Delving into finest zoos in US, this text takes readers on a journey to discover probably the most distinctive animal collections and top-ranked zoos within the nation.
From iconic structure to distinctive animal encounters, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of zoos and uncover the hidden gems that make every one stand out.
High Zoos within the US
The US is residence to among the world’s most well-known and prestigious zoos, every providing a singular expertise for guests of all ages. From the majestic pandas on the Nationwide Zoo to the colourful birds on the San Diego Zoo, these establishments are devoted to offering a secure and academic surroundings for each people and animals. With their spectacular collections and state-of-the-art services, the highest zoos within the US are a must-visit vacation spot for anybody occupied with wildlife and conservation.
Rating of the Most Fashionable Zoos
In response to numerous sources, together with the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and TripAdvisor, the next are among the hottest zoos within the US:
- The San Diego Zoo, California: Situated in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is known for its lush gardens and naturalistic habitats, housing greater than 3,500 animals from over 650 species.
- The Nationwide Zoo, Washington D.C.: As one of many oldest and most well-known zoos within the US, the Nationwide Zoo is residence to 1,800 animals, together with large pandas, orangutans, and elephants.
- The St. Louis Zoo, Missouri: With over 18,000 animals from 600 species, the St. Louis Zoo is without doubt one of the largest zoos within the nation, additionally that includes a free-admission coverage.
- The Bronx Zoo, New York: As the most important metropolitan zoo within the US, the Bronx Zoo has over 6,000 animals and a 6-acre Himalayan Highlands exhibit.
- The Houston Zoo, Texas: Unfold over 55 acres, the Houston Zoo is residence to over 6,000 animals and presents quite a lot of reveals, together with a Texas Wetlands exhibit and a Texas Wild exhibit.
Every of those zoos presents a singular expertise, with world-class reveals, academic packages, and conservation efforts. Guests can anticipate to see a variety of animals, from the majestic lions and tigers to the colourful birds and reptiles.
Distinctive Options and Notable Reveals
Along with their spectacular collections, every of those zoos presents distinctive options and reveals that set them aside from the remaining. Among the most notable reveals embrace:
- The San Diego Zoo’s Tiger Path, which contains a naturalistic habitat with a water characteristic and a viewing space for guests to look at the majestic tigers up shut.
- The Nationwide Zoo’s Large Panda Habitat, which presents a singular alternative to see these majestic animals in an indoor-outdoor setting.
- The St. Louis Zoo’s Insectarium, which contains a distinctive exhibit on bugs, together with a butterfly backyard and a reptile home.
- The Bronx Zoo’s Congo Gorilla Forest, which presents a naturalistic habitat for the western lowland gorillas and gives guests with an immersive expertise.
- The Houston Zoo’s Texas Wetlands exhibit, which contains a naturalistic habitat with a swampy space, a forest, and a prairie, all residence to quite a lot of animals, together with alligators, snakes, and birds.
Dimension and Format
The dimensions and format of every zoo fluctuate enormously, from the massive and sprawling St. Louis Zoo to the intimate and compact Nationwide Zoo. Nonetheless, every zoo is rigorously designed to supply guests with an gratifying and academic expertise.
The San Diego Zoo’s 100-acre campus is designed to imitate the pure habitats of the animals, with quite a lot of gardens, forests, and wetlands.
The St. Louis Zoo, however, covers over 90 acres and options quite a lot of reveals, together with the well-known Polar Bear Level exhibit and the Insectarium. The Bronx Zoo, situated on a 265-acre web site, presents a singular city zoo expertise with quite a lot of reveals and sights.
The Houston Zoo is unfold over 55 acres and presents quite a lot of reveals, together with the Texas Wetlands exhibit and the Texas Wild exhibit. The Nationwide Zoo, with its 163-acre campus, options quite a lot of reveals, together with the well-known Large Panda Habitat.
Every of those zoos is rigorously designed to supply guests with an gratifying and academic expertise, with a deal with conservation, schooling, and animal welfare.
Zoo Options and Facilities
In trendy zoos, animal conservation and schooling play a vital position in selling the well-being of animals and elevating consciousness concerning the significance of defending wildlife. By providing partaking experiences and academic packages, zoos can encourage guests to take motion in preserving the pure world.
Animal conservation and schooling are basic parts of contemporary zoos. Zoos not solely present a secure haven for animals but additionally function facilities for analysis, breeding packages, and group outreach initiatives. By supporting conservation efforts and sharing data concerning the significance of defending wildlife, zoos contribute to the preservation of species and ecosystems.
Numerous Varieties of Reveals
Zoos supply a variety of reveals that cater to totally different pursuits and preferences. Among the hottest sorts of reveals embrace:
– Primate Enclosures: These reveals present a habitat for primates comparable to gorillas, orangutans, and lemurs. Primate enclosures typically characteristic massive indoor and out of doors areas that mimic the animals’ pure habitats.
– Massive Cat Reveals: House to majestic predators like lions, tigers, and leopards, massive cat reveals supply guests an exciting expertise. These reveals often characteristic massive viewing areas and generally even present alternatives to stand up shut and private with the animals.
– Reptile and Amphibian Reveals: These reveals showcase quite a lot of reptiles and amphibians, together with snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Reptile and amphibian reveals typically characteristic tropical or desert environments that spotlight the variety of those often-overlooked animals.
Every kind of exhibit serves a singular function in selling schooling and conservation. By providing immersive experiences and offering insights into the lives of various animal species, zoos can foster a deeper appreciation for the pure world.
Habitat Restoration and Rehabilitation Packages
Along with offering enclosures for animals, zoos additionally play a vital position in habitat restoration and rehabilitation packages. These packages goal to revive degraded or broken habitats and promote the conservation of ecosystems.
– Habitat Restoration: Habitat restoration includes returning ecosystems to a wholesome state by eradicating invasive species, reintroducing native plant and animal species, and repairing broken habitats.
– Rehabilitation Packages: Rehabilitation packages deal with offering care and remedy to injured or orphaned animals with the objective of releasing them again into the wild.
Zoos typically collaborate with conservation organizations and authorities businesses to implement habitat restoration and rehabilitation packages. These efforts not solely profit the animals and ecosystems but additionally help native communities and promote sustainable land use practices.
Zoo Eating places and Cafes
Visiting a zoo generally is a enjoyable and academic expertise, however it can be hungry work. That is why many zoos supply a variety of eating choices, from informal cafes to tremendous eating eating places.
– High quality and Selection: Zoo eating places and cafes typically supply a various vary of cuisines, from basic American fare to worldwide specialties. Some zoos even have themed eating places that match the animal reveals, comparable to a jungle-themed cafe or a safari-style restaurant.
– Sustainable Practices: Many trendy zoos prioritize sustainability of their eating choices, providing eco-friendly options and lowering waste by way of composting and recycling packages.
By offering partaking experiences, selling schooling and conservation, and providing a variety of eating choices, zoos can create a memorable and gratifying expertise for guests of all ages.
Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
US zoos have grow to be a vital hub for wildlife conservation and schooling, providing a platform for the general public to have interaction with and be taught concerning the pure world. By means of numerous packages and initiatives, zoos are working in direction of defending endangered species, selling sustainable practices, and elevating consciousness concerning the significance of conservation.
Profitable Animal Conservation Packages in US Zoos
One notable instance of profitable animal conservation is the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, applied by the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP program goals to handle and breed threatened and endangered species in zoos, with the objective of releasing offspring into the wild or augmenting declining populations. Some notable examples of SSP packages embrace the California Condor Restoration Program, the Blackfooted Ferret Conservation Program, and the Sumatran Rhino Program.
The SSP program has led to vital will increase in inhabitants numbers for a lot of species, such because the African Elephant, the Amur Leopard, and the Hawaiian Goose. By working collectively, zoos, conservation organizations, and authorities businesses have made substantial strides in defending these species and selling their conservation.
The Impression of Human Habits on Wildlife Populations and Habitats, Greatest zoos in us
Human conduct has a profound impression on wildlife populations and habitats, typically leading to inhabitants declines, habitat loss, and even extinction. Habitat fragmentation, brought on by deforestation, urbanization, and different human actions, has led to the isolation of species and decreased their potential to adapt to altering environmental situations.
In response to the IUCN Crimson Checklist, human actions are the first reason behind inhabitants decline for 60% of threatened species. Moreover, air pollution, local weather change, and looking have all contributed to the decline of many species.
Neighborhood Engagement and Schooling
Neighborhood engagement and schooling are essential parts of any profitable conservation program. By educating the general public concerning the significance of conservation, zoos can encourage people to make a optimistic impression on the surroundings. By means of numerous packages, comparable to college outreach, group occasions, and interactive reveals, zoos can elevate consciousness concerning the plight of endangered species and promote sustainable practices.
Most Endangered Species Present in US Zoos
The next species are among the many most endangered and will be present in US zoos:
- Sumatran Rhino: Critically endangered, with fewer than 80 people remaining within the wild. The US zoo breeding program goals to reinforce the wild inhabitants by way of the discharge of captive-bred offspring.
- African Elephant: Endangered on account of habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife battle. The SSP program has helped to extend the inhabitants of African Elephants in zoos, with over 1,500 people collaborating in this system.
- Amur Leopard: Critically endangered, with fewer than 70 people remaining within the wild. The US zoos have a breeding program for the Amur Leopard, aiming to extend the inhabitants and ultimately launch offspring into the wild.
- California Condor: Endangered, with solely 400 people remaining within the wild. The US zoo breeding program has helped to extend the inhabitants of California Condors, with over 500 people collaborating in this system.
Greatest Zoos to Go to Based mostly on Location
When planning a visit to a zoo, it is important to contemplate the placement and what every zoo has to supply. Every area in the US has its distinctive set of zoos, providing a various vary of sights, reveals, and experiences for guests. On this part, we’ll spotlight one of the best zoos to go to primarily based on location, together with the East Coast, West Coast, and family-friendly zoos throughout the nation.
East Coast’s High Zoos
The East Coast is residence to among the oldest and most famed zoos in the US. Listed here are among the prime zoos to go to:
- Zoo New England in Boston, Massachusetts – House to over 2,000 animals, together with elephants, giraffes, and lions. The zoo’s reveals are designed to imitate the animals’ pure habitats and supply a singular viewing expertise for guests.
- Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania – The primary zoo in the US, based in 1874. It is residence to over 1,300 animals, together with the well-known “McCarthy’s Wildlife” exhibit, that includes animals from all over the world.
- Nationwide Zoo in Washington D.C. – A Smithsonian Establishment zoo, providing free admission and a variety of animals, together with large pandas, orangutans, and elephants.
- North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina – A 550-acre zoo, residence to over 2,000 animals, together with elephants, giraffes, and lions. The zoo can be a frontrunner in conservation and is residence to a number of packages geared toward defending endangered species.
- Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois – House to over 450 species of animals, together with dolphins, penguins, and monkeys. The zoo’s reveals are designed to supply an immersive expertise for guests.
West Coast’s High Zoos
The West Coast is residence to a various vary of zoos, every providing a singular expertise for guests. Listed here are among the prime zoos to go to:
- San Diego Zoo in California – One of the well-known zoos on the planet, recognized for its lush gardens and naturalistic habitats. House to over 3,500 animals, together with large pandas, koalas, and giraffes.
- Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo in Washington – A 92-acre zoo, residence to over 1,100 animals, together with elephants, tigers, and monkeys. The zoo is thought for its conservation efforts and its distinctive viewing experiences.
- Portland Zoo in Oregon – A 64-acre zoo, residence to over 2,000 animals, together with elephants, giraffes, and lions. The zoo’s reveals are designed to supply an immersive expertise for guests.
- Zoo Miami in Florida – A 740-acre zoo, residence to over 3,000 animals, together with giraffes, elephants, and lions. The zoo is thought for its conservation efforts and its distinctive viewing experiences.
- San Francisco Zoo in California – A 100-acre zoo, residence to over 250 species of animals, together with elephants, tigers, and monkeys. The zoo’s reveals are designed to supply an immersive expertise for guests.
Household-Pleasant Zoos
When visiting a zoo with your loved ones, it is important to decide on a zoo that caters to the wants of kids. Listed here are some family-friendly zoos throughout the US:
- Zoo Atlanta in Georgia – House to over 1,000 animals, together with large pandas, gorillas, and elephants. The zoo presents quite a lot of interactive experiences for youngsters, together with a petting zoo and a playground).
- St. Louis Zoo in Missouri – House to over 18,000 animals, together with penguins, monkeys, and elephants. The zoo presents quite a lot of interactive experiences for youngsters, together with a carousel and a practice.
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio – House to over 10,000 animals, together with sharks, penguins, and polar bears. The zoo presents quite a lot of interactive experiences for youngsters, together with a water park and a playground.
- Phoenix Zoo in Arizona – House to over 200 species of animals, together with monkeys, giraffes, and lions. The zoo presents quite a lot of interactive experiences for youngsters, together with a petting zoo and a playground.
- Denver Zoo in Colorado – House to over 4,000 animals, together with elephants, giraffes, and lions. The zoo presents quite a lot of interactive experiences for youngsters, together with a playground and a petting zoo.
Zoos Providing Distinctive In a single day Experiences
When you’re on the lookout for a singular expertise when visiting a zoo, contemplate one of many zoos providing in a single day experiences:
- Zoo Atlanta’s “Roar and Snore” – A possibility to spend the night time in a giraffe-themed habitat, full with a guided tour and breakfast with the animals.
- St. Louis Zoo’s “Zoo Overnights” – A possibility to spend the night time within the zoo’s giraffe habitat, full with a guided tour and breakfast with the animals.
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s “Zoo Crew In a single day” – A possibility to spend the night time within the zoo’s Africa exhibit, full with a guided tour and breakfast with the animals.
- Phoenix Zoo’s “Zoo Lights” – A possibility to spend an evening within the zoo’s animal reveals, full with a guided tour and scorching chocolate.
- Denver Zoo’s “Zoo Overnights” – A possibility to spend the night time within the zoo’s Asia exhibit, full with a guided tour and breakfast with the animals.
Zoos with Distinctive Sights

When visiting zoos within the US, some sights stand out for his or her creativity and talent to supply immersive experiences for guests. These distinctive sights vary from petting zoos and behind-the-scenes excursions to drive-thru zoos and walkabout zoos, in addition to water sights that deliver marine life to the forefront.
Petting Zoos and Behind-the-Scenes Excursions
Many zoos within the US supply petting zoos, which offer a hands-on expertise, permitting guests to work together with quite a lot of pleasant cattle. These areas are designed to be secure and academic, educating youngsters and adults alike concerning the significance of animal care and conservation. Behind-the-scenes excursions, however, give guests a better take a look at the zoo’s operations, typically together with personal viewing areas for animals, demonstrations of animal enrichment actions, and alternatives to fulfill with zoo professionals.
* San Diego Zoo’s Petting Zoo, California: Includes a playground and petting zoo with animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits.
* Nationwide Zoo’s Animal Encounter Program, Washington D.C.: Gives behind-the-scenes excursions and interactive experiences, together with animal feedings and meet-and-greets.
* Zoo Miami’s Petting Zoo, Florida: Supplies a petting zoo and playground with animals like giraffes, monkeys, and lemurs.
Drive-Via Zoos
Drive-thru zoos supply a singular strategy to expertise wild animals from the consolation of your individual automobile. These zoos are designed to resemble the animals’ pure habitats, offering an immersive expertise as you drive by way of the reveals. Drive-thru zoos typically characteristic quite a lot of species, together with unique animals like tigers, bears, and monkeys.
* Wild Animal Park’s Drive-Via Safari, South Dakota: Takes guests on a 6-mile journey by way of the park’s numerous reveals, that includes animals like rhinos and bison.
* Fossil Rim Wildlife Heart, Texas: Gives a 9.5-mile drive-through safari with animals like giraffes, lions, and cheetahs.
Walkabout Zoos
Walkabout zoos characteristic open areas the place guests can stroll amongst animals, typically with out bodily boundaries. These zoos goal to recreate pure habitats, offering guests with an immersive expertise and inspiring interplay with the animals. Walkabout zoos typically characteristic quite a lot of species, together with unique animals like elephants, rhinos, and primates.
* Henry Doorly Zoo’s African Veldt, Nebraska: Includes a walkabout exhibit with animals like lions, giraffes, and rhinos roaming freely.
* Phoenix Zoo’s Arizona Path, Arizona: Gives a walkabout space with animals like tigers, monkeys, and birds.
Water Sights
Some zoos within the US characteristic water sights that deliver marine life to the forefront. These sights vary from dolphin reveals and sea lion reveals to shark tanks and interactive water reveals. Water sights present an academic and entertaining expertise for guests of all ages.
* SeaWorld’s Dolphin Present, California: Includes a high-tech present with dolphin performances, academic content material, and interactive experiences.
* Nationwide Aquarium’s Shark Exhibit, Maryland: Gives an immersive expertise with a big shark tank that includes numerous species of sharks and different marine animals.
* Shamu Stadium’s Sea Lion Present, Florida: Includes a stay sea lion present with acrobatic performances and academic content material.
Zoos with Distinctive Animal Collections
A various and well-rounded animal assortment is a trademark of a world-class zoo. It not solely gives an attractive expertise for guests but additionally performs a essential position in conservation and schooling efforts. A zoo with an distinctive animal assortment is one that provides a mixture of species, habitats, and interactive experiences that cater to the pursuits of various age teams and studying kinds.
The Significance of Animal Variety in a Zoo
A zoo’s animal assortment is its major draw, and a various assortment is crucial for a number of causes. Firstly, it gives a consultant pattern of the planet’s biodiversity, permitting guests to find out about and respect the wide selection of species that exist. Secondly, a various assortment permits zoos to take part in species conservation packages, breeding packages, and analysis initiatives that contribute to the worldwide effort to guard endangered species. Lastly, a various assortment retains guests engaged and , making the zoo a preferred vacation spot for households, college students, and animal lovers.
Examples of Distinctive Animal Collections
Some zoos stand out for his or her distinctive animal collections, with species which might be uncommon, endangered, and even extinct within the wild. The San Diego Zoo, for example, is famend for its large panda exhibit, which is a part of a world breeding program to save lots of this iconic species. The Nationwide Zoo in Washington D.C. has a powerful assortment of large tortoises, that are one of many oldest dwelling species on Earth. In the meantime, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio is thought for its polar bear exhibit, which contains a state-of-the-art viewing space and a breeding program that has helped enhance the inhabitants of this magnificent species.
The Position of Animal Coaching in a Zoo’s Animal Assortment
Animal coaching is a essential facet of a zoo’s animal assortment, because it permits employees to soundly work together with animals, present enrichment actions, and promote pure conduct. Effectively-trained animals are additionally extra prone to breed and thrive of their enclosures, which advantages each the animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts. Methods comparable to optimistic reinforcement coaching and clicker coaching are broadly utilized in zoos, permitting animals to be taught and reply to cues in a optimistic and non-invasive means.
Comparability of Animal Collections amongst High Zoos
Whereas all prime zoos have distinctive animal collections, every one has its strengths and weaknesses. The San Diego Zoo, for instance, is thought for its lush gardens and naturalistic habitats, however its assortment of huge cats is smaller in comparison with different zoos. The Nationwide Zoo, however, has a powerful assortment of primates, however its polar bear exhibit is smaller than another zoos. A comparability of animal collections amongst prime zoos highlights the significance of range, conservation, and academic packages in a zoo’s general mission.
Species-Particular Reveals
Some zoos stand out for his or her species-specific reveals, which offer a singular expertise for guests. The Philadelphia Zoo, for example, has a world-class exhibit on giraffes, that includes a big viewing space and a breeding program that has efficiently raised a number of calves. The Oregon Zoo in Portland has a devoted exhibit on elephants, which incorporates a big habitat and a breeding program that has helped enhance the inhabitants of those magnificent animals.
The Impression of Animal Collections on Conservation Efforts
A zoo’s animal assortment is not only a show of animals; it performs a essential position in conservation efforts. By collaborating in breeding packages, conservation analysis, and academic initiatives, zoos assist shield species and ecosystems all over the world. The San Diego Zoo, for instance, has participated in breeding packages for the California condor, the black-footed ferret, and the mountain lion, all of that are endangered species.
The Position of Animal Welfare in a Zoo’s Animal Assortment
Animal welfare is a prime precedence in a zoo’s animal assortment, with employees working tirelessly to make sure that animals obtain the absolute best care. This contains offering a naturalistic surroundings, making certain the animals’ bodily and emotional wants are met, and offering alternatives for animals to have interaction in pure conduct. The Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) units requirements for animal welfare, which zoos should adhere to, selling the well being, security, and well-being of animals in captivity.
Animal Encounters and Enrichment Packages
Animal encounters and enrichment packages are a vital a part of a zoo’s animal assortment, offering guests with a chance to work together with animals in a secure and managed surroundings. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, for instance, presents animal encounters with lemurs, sea lions, and even sharks, whereas the Nationwide Zoo has a program that permits guests to feed the giraffes. Enrichment packages, comparable to habitat rotation and puzzle toys, are designed to stimulate animal conduct and supply psychological and bodily stimulation.
Collaborations and Partnerships in Animal Conservation
Zoos typically collaborate with different establishments, governments, and organizations to advance animal conservation and analysis. The San Diego Zoo, for example, companions with the World Wildlife Fund to guard endangered species and habitats, whereas the Nationwide Zoo collaborates with conservation organizations to guard primates and different animals. These partnerships display the dedication of zoos to conservation and their position in defending the planet’s biodiversity.
Zoo Historical past and Structure
The evolution of zoos within the US has been formed by altering societal attitudes, advances in animal care, and the adoption of revolutionary designs and layouts. From humble beginnings as royal looking grounds to modern-day conservation facilities, zoos have remodeled over the centuries to prioritize animal welfare, scientific analysis, and group engagement.
The Rise of Zoos in America
Zoos in the US date again to the 18th century, with the institution of the Philadelphia Zoo in 1765, typically thought of the oldest zoo within the Western Hemisphere. Nonetheless, it was not till the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that zoos started to take form as we all know them immediately. The Cincinnati Zoo, based in 1875, is without doubt one of the oldest constantly working zoos within the nation.
- The Philadelphia Zoo was initially established as a personal menagerie for the Governor Thomas Penn and opened to the general public in 1765.
- The Cincinnati Zoo was created with the assistance of a $3 million bequest from philanthropist William Howard Taft’s father.
- The St. Louis Zoo, opened in 1875, started with a single bear and 12 monkeys.
These early zoos served as symbols of American ingenuity and progress, highlighting the nation’s rising curiosity in pure historical past, scientific discovery, and conservation.
Modern Zoo Design and Structure
Zoo design has undergone vital transformations through the years, with a deal with creating immersive experiences that join guests with animals and their habitats. Fashionable zoos typically incorporate rules of biomimicry, inexperienced buildings, and sustainable practices. The design of San Diego’s world-famous Balboa Park Zoo exemplifies this shift, that includes naturalistic habitats, lush vegetation, and intelligent use of area.
This emphasis on creating sensible and interesting environments has not solely enhanced the customer expertise but additionally led to raised situations for the animals.
Zoo Landscaping and Horticulture
Landscaping and horticulture play an important position in zoo design, offering a tranquil backdrop for animals and facilitating their pure conduct. Effectively-designed zoo gardens may also contribute to improved animal welfare by creating calming environments, offering shade, and mimicking pure habitats.
By integrating vegetation native to the animals’ pure habitats, zoos can create areas that help not solely the welfare of the animals but additionally the well-being of the native ecosystem.
Ultimate Assessment: Greatest Zoos In Us

In conclusion, one of the best zoos in US supply an unparalleled alternative to attach with nature, find out about conservation, and create lifelong reminiscences.
Whether or not you are a wildlife fanatic, a thrill-seeker, or just a curious customer, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style and curiosity at these distinctive zoos.
FAQ Information
What’s the largest zoo within the US?
The San Diego Zoo covers an space of over 100 acres and is residence to greater than 3,500 animals from over 650 species.
Can I work together with animals at zoos?
Sure, many zoos supply interactive experiences comparable to animal encounters, behind-the-scenes excursions, and petting zoos.
What’s the oldest zoo within the US?
The Philadelphia Zoo, established in 1859, is the oldest zoo within the US and is residence to over 1,300 animals from all over the world.