Reviewers Rate America's 5 Best Zoos
By Rick Stevenson
VACATIONS
The Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden boasts more than 400 animal species, an elephant reserve, an expansive savannah exhibit, and a whole zone for big cats.
The Cincinnati Zoo recently ranked No. 2 on a USA Today reader poll ranking the best zoos in the U.S., and it's consistently rated in the top echelon of user scores on Tripadvisor.
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals and offers behind-the-scenes "Wild Encounters" where guests can get closer with the animals and chat with zookeepers.
This NYC zoo is highly rated both in terms of entertainment value and ethical conservation advancement. It has a 4.6/5 rating across more than 35,000 visitor reviews on Google.
The Denver Zoo
Colorado's Denver Zoo is a beautifully maintained space with great staff, food, and amenities. It also provides educational programs and extensive onsite animal care.
The zoo received Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice badge in 2024, and the publication regularly ranks it highly. It also hosts events for the community and has free-to-visit days.