Skip to main content
In depth
houston zoo humbolt penguins

Top 17 zoos & aquariums in the US

As they take a front line position in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, we look at the best zoos and aquariums in the country

Zoos and aquariums have come a long way from the classic entertainment model. As we face a biodiversity crisis like never before, these organisations increasingly find themselves on the front line. Good zoos are working on both in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects. They are also doing research and educating visitors about the ways their actions can have an impact on the planet.

Yet zoos haven’t, historically, had a good reputation and this is still slow to change in some quarters. Speaking to blooloop in 2019, Kevin Buley of Auckland Zoo in New Zealand said the term ‘zoo’ is polarising: 

“The unfortunate historical associations of the word don’t do wildlife conservation and the world any real favours. I don’t like zoos, generally. If you go by National Geographic figures, there are 10,000 or more zoos on the planet. I would suggest that less than 10% are actually any good. The rest need either to be radically improved or shut down.”

There are 10,000 or more zoos on the planet. I would suggest that less than 10% are actually any good. The rest need either to be radically improved or shut down.

The top zoos and aquariums in the US

There is a world of difference between the type of attraction we see in shows like Tiger King, and a modern, conservation-focused institution. So what makes a good zoo or a good aquarium? We look at some of the top zoos and aquariums in the US and the work they are doing in the fields of conservation, animal welfare and education.

All zoos and aquariums listed here are accredited by AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited facilities must pass a stringent application and review process, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare. Fewer than 10% of the 2,800 licensed animal exhibitors around the country achieve this and they must repeat the process every five years.

1 Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Washington D.C.

Tiger smithsonian

The National Zoological Park in Washington D.C is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Founded in 1889, this free-entry institution is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and sees around 1.8 million visitors a year.

The zoo consists of two campuses, the 163-acre public site in Rock Creek Park and the 3,200-acre Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Together, these are home to around about 2,700 animals of 390 different species, including giant pandas as well as a variety of birds, apes, big cats, elephants, insects, reptiles, aquatic animals and more.

Speaking to blooloop in 2022, the zoo’s director, Dr Brandie Smith, identified three priorities for zoos in the 21st century:

“Number one is to ensure the animals are happy and healthy, to be very focused on animal welfare, animal wellness, and to make sure we’re meeting all of their psychological, social, physiological, needs. If we’re not doing that well, then we shouldn’t be a zoo.

“Number two is engaging in conservation; actively being a force in biodiversity conservation. It’s saving animals, saving species, saving biodiversity.”

“Number three is taking advantage of the unique opportunity that we have, and that no other conservation organisation does, which is inspiring and educating the millions of people who come through our doors every single year.”

2 Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California

A ray swimming in Monterey Bay Aquarium top zoos and aquariums US

Next on our list of the top zoos and aquariums in the US is Monterey Bay Aquarium, a nonprofit aquarium on the central coast of California. This first opened in 1984 and is on a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean. It sees around 2 million visitors per year, who come to see its collection of 35,000 animals, belonging to more than 550 species.

A highlight is its living Kelp Forest exhibit. Standing at almost three storeys high, this is home to several fish native to Monterey Bay, such as leopard sharks and rockfishes. Monterey Bay Aquarium was the first aquarium to successfully exhibit living kelp. Its research and conservation staff work on projects with jellyfish, sea otters, sea birds, tuna and more.

In 2020, Emily Simpson, social media specialist at Monterey Bay Aquarium, spoke about how it has been using gaming platforms to engage, educate and inspire audiences. While hosting Twitch streams of games like Animal Crossing, the aquarium staff are able to interact with audiences in a new way:

“Our main job at the aquarium is to inspire conservation…it is our responsibility to make sure that when a young adult has a question about climate change, about ocean acidification, about the global changes that are happening in front of their eyes, it doesn’t become an overwhelming topic or a topic of doom.

“Because the aquarium trusts us to have that very welcoming, open and empathetic voice for the ocean on the internet, these young adults are coming to our channel for the video games, for Animal Crossing, for the sea otter cams. But they are staying because they know that this is a community where they can come and have those big questions answered.”

In 2023, Into the Deep at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was recognised with an Innovation Award at AZA’s Annual Conference.

3 New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts

The New England Aquarium in Boston is visited by over 1.3 million people a year and first opened in 1969. Its mission is to act as a catalyst for global change through public engagement, as well as through its commitment to marine animal conservation, its leadership in education and its innovative scientific research. It also advocates for our vital and vibrant oceans.

Its highlights include the Giant Ocean Tank which simulates a Caribbean coral reef. This is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays, eels and more. Visitors can observe the reef’s inhabitants from a spiral walkway that surrounds the exhibit.

“I’ve always been enticed by the New England Aquarium,” said Gary Siddall, president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara, speaking to blooloop about what makes a great aquarium.

“They have an accomplished fusion of dynamic exhibits and remarkable architecture, as well as compelling rescue and rehabilitation stories. Their proximity to Boston Waterfront provides unique leverage when conveying important conservation challenges affecting wild populations of aquatic life.”

In 2022, VP and chief scientist John Mandelman spoke to blooloop about New England Aquarium’s innovative BlueSwell incubator programme. This aims to provide support for entrepreneurship in Bluetech.

4 San Antonio Zoo – San Antonio, Texas

Big cats can be seen in San Antonio Zoo's new drive-thru tour, a new initiative during the COVID-19 closure top zoos and aquariums US

At number four on our list of the top zoos and aquariums in the US, San Antonio Zoo welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. Set over more than 50 acres, it houses more than 750 species, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild.

The zoo’s mission is to “inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live”. San Antonio Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research is working on a range of conservation projects, focusing on fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and crustaceans as well as imperilled ecosystems and cultures.

In 2019, CEO Tim Morrow spoke about the key role that modern zoos play, saying:

“Now, zoos have evolved, become smarter. We know more about the animals, and how better to take care of them. That is why zoos are now creating these incredible,  naturalistic habitats that are engaging and enriching for the animals.

“It is all about how incredible your habitats are for your animals; how much conservation work you are doing, how much education you are doing.

“I think it’s a great time to be doing this. It is becoming, unfortunately, more and more important for zoos to exist, and for all the conservation and education about what is happening in the wilds; but at the same time we are making a bigger impact than ever.”

In 2023, he spoke about how the global pandemic had been a foundational year for the organisation. He also spoke about some of the latest updates and plans for future developments at the zoo.

5 Florida Aquarium – Tampa, Florida

Shelldon the Turtle

Florida Aquarium dates back to 1995 and houses over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals.

Like the other entries on our list of the top zoos and aquariums in the US, Florida Aquarium is AZA-accredited and it works on several conservation, research, education and outreach projects. It says that its mission is to entertain, educate and inspire stewardship of the natural environment, and its vision is to protect and restore our blue planet. In 2020, it became the first organisation to reproduce ridged cactus coral, or Mycetophyllia lamarckiana, for the first time in human care.

In 2020, CEO Roger Germann spoke to blooloop about the role of a good modern aquarium:

“I think the fact that organizations like the Florida Aquarium are starting to use our voice, to be more action-oriented, to provide messages of hope and to show people that little things and big things can make a difference, is important.

“Our model was about inspiration, about hoping that people would be inspired, that they would then go and do something. Now, you walk through the Florida aquarium – or many other zoos and aquariums around the world – and we’re telling you exactly what you can do in simple steps.”

In 2023, Florida Aquarium announced that developer Darryl Shaw will lead a $40 million capital campaign to fund its first major expansion since opening in 1995. The fundraising effort, called ‘Sea Change’, is part of the aquarium’s upcoming expansion, which includes an outdoor exhibit for California sea lions. The project also includes a special exhibit gallery, a multi-species gallery with puffins, and an African penguin habitat.

6 Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago, Illinois

eastern black rhino rhinoceros Lincoln Park Zoo top zoos and aquariums US

Lincoln Park Zoo is the only free, privately managed zoo in the US and was founded in 1866. It is home to over 1000 animals from around 200 species, including polar bears, gorillas, big cats, penguins, monkeys, reptiles and more. It recently opened the Pepper Family Wildlife Center, a state-of-the-art lion habitat. The design of this new habitat was informed by the behaviour of lions previously held at the zoo.

“The zoo’s mission is to connect people with nature,” said Dr Megan Ross, president and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo, speaking to blooloop in 2022.

“Our tagline is ‘For wildlife. For all’, which encompasses who we are and what we stand for. We have one of the largest science departments of any zoo in the country and are one of the top 10 science organisations. We have about 40 scientists on staff doing different research studies.

“Our vision is concerned with where we’re going, and how we can, in this urbanizing world, really connect communities with the nature around them, making sure that not just animals and nature thrive, but that the people thrive as well.

“We are really interested in figuring out how to make sure that communities of the future can thrive and flourish.”

7 Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia

georgia aquarium southern sea otter

Next on our list of the top zoos and aquariums in the US is Georgia Aquarium, which opened a major new expansion in 2020. It is visited by around 2.8 million guests a year, as well as catering to around 200,000 school students through education programmes.

The new expansion features a saltwater gallery that is designed to bring people up close to sharks, helping them to understand the beautiful yet maligned animals.

“We are about five hours from the coast,” said Dr Brian Davis, president and CEO, on the importance of reaching new audiences and sharing messages around ocean conservation. “We have an incredible population of people here, many of whom are from under-served communities. They may have never had the opportunity to connect with animals that live in the ocean.

“So, we provide something truly unique for those individuals. We educate and connect with them. Working for them to gain an appreciation. It is that part I truly love: knowing that we can play that role for people that would not be connected otherwise.”

8 Saint Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri

Grevys Zebra and Foal at Saint Louis Zoo top zoos and aquariums US

Established in 1910, St Louis Zoo is home to more than 14,000 animals from around 500 species and is well-known for its innovative approach to animal care, wildlife conservation, research and education.

It welcomes around 3 million guests each year, making it one of the most-visited attractions in the region. Its mission is “To conserve animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.”

In 2021, the zoo celebrated the opening of the $13m Primate Canopy Trails. This is an outdoor habitat featuring climbing structures that allow visitors to explore the forest canopy alongside the primates. It includes eight outdoor homes for lemurs and monkeys. Speaking after the official opening, Heidi Hellmuth, curator of primates at Saint Louis Zoo said:

“Being outside is critical for primates’ wellbeing, and this new habitat is a demonstration of the zoo’s commitment to providing quality animal care.

“One thing all our primates have in common is their love of the canopies and habitats situated high in the trees. However, many primates worldwide are threatened with extinction and have declining populations, mostly due to extensive habitat loss, including forests.”

9 Houston Zoo – Houston, Texas

Poison-Dart-Frog-Houston-Zoo

Our next entry on this list of the top zoos and aquariums is the second most visited zoo in the United States. The 55-acre Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals and is visited by around 2.1 million visitors each year. It dates back to 1922.

The zoo says it is on a mission to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. It has worked on a number of conservation initiatives, including projects to assist in the survival of Houston toads, sea turtles, Galapagos tortoises, clouded leopards, Bornean orangutans and more.

Explaining this commitment to saving wildlife, Houston Zoo’s president and CEO Lee Ehmke said:

“It all stems from a strategic plan that we initiated when I first got here. We spent about a year really examining the role of our zoo and zoos in general, as we moved into the 21st century and the idea that we really needed to explicitly state and embody the idea that the zoo exists in order to help save animals in the wild.

“We intentionally focus on making very strong links between our exhibits and our conservation programmes. Both those already in existence and those we are starting up. So there’s a direct connection between work that’s happening in the wild and the experience that guests are getting in the zoo.”

In 2023, Houston Zoo opened a new exhibit inspired by the Galápagos Islands, marking the final phase of its $150 million capital campaign. This is the world’s first exhibit to focus on the archipelago’s unique animals and habitats. It is home to Humboldt penguins, California sea lions and giant tortoises.

10 Aquarium of Niagara – Niagara Falls, New York

The shark reef will get an expansion as part of the masterplan top zoos and aquariums US

Located in downtown Niagara Falls, the Aquarium of Niagara is home to rescued seals and sea lions, Humboldt penguins, sharks, jellyfish, and over 120 species of fish and invertebrates. It opened in 1965 and is currently in the midst of enacting a master plan which includes working to build a larger, more naturalistic habitat for its seals and sea lions.

One of the areas that the aquarium specialises in is the long-term care of rescued seals and sea lions, which cannot be released into the wild.

“Over the years, the Aquarium of Niagara focused on a variety of different animals,” says Gary Siddall, executive director at the Aquarium of Niagara. “From penguins to seals, sea lions and dolphins. And what we found in the nineties was that there was a real opportunity to tell the story of rescued seals and sea lions.

“That messaging is something that has really grown. Particularly over the last 10 years, where we’ve really been focusing on and telling the story of all these non-releasable animals that are stranded, rescued, and need long-term care and housing.

“Rescuing them is really rewarding. Each of these animals has its own distinct personality. I think that that’s what made me fall in love with them all those years ago; they are so individual and unique. Being able to talk to the public about them and share those stories is what makes our work so impactful.”

11 San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California

San Diego Zoo expands licensing strategy to include key brands, merchandising and more

San Diego Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the US, with around 4 million visitors a year. It dates back to 1916 and is home to around 12,000 animals. It was one of the first zoos to introduce open-air, cageless exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats and is active in a number of conservation projects. To date, the zoo has reintroduced over 30 endangered species back into the wild.

Working towards its vision of a world where all life thrives, San Diego Zoo says it is “committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.”

In 2022, it unveiled a new children’s experience, the $88m Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, located on the site of the former Children’s Zoo. This 3.2-acre experience combines immersive technology with animal exhibits and features several sensory attractions.

“Wildlife Explorers Basecamp speaks to the budding conservationist within us all and shows us the marvels of the natural world,” said Paul Baribault, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Through these gates, millions of world changers will begin their journey with nature, and demonstrate the power of empathy and compassion as they join us to become allies for wildlife.”

AZA celebrated the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp exhibit with its Exhibit Award at the 2023 AZA Conference.

12 Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach, California

top zoos and aquariums US

Number 12 on our list of the top zoos and aquariums in the US is the Aquarium of the Pacific. Founded in 1998, its mission is to instil a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. It welcomes around 1.7 million people a year and houses 12,000 animals in over 100 exhibits.

In 2019 the aquarium opened the 29,000-square-foot Pacific Visions wing, which focuses on the ocean environment and the challenges it faces.

Speaking about the Aquarium of the Pacific’s role following the opening of the Pacific Visions wing, Dr Jerry Schubel, president and CEO, said:

“I think we’re leading the way. All aquariums do some work in conservation. But we’re the only one that has built a new wing with 29000 square feet devoted entirely to this.”

He added that people view aquariums as highly credible and trustworthy sources of information on the ocean and marine life:

“When the public is given the options: academic scientist, government scientist, elected and appointed officials, and aquariums, aquariums always come out at the top in terms of being the most trusted.  That gives us both an opportunity and a responsibility to be active in conservation. So we’ve tried to build off that.”

13 Bronx Zoo – New York City, New York

Bronx Zoo first opened in 1899 and has long been involved in conservation. In fact, the zoo’s first director, William T. Hornaday, co-created the American Bison Society in 1905, in an attempt to prevent the extinction of the American bison. More recently, it has had success in reintroducing Chinese alligators into the wild, in the Yangtze River in China.

The zoo’s mission is to connect visitors to wildlife and inspire them to join its conservation work. It is home to more than 10,000 animals from over 700 species and is set in a 260-acres forest in the Bronx. In 1916, it opened the first modern zoo animal hospital.

As well as visiting in person, audiences can learn more about the zoo through its popular Animal Planet docu-series online, which gives unique behind-the-scenes insights.

14 Denver Zoo – Denver, Colorado

Lions-Denver Zoo

The most visited cultural destination in Colorado, Denver Zoo welcomes over 2 million global visitors per year. It has nearly 4,000 animals from 600 species and is committed to species conservation, providing education programmes and guest experiences that foster human and animal connection.

It was founded in 1896, and speaking about its history and its evolution, Bert Vescolani, president & CEO said:

“This is a zoo with 125 years of history. It’s a place that has been innovative and has developed unique exhibits and approaches to conservation and sustainability work. It has an amazing team, and we’re getting better.

“We keep trying to find new ways to explore and experiment, and, maybe, to satisfy some of that curiosity as well. We focus on doing the right things for our community, while supporting and advancing our profession, and, thinking bigger about what we could be as an organisation.”

15 Zoo Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia

top zoos and aquariums US

Zoo Atlanta first opened in 1889 but suffered neglect over the years. In 1984 it was ranked among the ten worst zoos in the United States, but thorough reforms have now ensured its place on the list of the best zoos in the country.

Talking about how the function of zoos has changed over the years, Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta said:

“50 years ago, I would have said [their function] is to entertain the public, in the best and most cost-effective way. Today, that is absolutely not the case. Entertaining people is a means to an end, but what the zoo is about is conservation.

“It’s about trying to save those animals, and to do that, you have to get people to see them. So yes: we entertain people as a way to bring them in, but our goal is to educate them, to get them to be believers, to help them figure out what they can do to help, while at the same time enhancing the care delivery on an ongoing basis.”

16 Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens – Los Angeles, California

la zoo conservation plan

Los Angeles Zoo opened in 1966 and covers 133 acres of Griffith Park in LA. It has a collection of over 2,300 animals representing 270 different species, 58 of which are critically endangered. It has held AZA accreditation since 1979.

In 2021, the Los Angeles Zoo launched an ambitious five-year conservation plan to preserve biodiversity in LA and around the world. This focuses on six areas: social and environmental justice, human-wildlife co-existence, California conservation, illegal wildlife trade, conservation translocations, and evidence-based conservation.

Expanding on the theme of social and environmental justice, Denise Verret, CEO and director of L.A. Zoo said:

“We talk about social and environmental justice in terms of the communities that generally suffer more from environmental impacts and those that aren’t engaged to be a part of the environmental solutions that their communities need.

“We know that if we want to have the greatest collective impact, we have to engage all communities broadly and meaningfully, so they understand that they all have a role in protecting wildlife, ecosystems and their environment. And we also want to do it in terms that make it meaningful to them, suggesting actions they can take that don’t seem to be insurmountable.”

17 Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida

Giraffes-Disney-Animal-Kingdom top zoos and aquariums US

While it may seem more like it belongs on a list of theme parks attractions rather than a list of the top zoos and aquariums in the US, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is AZA-accredited and the Disney World Conservation Fund has contributed to many projects around the world.

Opened in 1998, this 550-acre animal-inspired theme park is home to 1,500 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Through its successful white rhino breeding programme, Animal Kingdom park has made a direct contribution to the conservation of this critically endangered animal. In 2006 it transported two white rhinos, who were born at the park, to Uganda. Five years on, in 2011, a white rhino calf was born there, becoming the first female white rhinoceros born in Uganda in three decades.

In April 2023, Animal Kingdom revealed more about its conservation initiatives as the Disney park celebrated its 25th anniversary and Earth Month. Over the past 25 years, Animal Kingdom has made contributions to the conservation and wellbeing of animals at the park, in state of Florida, and across the world.

Using funding from the Walt Disney Company and guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has invested more than $125 million in conservation efforts to support more than 1,000 species and protect 315 million acres globally. TO makr the anniversary, Disney also announced a $500,000 donation to five conservation organisations in Florida – Conservation Florida, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Trout Lake Nature Center and Wekiva Wilderness Trust.

Share this
charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

More from this author

Companies featured in this post

Search for something

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update