is also known as one of the best zoos in the world.
Read More: Traveling with Kids Around the World
Chester Zoo, England
The infamous Chester Zoo is close to Liverpool and is the most-visited zoo in the UK. Many people think it’s one of the best zoos in the world. This extraordinary zoo is spread out on 125 acres with over 500 different animal species to observe.
It houses the biggest zoo-based butterfly house in the UK, an interactive fruit bat forest with hundreds of bats flying around your head, a walk-through bird center, and Madagascan habitat.
The zoo also includes a parrot breeding center, the wetland aviary, an aquarium, and a lazy river. Some famous animals include jaguars, lions, black rhinos, African painted dogs, tons of monkeys, and macaques. The zoo has more than 35,000 endangered and exotic animals in total. Chester Zoo is the perfect place to have a day full of adventure while discovering and learning more about incredible animals and plants. Children will agree that this is one of the best zoos in the world!
Insider Tip: The Chester Zoo welcomes close to two million visitors per year.
Belize Zoo, Belize
The popular Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is located 29 miles west of Belize City on the Western Highway. Situated on 29 acres, the zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola. It’s home to 175 animals of 48 species, all native to Belize. The natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo. Gravel trails separate the dense, natural vegetation through the forest. The Belize Zoo receives over 68,000 visitors annually, with 15,000 students and teachers.
The Belize Zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize through encountering the animals in their natural habitat. The aim is to instill appreciation, pride, and a desire to protect and conserve Belize’s natural resources. With such a strong education component, the Belize Zoo is quickly becoming one of the best zoos in the world, especially amongst students and teachers.
Interesting Fact: In 2009, the zoo was honored with the Belize Tourism Board’s 9th National Tourism Award, “Educational Award of the Year.”
Detroit Zoo, USA
Detroit Zoo features 125 acres of beautiful exhibits with more than 2,500 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates of 280 different species. A trip through the Arctic Ring of Life exhibit will immerse you in the North Pole, one of the most significant polar bear habitats in North America. The exhibition is also home to arctic foxes and seals, and you also won’t want to miss the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. Detroit Zoo is well known as one of the best zoos in the world, with many new exhibits every year.
Interesting Facts: Detroit Zoo was the first U.S. zoo to offer natural exhibits.
One of the most educational and fulfilling vacations that a family can take is a trip to the zoo. Some of the best zoos in the world have many exotic animals, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to feed animals as well. In addition, the entry fees for many of these zoos help pay for the welfare of their animals and promote education and rescue of animals in need. Visit any of the best zoos in the world as listed in this guide and experience an exciting and educational trip for the whole family!
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