Location: Oakland, California Years Active: 1922 – Active Oakland Zoo, located in Oakland, California, spans 100 acres and houses over 850 native and exotic animals. Known for its naturalistic habitats, it features the California Trail showcasing native wildlife and the gondola ride offering panoramic views. The zoo focuses on education, conservation, and family-friendly experiences. This…
Location: Santa Rosa, California Years Active: 1993 – Active Safari West isn’t your standard zoo. Nestled in California wine country, it offers a taste of the African savannah. Get ready for up-close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, and more during open-air safari tours. It’s a blast, but be warned: some animal enclosures can feel cramped. They…
Location: Los Angeles, California Years Active: 1966 – Active The Los Angeles Zoo isn’t just about cuddly animals – it’s a slice of real-world conservation right in the heart of the city. Sure, it’s got the classics, but be ready for some surprising encounters too. We’re talking grumpy hippos, awkward giraffes doing their wobbly walk,…
Location: San Diego, California Years Active: 1916 – Active The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, California, is a world-renowned zoo housing over 12,000 animals across 650 species. Known for its naturalistic habitats and conservation efforts, the zoo features highlights such as the Giant Panda Exhibit, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and the Africa Rocks experience….
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Years Active: 1926 – Active The Little Rock Zoo isn’t just about cuddly animals. It’s a place where you’ll face the wonders of nature – and some harsh realities, too. Their mission is conservation, not just feel-good moments. You’ll see animals from around the world, and learn how some are closer…
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona Years Active: 2005 – Active Out of Africa Wildlife Park isn’t your ordinary zoo. It’s in Camp Verde, Arizona, and yeah, they focus on African animals. Expect lions, giraffes, the usual. You can see them up close on safari tours or during shows like Tiger Splash. It’s a fun way to…
Location: Phoenix, Arizona Years Active: 1962 – Active The Phoenix Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals – it’s been a Phoenix institution for over 60 years! They’re all about showing how we’re connected to the amazing wildlife around us. Get ready for some seriously up-close animal encounters. You’ve got to see the Africa…
Location: Anchorage, Alaska Years Active: 1969 – Active The Alaska Zoo isn’t your standard zoo experience. It’s rugged, focused on Alaskan wildlife, and sometimes, a little rough around the edges. Want to see a polar bear up close? Maybe even a brown bear searching for berries? This is the place. Don’t just go for the…
Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama Years Active: 1989 – Active Think you know zoos? The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo isn’t your average animal park. It’s focused on the incredible wildlife you’ll find right here along the Gulf Coast. Get up close and personal with amazing creatures at Animal Encounters – a zoo favorite! Ever wanted to…
Location: Montgomery, Alabama Years Active: 1920 – Active Montgomery Zoo is where it’s at for a charming animal adventure. Sure, you won’t find elephants roaming, but you will get surprisingly close to a giraffe (seriously, they have feedings!). Monkeys will chatter at you, birds might steal your sunglasses, and who knows what the reptiles are…
