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The most beautiful zoos in the world

This collection brings together major zoological gardens and aquariums from around the world. These institutions house extensive animal collections and participate actively in conservation programs for threatened species. They operate modern facilities dedicated to education and scientific research. From North America to Europe, Asia, and Oceania, these establishments allow visitors to observe global wildlife in appropriate habitats. The zoos and aquariums combine recreation with education about ecosystems, animal behavior, and conservation needs. Many facilities collaborate internationally to support the preservation of endangered populations.

Loro Parque
Loro Parque

Tenerife, Spain

Loro Parque is a zoological garden in northern Tenerife that houses over 4,000 parrots from more than 350 species across its 13.5-hectare site. The park was founded in 1972 and has developed into a facility specializing in the conservation of endangered animal species. Visitors can observe dolphins, orcas, sea lions and penguins in various shows. The aquarium features a tunnel system through which sharks and other marine life swim. The park operates several breeding programs for endangered species and supports conservation projects worldwide. The facility includes themed areas such as a Thai village section and a gorilla habitat with tropical vegetation.

San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo

San Diego, United States

San Diego Zoo houses over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species across 40 hectares in Balboa Park. This zoological institution operates international breeding programs for endangered species including giant pandas, koalas, and gorillas. The facilities feature multiple climate zones with naturalistic habitats, such as the African Rocks area and the Tiger River zone. The conservation research institute conducts scientific projects dedicated to protecting threatened animal species worldwide.

Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo

Singapore

The Singapore Zoo spans 28 hectares of tropical rainforest and houses over 2,800 animals representing more than 300 species. This zoological park has largely eliminated bars and cages in favor of moats, vegetation, and glass barriers that recreate natural habitats. Visitors can observe orangutans during breakfast sessions, approach the elephant herd, and walk through a zone where lemurs roam freely. The park is committed to conservation and education programs, offering daily feeding sessions and animal presentations.

ZooParc de Beauval
ZooParc de Beauval

Saint-Aignan, France

The ZooParc de Beauval spans 44 hectares in the Loire Valley and houses more than 35,000 animals representing over 800 species. This zoological park is the only facility in France to host giant pandas, which reside in a dedicated habitat. The grounds include several thematic areas, among them a greenhouse for equatorial birds, a manatee pool, and an African savanna. The tropical greenhouse provides habitat for numerous primate species, while the aquarium displays marine life from various oceans. The park participates in international breeding programs for endangered species and supports conservation projects in multiple countries.

Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Zoo spans 58 hectares along the Vltava River and houses more than 4,700 animals representing over 670 species. This institution was founded in 1931 and has developed into one of the leading zoological gardens in Europe. The zoo actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species, including Przewalski's horses, whose reintroduction to Mongolia is coordinated here. The grounds feature various themed areas such as the Indonesian Jungle, African Savanna, and Valley of the Elephants. The facilities have been designed according to modern standards to closely replicate the natural habitats of the animals.

Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo

Toronto, Canada

Toronto Zoo spans 287 hectares and houses more than 16,000 animals representing over 450 species. This facility, opened in 1974, is organized into seven geographic zones that recreate different habitats from the African savanna to Canadian wilderness. The zoo actively participates in conservation programs and scientific research. Visitors can observe pandas, gorillas, polar bears, and numerous native species. The grounds feature walking trails, a zoomobile service, and educational facilities for all ages.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Chennai, India

Arignar Anna Zoological Park covers an area of 510 hectares and ranks among the largest zoological facilities in India. The park houses more than 1500 animals representing 170 different species, including Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian elephants, and rhinoceros. The facility features various themed sections that recreate different habitats, along with a butterfly house and a reptile house. The park is located approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Chennai city center and opened in 1985.

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Pretoria, South Africa

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa spans 85 hectares in northern Pretoria and houses over 9,000 animals representing more than 700 species. This zoo was established in 1899 and ranks among the largest zoological facilities on the African continent. The grounds include an aquarium, a reptile house, and a night house for nocturnal animals. Visitors can explore the enclosures on foot or take the cable car across the property. The zoo participates in numerous conservation programs for endangered species and conducts scientific research projects.

Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo

New York, United States

The Bronx Zoo opened in 1899 and covers 107 hectares in northern New York. This facility houses over 6,000 animals representing approximately 700 species. The zoo organizes its grounds into geographic zones such as the African Plains, where lions, zebras and giraffes roam, and Wild Asia, accessible by monorail. The Congo Gorilla Forest provides encounters with western lowland gorillas in a recreated rainforest setting. The zoo conducts conservation programs for endangered species and participates in wildlife biology research projects.

Zoo de La Flèche
Zoo de La Flèche

La Flèche, France

Zoo de la Flèche spans 18 hectares in the Loire Valley and houses over 1500 animals representing 160 different species. This zoological park was established in 1946 and has developed expertise in presenting large predators alongside educational programs. The facility organizes commented feedings and offers encounters with animal keepers. The park features several themed zones representing different continents and participates in conservation programs for endangered species.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha, United States

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium spans 53 hectares in the heart of Omaha and houses over 17,000 animals representing 962 species. The Desert Dome forms the world's largest indoor desert habitat, showcasing ecosystems from three continents beneath a geodesic structure. The Lied Jungle encompasses seven hectares of rainforest with free-roaming primates, tropical birds, and a network of trails through multiple canopy levels. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium contains an 850,000-liter shark tank and recreated marine environments.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus, United States

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium spans 234 hectares and houses over 10,000 animals representing more than 600 species. The facility is organized into themed regions including Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, and Polar Frontier. The attached aquarium features marine habitats with coral reefs, mangroves, and river systems. The zoo participates in international breeding programs for endangered species and conducts field research projects in 70 countries. Educational programs serve school groups and families throughout the year.

Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo

Beijing, China

Beijing Zoo was established in 1906 and covers an area of 89 hectares in the western part of the Chinese capital. The zoological garden houses more than 14,500 animals representing approximately 950 different species. The facility is particularly known for its collection of giant pandas, which are kept in a dedicated enclosure. The zoo features several themed sections, including areas for African animals, primates, and marine mammals. The Beijing Zoo aquarium displays numerous fish species and marine life. The facility serves purposes of recreation, education, and species conservation.

Berlin Zoological Garden
Berlin Zoological Garden

Berlin, Germany

Berlin Zoological Garden was established in 1844, making it the oldest zoo in Germany. This institution houses over 20,000 animals representing more than 1,300 species, presenting one of the most extensive animal collections worldwide. The grounds span 33 hectares in the heart of the capital and combine historical architecture with modern animal facilities. Visitors can observe elephants, giant pandas, gorillas, and numerous other mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The zoo actively participates in international conservation programs for endangered species.

Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo

Sydney, Australia

Taronga Zoo sits on the shores of Sydney Harbour and houses over 4,000 animals from more than 350 species. This institution focuses on the conservation of Australian fauna, including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. The zoo provides educational programs to raise awareness about endangered species and participates in international breeding programs. Visitors can explore the enclosures through various themed pathways while enjoying views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The park features modern facilities that recreate the natural habitats of the animals.

Moscow Zoo
Moscow Zoo

Moscow, Russia

Moscow Zoo was established in 1864 and ranks among the oldest zoological gardens in Europe. It houses more than 8000 animals representing over 1000 species across its 21.5-hectare grounds. The facility includes several themed sections, such as an exotarium featuring reptiles and amphibians, a dolphinarium, and enclosures for big cats, bears, and primates. The zoo participates in international breeding programs for endangered species and provides educational programs for visitors of all ages.

London Zoo
London Zoo

London, United Kingdom

London Zoo opened in 1828 and is recognized as the world's oldest scientific zoo. This institution of the Zoological Society of London houses over 750 animal species across 15 hectares in Regent's Park. The zoo actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species and operates research facilities dedicated to animal health and conservation. Visitors can explore Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, and the Reptile House, one of the first of its kind worldwide.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon, Portugal

The Oceanário de Lisboa displays over 8,000 marine animals in a central tank holding 5,000 cubic meters of water, representing four different ocean habitats. The facility houses sharks, rays, ocean sunfish, and numerous fish species from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and polar oceans. Exhibition areas feature coastal ecosystems with penguins, sea otters, and seabirds alongside the underwater zones.

Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo

Chester, United Kingdom

Chester Zoo spans 51 hectares in the English county of Cheshire and houses more than 35,000 animals representing over 500 different species. This zoological institution was established in 1931 and has developed into one of Europe's leading centres for species conservation. The enclosures are organised by geographical zones, including African savannahs, Southeast Asian rainforests, and South American wetlands. The zoo operates numerous conservation programmes for endangered species such as the Sumatran orangutan, African elephant, and black rhinoceros. The education centre provides programmes for school groups and families focusing on topics including biodiversity and ecosystems.

Oceanogràfic
Oceanogràfic

Valencia, Spain

Oceanogràfic Valencia covers an area of 110,000 square meters and houses more than 45,000 marine animals from 500 different species. The facility is divided into ten themed areas representing various marine habitats, including the Mediterranean, polar regions, tropics, and oceans. The dolphinarium offers daily presentations featuring bottlenose dolphins, while the underwater tunnel system allows visitors to observe sharks, rays, and other marine life at close range. The Red Sea tank displays coral reefs with tropical fish, and the Arctic zone presents beluga whales and walruses in climate-controlled environments.

Pairi Daiza
Pairi Daiza

Brugelette, Belgium

Pairi Daiza covers 75 hectares in the Walloon region and houses over 7,000 animals from 700 different species. The park is divided into themed worlds including the Chinese Garden, the Indonesian Kingdom, and the African Savannah. The grounds incorporate historical buildings from the former Cambron Abbey dating back to the 12th century. Visitors can observe giant pandas, Siberian tigers, koalas, and walruses. The botanical garden features over 5,000 plant species. Pairi Daiza offers overnight accommodation in various lodge concepts within the animal enclosures.

Valencia Bioparc
Valencia Bioparc

Valencia, Spain

Bioparc Valencia covers ten hectares on the outskirts of the Spanish city. This zoological park eliminates visible bars and fences, using natural barriers such as water moats, rock formations and vegetation instead. The enclosures recreate authentic African habitats including savannahs, wetlands and forest areas. Visitors can observe elephants, gorillas, rhinoceros and numerous bird species. The design allows direct sightlines between different animal species, reflecting natural ecosystem interactions that would occur in the wild.

Schönbrunn Zoo
Schönbrunn Zoo

Vienna, Austria

Tiergarten Schönbrunn was founded in 1752 and is the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world. This zoological facility is located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace and houses over 700 animal species. The zoo combines historic architecture with modern animal enclosures and research facilities. Visitors can observe pandas, koalas, elephants and numerous other species from all continents. Tiergarten Schönbrunn actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species and has received multiple awards as the best zoo in Europe.

La Palmyre Zoo
La Palmyre Zoo

Les Mathes, France

Zoo de La Palmyre spans 18 hectares of pine forest along the Atlantic coast and houses more than 1,600 animals representing 115 different species. This zoological garden was established in 1966 and welcomes over 700,000 visitors annually. The facility features mammals, birds and reptiles in spacious enclosures, including African elephants, gorillas, white rhinoceros and Siberian tigers. The walking circuit guides visitors through various geographic zones, allowing observation of animals in habitats designed to reflect their natural environments.

Paris Zoological Park
Paris Zoological Park

Paris, France

The Parc Zoologique de Paris is located in the Bois de Vincennes and houses over 2,000 animals from more than 180 species. This zoo spans 14.5 hectares and is organized into five biozones that recreate different ecosystems from around the world: Patagonia, Sahel-Sudan, Europe, Amazonia-Guyana, and Madagascar. The enclosures are designed to provide animals with environments that resemble their natural habitats. The park offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, focusing on conservation and biodiversity. Residents include giraffes, penguins, wolves, manatees, and lemurs.

Wow Safari Thoiry
Wow Safari Thoiry

Thoiry, France

Zoo de Thoiry spans 380 hectares in the Yvelines department, combining different visitor experiences. The safari park allows observations of lions, bears, rhinoceros and elephants from personal vehicles. The traditional zoo section presents lemurs, reptiles and tropical birds in themed areas. The grounds also include a 16th-century Renaissance castle open for visits. The park participates in breeding programs for endangered species and offers educational activities for various age groups.

Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo

Sunshine Coast Regional, Australia

Australia Zoo spans 40 hectares in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and houses over 1,200 animals representing more than 100 species. This facility was established by the Irwin family and actively works to protect endangered species. The zoo features the world's largest crocodile enclosure, a modern wildlife hospital, and several interactive areas where visitors can encounter kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. Daily presentations provide education about the behavior and ecology of Australian wildlife species.

Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo

Tokyo, Japan

Ueno Zoo opened in 1882 and stands as Japan's oldest zoological garden. Located in central Tokyo, this institution houses over 3,000 animals representing approximately 400 different species. The zoo spans 14 hectares and is divided into two sections connected by a monorail line. Main attractions include giant pandas, which reside at the zoo through an agreement with China, along with various Asian species such as tigers, elephants, and Japanese macaques.

GramadoZoo
GramadoZoo

Gramado, Brazil

GramadoZoo is located in the city of Gramado in Rio Grande do Sul state and spans 15 hectares within the Atlantic rainforest. This facility houses over 1,500 animals representing more than 150 different species, including numerous native Brazilian species as well as exotic animals from other continents. The zoo features naturalistic enclosures designed to replicate the animals' original habitats and places strong emphasis on species conservation and environmental education. Visitors can walk along forest trails while observing lions, tigers, monkeys, birds, and reptiles in settings that simulate their natural environments.

Lisbon Zoo
Lisbon Zoo

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Zoo is located in the São Domingos de Benfica district and covers an area of 16 hectares. The facility houses over 2000 animals representing approximately 300 different species, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The park features thematic areas representing different continents and habitats, as well as a dolphinarium and a cable car that provides visitors with an overview of the grounds.

Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park

Maspalomas, Spain

Palmitos Park sits in a valley near Maspalomas, combining botanical collections with animal exhibits. The park houses over a thousand exotic birds, including parrots and birds of prey, alongside an orchid collection. Visitors can watch flight demonstrations and walk through subtropical gardens featuring palms, cacti and succulents. The butterfly house displays various species in a natural setting. The aquarium presents freshwater and saltwater fish. The park extends across a natural valley and offers walking paths through its landscaped gardens.

Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Zoo was established in 1913 and spans 33 hectares on the southern slope of Corstorphine Hill. This institution houses over 1000 animals representing more than 170 species and actively participates in conservation programmes for endangered wildlife. The zoo is recognized for its successful breeding of giant pandas and collaborates with international organizations dedicated to protecting threatened species. Visitors can explore various habitats including the penguin enclosure, koala territory, and chimpanzee forest. The facility combines educational programmes with scientific research and contributes to global species conservation efforts.

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AroundUs is a community-driven map of interesting places, built by curious explorers like you. It grows with every review, story, and photo you share.
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