Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Years Active: 1934 – Active The Tautphaus Park Zoo It started small. Back in 1934, Idaho Falls took over a modest park. Think local critters – bears, elk, even badgers. The zoo director? A guy named Al Heslop, living right there on-site. Talk about dedication! Fast-forward to today. This place is…
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Years Active: 1914 – Active The Honolulu Zoo isn’t just another animal park. It’s a hotbed of conservation tucked into the heart of Oahu. Founded way back in 1914, they’ve been fighting for wildlife longer than most of us have been alive. You won’t see polar bears here. The zoo focuses on…
Location: Locust Grove, Georgia Years Active: 1978 – Active Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary isn’t your average petting zoo. This place is wild. Over 1,500 rescued animals live on their huge Georgia property. You’ll find tigers, bears, wolves… even Zuri, a rare white Bengal tiger. Some come from shady situations – bad zoos, illegal owners, that…
Location: Alamo, Georgia Years Active: 2010 – Active The Georgia Safari Conservation Park isn’t a glossy zoo. It’s been around since 2010, nestled in the dusty heart of Alamo, Georgia. Sure, they talk about conservation, but this place is more about getting up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Think drive-through safaris where massive rhinos…
Location: Waycross, Georgia Years Active: 1946 – Active Okefenokee Swamp Park it’s your nice, safe window into a seriously wild place. This swamp is massive, a murky, mysterious world all its own. The park gives you the experience without making you, you know, actually survive in the wild. Boardwalks, boats, even exhibits to teach you…
Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida Years Active: 1987 – Active Think the zoo is all rainbows and cuddly animals? Think again. The Gulf Breeze Zoo has some awesome creatures (900+, seriously!), but it ain’t no Disney movie. It’s a little older, smaller than the mega-zoos, and conservation is their main hustle. That means you get an…
Location: St. Augustine, Florida Years Active: 1893 – Active The Alligator Farm Zoological Park keeps it real. Think less “enchanting animal sanctuary,” more “Florida swamp with attitude.” Obviously, gators are the stars of the show. They’re big, they’re occasionally smelly, and they have zero interest in giving you a hug. But hey, that’s why you’re…
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Years Active: 1969 – Active Forget those stuffy zoos with bored animals in tiny enclosures. The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society throws that out the window. This place is wild, a real haven for critters on the brink. Jaguars, tigers, weird monkeys you’ve never heard of – they’re all…
Location: Loxahatchee, Florida Years Active: 1967 – Active Lion Country Safari in Florida promises a wild ride! It’s a drive-through experience, but not like your typical zoo. Animals wander freely – get ready for close encounters with lions, zebras, you name it. This place is all about getting you near the wildlife action. They do…
Location: Gainesville, Florida Years Active: 1970 – Active Want to experience wildlife up close in Gainesville, Florida? The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is an awesome choice! It’s way more than your average zoo. This place is all about learning and protecting animals. They’ve been doing it since 1970. You’ll see over 200 animals here….
