1. The Wilds – Cumberland, Ohio (9,154 acres)
Topping the list as the largest zoo in America, The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, is more than just a zoo—it’s a sprawling conservation center dedicated to providing vast, open landscapes for animals to roam. Unlike traditional zoos, The Wilds operates more like a safari park, with rolling grasslands, lakes, and forests that house rare and endangered species. Visitors explore the grounds through guided open-air bus tours rather than walking between exhibits. This unique setup allows animals to live in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats. With over 9,000 acres of space, The Wilds is home to species like rhinos, cheetahs, and bison, all thriving in wide, open spaces.
The most famous resident of The Wilds is probably the southern white rhinoceros, a species that has benefited greatly from conservation efforts here. These rhinos, once on the brink of extinction due to poaching, have found a safe haven at The Wilds, where breeding programs have helped boost their numbers. Seeing these massive creatures roam across the Ohio landscape is a surreal experience, especially knowing their history of endangerment. The Wilds also stands out for its work with African painted dogs, one of the world’s most endangered canids, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about wildlife conservation.
2. North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, North Carolina (2,600 acres)
Covering a stunning 2,600 acres, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is the largest walk-through zoo in the world. This massive space is divided into two main regions—North America and Africa—allowing visitors to experience different ecosystems as they wander through the expansive grounds. Unlike many zoos that use smaller enclosures, the North Carolina Zoo prides itself on creating vast habitats that give animals more room to move and behave naturally. With plans to add an Asia section in the near future, the zoo continues to expand its reach, bringing more species into thoughtfully designed environments.
Among its most beloved residents is Nikita, a polar bear who has become a crowd favorite over the years. Polar bears require large, well-maintained spaces to stay active and healthy, and this zoo has done an incredible job in providing that. Nikita’s playful antics in the water and impressive size make him a highlight for visitors. The zoo is also known for its breeding and conservation programs, particularly with gorillas and red wolves, both of which have benefited from its efforts. With its commitment to education and conservation, the North Carolina Zoo remains one of the most impressive wildlife destinations in the country.
3. San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Escondido, California (1,800 acres)
While the San Diego Zoo itself is world-famous, its lesser-known but much larger counterpart, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, spans 1,800 acres of stunning landscapes. Designed to replicate the African savanna, the park allows animals like giraffes, rhinos, and elephants to roam freely across massive enclosures rather than being confined to small habitats. Guests can experience this up close through safari-style tours, giving them an immersive look at the behaviors of these incredible animals in a setting that feels far removed from traditional zoos. This approach has made it one of the most celebrated wildlife experiences in the country.
One of its most famous animal residents is Nola, a northern white rhinoceros who was one of the last of her kind before her passing in 2015. Her presence at the park played a major role in raising awareness about the species’ near extinction and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Today, the park is home to some of the most successful breeding programs for critically endangered species, including the California condor. With a strong emphasis on research and protecting vulnerable wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park continues to be a leader in global conservation efforts.
4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida (580 acres)
Blending the magic of Disney with the thrill of a safari, Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, spans 580 acres, making it one of the largest zoological parks in the U.S. Unlike traditional zoos, this park combines immersive storytelling with carefully designed animal habitats, giving visitors a unique experience that feels both educational and entertaining. The park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction is a standout, featuring a vast savanna where animals like elephants, lions, and zebras roam freely. With a focus on conservation and animal welfare, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has set high standards for ethical zoo practices.
Its most famous resident is probably Gino, a male silverback gorilla who has been at the park for over two decades. As the leader of his troop, Gino has played a crucial role in conservation education and has become a favorite among guests. The park is also home to rare species like Sumatran tigers and okapis, making it a place where visitors can see animals they might never encounter elsewhere. Beyond just showcasing wildlife, Disney’s Animal Kingdom actively supports conservation projects worldwide, reinforcing its mission to protect and preserve nature.
5. Bronx Zoo – New York City, New York (265 acres)
Nestled in the heart of the Bronx, this world-renowned zoo spans 265 acres, making it the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. Despite being surrounded by one of the busiest cities in the world, the Bronx Zoo manages to create a lush, immersive environment that feels far removed from the urban chaos. The zoo is home to over 6,000 animals, representing nearly 700 species, many of which are rare or endangered. Its extensive, naturalistic exhibits allow visitors to observe animals behaving as they would in the wild rather than in small, artificial enclosures.
One of the Bronx Zoo’s most iconic residents is Happy, the Asian elephant, who has gained international attention in discussions about animal rights and welfare. Happy was the first elephant to pass a mirror self-recognition test, showcasing high levels of intelligence and self-awareness. The zoo is also famous for its Congo Gorilla Forest, one of the largest habitats for western lowland gorillas outside of Africa. With its commitment to wildlife conservation and education, the Bronx Zoo continues to be a leader in zoological research and a beloved destination for animal lovers.
6. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Powell, Ohio (580 acres)
Known for its deep-rooted commitment to animal conservation, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium covers 580 acres and is home to over 10,000 animals from across the globe. This zoo is particularly famous for its focus on interactive and educational experiences, allowing visitors to engage with animals in meaningful ways. It also features one of the best zoo-based aquariums in the country, housing everything from manatees to sharks. With themed sections dedicated to regions like Africa, Asia, and North America, guests can travel the world without ever leaving Ohio.
One of the most famous animals to ever live at the Columbus Zoo was Colo, the first gorilla born in human care. She made history in 1956 and lived to be the oldest gorilla in captivity until her passing in 2017 at the age of 60. Today, the zoo continues to be a leader in gorilla conservation, with a strong breeding program that has helped maintain the species’ population. In addition to gorillas, the Columbus Zoo is also known for its efforts in protecting cheetahs, polar bears, and African painted dogs, making it a vital part of global conservation efforts.
7. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska (160 acres)
Though it may not be the largest zoo in terms of land, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium makes up for it with its impressive range of exhibits and groundbreaking conservation efforts. Covering 160 acres, this zoo is home to some of the most advanced animal habitats in the world, including the world’s largest indoor desert, a massive indoor rainforest, and the largest nocturnal animal exhibit. These immersive environments allow animals to thrive in conditions that closely resemble their natural homes, creating a truly unique visitor experience.
One of the most famous animals at Henry Doorly Zoo was Sudan, a rare white Bengal tiger who captivated visitors for years with his striking beauty and powerful presence. While Sudan has since passed, the zoo remains dedicated to tiger conservation, supporting efforts to protect wild populations. The zoo is also home to one of the largest populations of African elephants in North America, with a spacious habitat designed to accommodate their complex social behaviors. Thanks to its innovative approach to animal care and education, the Henry Doorly Zoo continues to be one of the most respected zoological institutions in the world.
8. Brookfield Zoo – Chicago, Illinois (216 acres)
Located just outside of Chicago, the Brookfield Zoo spans 216 acres and is known for its pioneering work in animal welfare and habitat design. It was one of the first zoos to use moated enclosures instead of cages, allowing animals to live in more naturalistic environments. The zoo is home to over 2,300 animals, ranging from big cats and primates to marine life and birds. With a strong focus on conservation, Brookfield Zoo participates in breeding programs for endangered species and collaborates with international wildlife organizations.
The zoo’s most famous resident was Olga, a beloved polar bear who lived at Brookfield for over 25 years and became a symbol of the zoo’s commitment to wildlife care. Her playful personality and majestic presence made her a visitor favorite until her passing. Today, the zoo continues to focus on large carnivore conservation, with significant efforts dedicated to snow leopards and African lions. In addition to its impressive animal collection, Brookfield Zoo is also known for its interactive dolphin presentations, which help educate the public about marine conservation.
9. Saint Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri (90 acres)
Despite being one of the smaller zoos on this list, the Saint Louis Zoo is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, thanks to its high-quality exhibits and strong emphasis on conservation. Covering 90 acres, this zoo is home to over 16,000 animals and offers free admission, making it an accessible and educational destination for families. It has been a leader in developing innovative animal habitats, ensuring that species have space to thrive while also providing an engaging experience for visitors.
One of the zoo’s most well-known animals was Raja, the first Asian elephant born at the zoo, who has since become a key figure in elephant conservation efforts. Raja’s presence helped bring attention to the threats facing wild elephant populations and highlighted the importance of breeding programs. The zoo is also famous for its River’s Edge exhibit, which mimics the natural environments of animals like hippos, cheetahs, and Andean bears. With its continued dedication to animal welfare and education, the Saint Louis Zoo remains one of the most respected zoological institutions in the country.
10. Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (42 acres)
As America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo may be the smallest on this list, covering just 42 acres, but it holds a special place in history. Established in 1874, it set the foundation for modern zoological practices and continues to be a leader in animal care and conservation. The zoo is home to over 1,300 animals, many of which are part of global breeding and protection programs. Its innovative Zoo360 system allows animals to move between enclosures using elevated trails, giving them more freedom and enrichment.
One of its most famous residents was Gus, a silverback gorilla who became a symbol of the zoo’s dedication to primate care and conservation. Gus helped bring attention to the complex social needs of gorillas and inspired improvements in their habitats. Today, the Philadelphia Zoo remains at the forefront of wildlife education, with interactive exhibits that teach visitors about animal behavior, conservation, and sustainability. Its commitment to protecting endangered species ensures that it continues to be a vital part of the global effort to safeguard wildlife for future generations.
