The Largest Zoo in Every State: A Complete Guide
From coast to coast, zoos serve as incredible spaces for education, conservation, and family-friendly fun. Each state in the U.S. boasts unique zoological offerings, from sprawling animal parks to intimate sanctuaries. IWe’ll highlight the largest zoo in each state, whether measured by land size, number of species, or significance.
Alabama: Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo spans 122 acres and houses over 230 species. Its African Savannah exhibit features lions, rhinos, and giraffes, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
Alaska: Alaska Zoo
Anchorage’s Alaska Zoo specializes in Arctic and sub-Arctic animals, such as musk oxen and polar bears, covering 25 acres. This smaller zoo focuses heavily on species native to cold climates.
Arizona: Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is spread across 125 acres and is home to over 3,000 animals. Known for its conservation programs, it’s a must-visit for families exploring the Southwest.
Arkansas: Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo showcases over 500 animals across its 33-acre property. Its emphasis on exotic species and interactive exhibits makes it a popular attraction.
California: San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is world-famous, hosting 700 species across 100 acres. With habitats for endangered animals like giant pandas and koalas, it’s one of the top zoos globally.
Colorado: Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo covers 84 acres and houses more than 3,500 animals. The flagship Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit is one of the zoo’s main attractions.
Connecticut: Beardsley Zoo
Located in Bridgeport, this zoo spans 52 acres and focuses heavily on North and South American species. It’s Connecticut’s only accredited zoo.
Delaware: Brandywine Zoo
Situated in Wilmington, Brandywine Zoo specializes in small mammal species and spans just 12 acres. Its intimate layout makes it perfect for families with young children.
Florida: Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is the largest tropical zoo in the U.S., covering 750 acres and hosting 400 species. It’s a favorite for its Amazon rainforest exhibit and sprawling African habitats.
Georgia: Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is home to 1,000 animals, including one of the largest gorilla habitats in the U.S. Don’t miss its panda exhibit, a rare treat on its 40-acre campus.
Hawaii: Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo spans 42 acres and highlights tropical species like flamingos and Sumatran tigers. Its open-air design complements Oahu’s stunning landscapes.
Idaho: Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise houses over 300 animals on 15 acres. It features an innovative conservation program that allows visitors to contribute directly to global wildlife efforts.
Illinois: Brookfield Zoo
This 216-acre zoo in Chicago’s suburbs houses 2,000 animals. The Brookfield Zoo is famous for its indoor rainforest and dolphin presentations.
Indiana: Indianapolis Zoo
Covering 64 acres, the Indianapolis Zoo combines a zoo, aquarium, and a botanical garden into one. Its international orangutan center is a must-see.
Iowa: Blank Park Zoo
Des Moines is home to the Blank Park Zoo, featuring 49 acres of exhibits and 104 species. Highlights include an indoor rainforest and a red panda exhibit.
Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo
Located in Wichita, this 247-acre zoo has 3,000 animals and a massive Africa exhibit. It’s one of the region’s top attractions for animal enthusiasts.
Kentucky: Louisville Zoo
The 134-acre Louisville Zoo hosts nearly 1,500 animals. Its Glacier Run exhibit showcases polar bears, seals, and Arctic foxes.
Louisiana: Audubon Zoo
New Orleans’ Audubon Zoo spans 58 acres and houses 2,000 animals. Its swamp exhibit perfectly highlights Louisiana’s native wildlife.
Maine: Maine Wildlife Park
This 200-acre park showcases local animals like moose, bears, and wolves. It’s an immersive way to explore Maine’s indigenous species.
Maryland: Maryland Zoo
Located in Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo houses over 2,000 animals on 135 acres. Its African Journey exhibit is a particular favorite among visitors.
Massachusetts: Franklin Park Zoo
Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo covers 72 acres and is home to hundreds of animals. Popular exhibits include the Tropical Forest, where gorillas swing playfully, and the Outback Trail featuring kangaroos and emus. It’s a must-stop for animal lovers traveling through New England.
Michigan: Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo is among the largest in the Midwest, covering 125 acres. Featuring more than 2,000 animals, highlights include the Penguin Conservation Center and an open habitat dedicated to giraffes—both crowd favorites. The zoo’s emphasis on open-air exhibits creates a comfortable home for diverse species.
Minnesota: Minnesota Zoo
Boasting 485 acres, the Minnesota Zoo is not only the largest in the state but also a true spectacle of wildlife. It’s renowned for its Northern Trail and Tropics Trail, allowing visitors to see everything from tigers to tropical fish in one place. Year-round indoor and outdoor exhibits make it a great destination regardless of the season.
Mississippi: Jackson Zoo
The Jackson Zoo spans 110 acres and is home to a mix of native and exotic animals. Visitors can view African elephants, chimpanzees, and flamingos in thoughtfully designed habitats. Its historic charm and educational programs make it a valuable part of Mississippi’s wildlife scene.
Missouri: Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is a massive 90-acre park located within Forest Park. Known for being free to enter, it houses over 12,000 animals across 500 species. The River’s Edge exhibit and the Insectarium are must-sees, offering insight into species from around the globe.
Montana: ZooMontana
Spanning 70 acres, ZooMontana focuses on adapting habitats to reflect animals’ natural environments. It’s home to species like grizzly bears, gray wolves, and Siberian tigers. The zoo’s tranquil setting in Billings makes it a unique experience in the Rocky Mountains.
Nebraska: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo is not only Nebraska’s largest but also one of the top-rated zoos in the entire country. Its 130-acre campus includes massive exhibits like the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle, which are the largest of their kind. This zoo sets the gold standard for others across the U.S.
Nevada: Lion Habitat Ranch
Unlike traditional zoos, the Lion Habitat Ranch is a smaller yet captivating sanctuary for lions and other exotic animals. Located close to Las Vegas, visitors can learn about conservation while interacting with these majestic creatures in an intimate setting.
New Hampshire: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
This one-of-a-kind 200-acre site blends zoo and nature center experiences, featuring animals like bobcats, bald eagles, and black bears. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers walking trails with interpretive exhibits that provide an educational and scenic adventure for visitors.
New Jersey: Turtle Back Zoo
The Turtle Back Zoo spans over 20 acres with numerous attractions, including an aquarium, aviary, and Big Cat Country. It’s home to animals from around the globe and offers family-friendly amenities like a petting zoo and a mini train ride.
New Mexico: ABQ BioPark Zoo
Located within a larger park complex, the ABQ BioPark Zoo covers 64 acres and is home to 1,100 animals. Highlights include an extensive primate exhibit and an African Savannah, complete with zebras and giraffes. Visitors can make a day of it by exploring the aquarium and botanical garden nearby.
New York: Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, covering 265 acres and housing more than 6,000 animals. Its Wild Asia Monorail and Congo Gorilla Forest are just a few of the immersive exhibits that captivate millions of visitors annually.
North Carolina: North Carolina Zoo
With 2,600 acres, the North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest zoo in terms of land area. Visitors explore enormous regions dedicated to African and North American ecosystems. Animals roam spacious, naturalistic habitats, giving this zoo a unique and immersive feel.
North Dakota: Dakota Zoo
The Dakota Zoo features 90 acres of family-friendly exhibits. Native species like bison and cougars share space with exotic animals, including camels and red pandas. This community-supported zoo is a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike.
Ohio: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ohio’s most famous zoo, Columbus Zoo, spans 580 acres and features over 10,000 animals. The Heart of Africa exhibit lets visitors experience safari-like environments, while the Shores & Aquarium area showcases vibrant marine life. It’s a highly rated destination for families.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo encompasses 130 acres, featuring more than 1,900 animals. Special attractions include the Great EscApe and Sanctuary Asia. Seasonal events and interactive programs make this zoo perfect for repeat visits.
Oregon: Oregon Zoo
Spanning 64 acres, the Oregon Zoo is an eco-friendly landmark in the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for its expansive Elephant Lands exhibit, where visitors can watch these giants roam. The zoo continues to prioritize sustainability and conservation.
Tennessee: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Nestled in the heart of Nashville, this zoo spans 188 acres and is home to over 300 animal species. Known for its immersive exhibits, the zoo features the “Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear” and an award-winning clouded leopard enclosure. With its sprawling bamboo trails and one of the largest community playgrounds, it’s a hit for families.
Texas: Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo houses more than 7,000 animals across 64 acres. It’s frequently praised for its “Texas Wild!” exhibit, which showcases local wildlife in its natural habitats. Other highlights include rhinos, elephants, and flamingos. This historic zoo, opened in 1909, is a must-see for animal lovers in the Lone Star State.
Utah: Hogle Zoo
Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, Hogle Zoo covers 42 acres and boasts over 800 animals from diverse ecosystems. Popular features include the Rocky Shores exhibit, where visitors can see polar bears, seals, and sea lions, and the African Savanna that showcases giraffes, lions, and zebras.
Vermont: ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
While not a traditional zoo, ECHO in Burlington focuses on lake ecology and features over 70 species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. It’s a smaller space but does an incredible job of connecting visitors to the unique aquatic ecosystems of the region.
Virginia: Virginia Zoo
Norfolk’s Virginia Zoo spans 53 acres and is home to 700 animals. The Africa-observed section is a standout, offering a close-up view of rhinos, lions, and giraffes. Take a stroll through the zoo’s idyllic botanical gardens, which complement its exotic exhibits.
Washington: Woodland Park Zoo
Located in Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo spans 92 acres and is widely known for its conservation work. It’s home to 300 species, including endangered animals like snow leopards and red pandas. The immersive African Savanna and Tropical Asia exhibits are visitor favorites.
West Virginia: Oglebay Good Zoo
Situated in Wheeling, the Oglebay Good Zoo offers a more intimate experience. It covers 30 acres and features over 50 species, including rare animals like red wolves and cheetahs. The zoo’s safari train ride is a hit with younger visitors.
Wisconsin: Henry Vilas Zoo
Madison’s Henry Vilas Zoo is a free-to-enter gem covering 28 acres with over 650 animals. Special attractions include polar bears, Arctic foxes, and a diverse aviary. Its Children’s Zoo section is a top pick for hands-on learning activities.
Wyoming: Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Museum
Although Wyoming lacks a traditional large zoo, the Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis stands out, offering incredible fossil displays and live dig sites. While not home to live animals, it’s an educational treasure for wildlife enthusiasts interested in prehistoric creatures.
Conclusion
Zoos across the United States offer unique opportunities to connect with wildlife and support conservation efforts. Whether you’re exploring the Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska or wandering through Zoo Miami in Florida’s tropical landscapes, each state has its own zoological gem waiting for you to visit. Plan a trip today and experience these amazing destinations firsthand!
