Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut Years Active: 1922 – Active Forget what you think you know about zoos. Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, ain’t no Disneyfied animal theme park. It’s smaller, a little worn around the edges…and honestly? Way more interesting because of it. This place has history, and it’s not afraid to show it. The Beardsley…
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Years Active: 1926 – Active The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the highest zoo in the United States at 6,714 feet above sea level. It is home to over 750 animals from 170 species and is renowned for its giraffe herd and interactive feeding experiences. The zoo…
Location: Denver, Colorado Years Active: 1896 – Active Denver Zoo is a wild adventure in the heart of the city! It’s got history – founded way back in 1896 – and animals galore. We’re talking 80 acres of lions, tigers, and monkeys, all living in areas that feel like their actual homes. Want the inside…
Location: Lodi, California Years Active: 1957 – Active Micke Grove Zoo isn’t just another animal park. This place has a soul – it dates back to 1957! Sure, it’s on the smaller side, but they pack a punch. They’re big on conservation, especially when it comes to endangered animals. Get lost in the Tropical Rainforest…
Location: Pueblo, Colorado Years Active: 1960 – Active The Pueblo Zoo isn’t your standard animal park. It’s been around since 1960, and frankly, some exhibits show their age. But that’s part of its charm – it’s real and focused on the animals, not fancy gimmicks. They’ve got over 400 creatures to see, from the African…
Location: Santa Ana, California Years Active: 1952 – Active Ever wondered what it’s like to hang out with a bunch of monkeys? The Santa Ana Zoo has your answer! It’s been the city’s animal haven since 1952 and takes its “Home of the 50 Monkeys” title very seriously. They’ve got all kinds of cool primates…
Location: Fresno, California Years Active: 1929 – Active Fresno Chaffee Zoo ain’t no Disneyland for animals. It’s a raw, fascinating slice of the natural world, right in the middle of California. Sure, there are adorable moments – baby animals always steal the show. But there’s also the smell of the elephant barn on a hot…
Location: Atascadero, California Years Active: 1955 – Active The Charles Paddock Zoo isn’t your standard zoological park. It’s small, tucked away in the California town of Atascadero. But it packs a punch – this zoo is all about endangered species. They’ve got tigers, lemurs, even adorable red pandas. It’s a little gem for animal lovers….
Location: Palm Desert, California Years Active: 1970 – Active The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens? It’s a different beast. We’re talking desert critters – the tough, the weird, the surprisingly adorable. It’s a sprawling place, so wear comfy shoes and be ready for some heat. But hey, that’s the desert, right? The animals here aren’t…
Location: San Francisco, California Years Active: 1929 – Active Okay, here’s the real deal on the San Francisco Zoo it’s old. Like, opened in 1929 old. That means some of the enclosures feel straight out of a different era, especially if you care about animal space. But hey, if nostalgia’s your thing, the zoo’s got…
