So what is the largest zoo in the world? The answer to this question depends on what criteria is used for the term “large”. Are we measuring the number of species held in captivity or the total land area of the zoo. If we consider only the later the Red McCombs Wildlife in Texas with its 12,000 acres could be considered the biggest zoo in the world. But is has only 20 different animal species and is more of a wildlife preserve than an actual zoo. Just considering the number of species however also doesn’t seem to fit the bill.
This list therefore considers both these features to determine which is the largest zoo in the world.
8. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located just north of Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species divided into geographic regions of the world. In 2004 the zoo started work to expand the 82 acres (37 ha) zoo over the next 10 years. The 120 acres expansion is planned to include a polar environment as well as an African savanna.
7. Moscow Zoo
Open for visitors since 1864, the Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. Today, the Moscow Zoo has over 6000 animals representing 927 species and covers an area of about 53 acres (21.5 ha) making it Russia’s largest zoo.
6. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. The 100 acres (40 ha) of parkland is leased from the City of San Diego. The sunny maritime climate of southern California is well suited to many animals and almost all of the major exhibits of the San Diego Zoo are in the open-air. The San Diego Zoo is also extremely active in conservation and preservation efforts and many species are bred in captivity for release into their native habitats where appropriate.
5. Toronto Zoo
Located in Toronto and encompassing 710 acres (287 ha), the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada. The zoo is currently home to over 16,000 animals representing over 491 species. The animals are divided into seven geographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain.
4. Bronx Zoo
Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo in New York City is the biggest metropolitan zoo in the United States, comprising 265 acres (107 ha) of park lands and naturalistic habitats. The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are endangered. Some of the exhibits at the Bronx Zoo, such as World of Birds and World of Reptiles, are arranged by taxonomy, while others, such as African Plains and Wild Asia, are arranged geographically.
3. Beijing Zoo
Founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty, the Beijing Zoo has one of the largest animal collections in China. The zoo is home to 14,500 animals representing over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals. The zoo occupies an area of 219 acres (89 ha). The Beijing Zoo is probably best known for its collection of rare animals endemic to China including the Giant Pandas, which are the park’s most popular attraction.
2. Berlin Zoological Garden
Opened in 1844 the Berlin Zoological Garden (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest and best known zoo in Germany. It covers 84 acres (34 ha) and is located in Berlin’s Tiergarten. With more than 1,500 different species and around 17,000 animals the zoo presents the largest collection of species in the world. Famous inhabitants of the zoo include Bao Bao the Giant Panda and Knut the polar bear (Knut died unexpectedly in March 2011).
1. Henry Doorly Zoo
Nebraska’s number one paid attendance attraction, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is home to about 17,000 animals of 962 species. It encompasses over 130 acres (53 ha) of land area. Although there are bigger zoos in terms of acreage or species numbers, none rank as high as the Henry Doorly Zoo if both these categories are combined. For this reason it is listed here as the largest zoo in the world. It also features the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest indoor swamp, the world’s largest indoor desert, as well as the largest glazed geodesic dome in the world.
I’m from Omaha and go to the zoo multiple times every year. Every single time I’ve gone to the zoo I have found something new. I nanny four little girls and this is the best place to take them, there are multiple splash pads, tons of exhibits, lots of playgrounds, and tons of interactive activities.
The Zoo and Aquarium in Wroclaw Poland is home to over 1100 species, more than 14000 animals, and it covers an area of 33 hectares – yet it wasn’t on the list.
I am from Lincoln and have been to many amazing museums in Nebraska, but I do think having an amazing zoo is the only way we can get people to come here in the first place. But its nice to stop by the zoo every year or two to see what has changed and to also visit my favorite places such as the Lied Jungle.
What about the Entebbe Zoo in Uganda . Also known as the Uganda Wildlife Education Authority.While it functions primarily as a zoo, this center is actually a world-class animal refuge. It has a surface area of 51 square kilometers .???
Don’t forget Safaripark Beekse Bergen in The Netherlands. With its 296 acres one of the largest zoos/animal parks in Europe! And that in an overpopulated country.
The North Carolina Zoo is over 2000 acres (810 ha) is the largest walk-through zoo in the world, and one of only two state-owned zoos in the United States. The NC Zoo has over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America.
Per the Association of Zoos and Aquariums the NC Zoo is the Largest Natural Habitat, Walk Through Zoo in the World. So regardless of what anyone says the AZA ranked it so. PERIOD.
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the largest zoo in India which houses about 2,553 species of flora and fauna across 1,265 acres and is the largest zoological garden in India.
Proud to be from Omaha Ne..
Thank you for this list. I love zoos and have visited many all over the world. But the largest collection of animals in the world actually belongs to a company that controls 11 parks and is based right here in the United States. Sea World Entertainment companies care for 86,000 animals. There is no other zoo organization that even comes close.
Guys what about the southwick zoo in mendon Massachusetts? 300 acres right there
@Kerry Martin, Make sure you go to MOMA if you like art, or at least the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn.
I am taking 3 children of various ages to the Henry Doorly Zoo tomorrow. I know I shall leave tired and broke, but I have always loved zoo’s. My plan this summer is to see the full zoo…all the animals, and each species and sub-species. I think I can get it done in about 4 trips. I am from Kenya, East Africa, so I have some of these animals in the wild!!
Many thanks for putting this list together, with lots of great details. very helpful for Bucket-list building, and also travel-planning. I’ve been to Toronto, and heading to New York in a few weeks, and both trips hadn’t considered their zoos. Sounds like an experience and I appreciate the insights.
I was in Omaha last year, it is a tremendous zoo!!
I remember this as Riverview Park Zoo as a child. So proud of it in my hometown!
Nebraska has a wildlife safari park that is part of Henry Doorly also.
Vickie,
Then I guess they should include Wildlife Safari Park. It is also owned and ran by the Henry Doorly Zoo. I bet it would add quite a few animals and acres to the total.
I visited the Beijing zoo a few yesrs ago and wsd horrified at the condition of the animals. Rlephants locked up in barns no ro toove, pandas
That were filthy. The zoo itself was not a good place!!
I live 10 minutes away from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska, It is not only the largest, but it is the best zoo in the US. All we need now are pandas, and it will be the best tn the world!
Henry Doorly Zoo is an amazing place. It really takes a couple days to explore. I would highly recommend it whether you are young or old. They also have a drive through safari park near Ashland that contains the only herd of a small prong horn deer in the world. The last time I was there, the herd was thriving and beginning to return from the edge of extinction. Totally amazing!!!
The best thing about the Henry Doorly Zoo (Omaha, Nebraska) is that even Omahans are impressed enough to get excited about purchasing their zoo membership every year. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new and interesting to see, learn and experience.
Whoo Hoo for Nebraska!
The San Diego Zoo should include the “The San Diego Safari Park”, they are in two locations, but it is one organization.
North Carolina zoo. 2000 acres, 250 species. http://www.nczoo.org
What happened to the massive Z!oo of Whipsnade in England. 650 acre with 5000 species set in big natural enclosures.Europes biggest
What about Brookfield Zoo in Chicago?? 415 species and 216 acres.
What happen with zoo of Cabarceno???, 750 hect.