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A zoo is a managed space for animals created for the sole purpose of wildlife conservation and education of people. Actually, there are many zoos in the world that conserve and breed rare and endangered species. These places also create awareness about the behavior, living conditions, and breeding of animals. Check out our list of the 25 largest zoos in the world.
We can categorize the zoos as the largest by area, the number of animals, and the different species of animals. However, there are zoological parks that encompass thousands of acres. However, they often house as few as 20 species. Therefore, it’s important to create the list based on all criteria. While zoos help in the preservation of rare animals, they are also popular tourist spots. Actually, zoos interest people of all ages.
Dallas Zoo
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Dallas Zoo in Texas is 106 acres (43 hectares) in size. This zoo has over 2,000 animals belonging to 406 species. The two-decade-old zoo is the largest and the oldest in Texas. You can hop onto the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari on their renovated monorail ride. Alternatively, there’s the mini-electric train called the T-Rex Express. Catch the ride near the Herpetarium on the northern side of the zoo. Kids also love the animal-themed merry-go-round called Endangered Species Carousel.
You can chat with the zookeepers, feed giraffes, and experience wild encounters up-close in this zoo. There are more than 700 volunteers to help guide you. They teach fun facts about animals. There, you’ll also find dining and shopping facilities.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Admission: 12 to 17 USD
Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, United States
Chester Zoo, England
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Chester Zoo is a 125-acre (51-hectare) zoo in Upton by Chester, in Cheshire, England. Opened by the George Mottershead family in 1931 it’s one of the largest in England. It contains 21,000 animals and 500+ species. In fact, these include rare animals on the verge of extinction. Chester Zoo is one of the largest zoos in animal numbers. Experience the boat trip on the Lazy River. Also, check out the exhibits of islands at Chester Zoo. You can go around the zoo on a monorail or a mobility scooter. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Sumatran Tigers and gigantic Asian Elephants at Chester Zoo. Additionally, find several children’s play areas, restaurants, picnic spaces, and shops.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: 22 to 26 USD
Address: Chester CH2 1EU, United Kingdom
Detroit Zoo
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Detroit Zoo is just a couple of miles north of the city of Detroit in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, Michigan. Over 2,000 animals from 230 different species live on a 125-acre (51-hectare) habitat. From aardvarks to zebra, this zoo offers face-to-face encounters with many exotic animals. Check out the cute parade of penguins at Polk Penguin Conservation Center. Must-try attractions are a 4-D theater, simulator ride, and a carousel. Actually, kids enjoy the Korman Tadpole Play Venture. Then, there’s the Science On A Sphere and the Rackham Fountain. Also, you can participate in exciting activities like breakfast with your favorite animal. Additionally, the zoo brings giraffe encounters, private photo safaris and more.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: 10 to 18 USD
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
Henry Doorly Zoo and aquarium, Omaha
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Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 17,000 animals belonging to 962 species. This zoo occupies 130 acres (53 hectares) in Omaha, Nebraska. The Omaha Zoo is one of the most fascinating zoological parks in the world, attracting close to two million visitors annually. Home to the world’s first vitro-fertilized gorilla, it has more than 20 prime exhibits. These include the Desert Dome and a butterfly conservatory. In fact, there’s even an insect zoo. Additionally, explore Asian highlands, African grasslands and more. Henry Doorly also houses the largest cat complex in the world. Plus, the place has a top-notch research facility for animals.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: 11 to 17 USD
Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, United States
Los Angeles Zoo
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Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden is a 133-acre (54-hectare) project by the city of Los Angeles. The zoo management organizes many camps and classes to create awareness about wildlife conservation. Overall, LA Zoo houses more than 1,700 animals belonging to more than 270 species. The zoo also hosts different talks and presentations every day. It’s home to some of the rarest animals in the world.
Key shows and activities include seal demonstrations, campfire stories, and elephant care demonstrations. Additionally, visitors enjoy close-up encounters like their Chimp Chat and more. Fascinating, kids enjoy the Tasmanian devil feeding, aviary exploration, and the otter talk. Notably, there’s a popular Flamingo Mingle, Safari Shuttle, and giraffe feeding. In fact, kids love the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel and family nature club activities in this zoo.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: 17 to 22 USD
Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park occupies 163 acres (66 hectares) of land in Red Creek, Washington.D.C. The park opened its doors for conservation, research, and teaching in 1886. A fantastic place to learn, a bonus is free entry. The trails and exhibits in this park include Amazonia, American train, Asian trail, and the Birdhouse. Then there’s the Cheetah Conservation Center, and elephant trails. Aside from that, expect a kids’ farm, primates, and a reptile discovery center. Additional exhibits include a small mammal house. Furthermore, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park organizes a lot of camps, school programs, sleepovers, and birthday parties.
Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
National Zoological Park, Delhi
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Located inside a 16th-century citadel, the National Zoological Park sits in the heart of India’s capital city Delhi. This zoo covers 176 acres (71 hectares). Here, you’ll find close to 1,350 animals. Diverse, they belong to 127 species. Traverse the park on a battery-operated vehicle. Or, if you feel like it, walk the pathways. The zoo runs conservation breeding programs for endangered animals like the royal Bengal tiger. Similarly, they conserve swamp deer, Asiatic lion, and red jungle fowl. Indian rhino and brow-antlered deer also take priority. Discover the spider monkeys, chimpanzees, jaguars, African buffalos, zebra, and more.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Admission: 2 – 5 USD
Address: Mathura Rd, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
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National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, also known as the Pretoria Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the world. 210 acres (85 hectares) of natural habitat exists for their wild animals. Popular, more than 600,000 visitors check-in every year. There, they find 9,000+ animals representing about 700 species. Flowing through the zoo, the Apies River separates the steep northern side from the flat plains. Check out the African beauties like leopards, elephants, and gorillas. Additionally, they feature other rare animals like koalas, komodo dragons, and kangaroos. The two major attractions of the Pretoria Zoo are its Zoo Camps and Sunset Zoo Safari. Plus, there are also many picnic spots.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Admission: 6 – 12 USD
Address: 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Brookfield Zoo
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Offering 215 acres (87 hectares) of near-to-real living space, Brookfield Zoo in Chicago homes 2,300 animals. They account for 450 different species. It was one of the earliest zoos to use moats instead of cages to protect animals. Another first, the zoo also contains the world’s first indoor rain forest simulation. Sometimes known as the Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield was the first US zoo to import giant pandas. A popular show, the fully indoor dolphin exhibit attracts a lot of visitors. Similarly interesting, you can feed giraffes, parakeets, penguins, and other animals. Check out the lifecycle of a butterfly at the Butterflies Gallery. Next, why not hop onto the Carousel? You can also try the Motor Safari for a guided tour.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: 10 – 14 USD
Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, United States
Beijing Zoo
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Centuries-old, the Beijing Zoo was established during the late Qing dynasty period. In fact, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the world. This 220-acre (89-hectare) zoo works towards the preservation, knowledge sharing, and research on animals from all over the world. It has 14,500 animals representing 950 species. 400 of them are land animals. Meanwhile, they hold 500 marine animals. Beijing Zoo attracts about six million people every year. There, they see rare animals like South China tigers, Chinese giant salamanders, and pandas. Plus, it contains the largest aquarium in China. Explore the famous panda hall at this zoo on a private family tour of Beijing Panda Zoo and summer palace.
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 5pm (November – March), 7:30 am – 6pm (April – October)
Admission: 2 – 19 USD
Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Dong Wu Yuan, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)
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Mysore Zoo consists of 157 acres (64 hectares), and there are 113 acres (46 hectares) of Karanji Lake Nature Park and the Chamundi Conservation and Rehabilitation Center. These also come under the zoo’s administration. Originally, the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens started as a small private facility in Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar’s summer palace. The spacious enclosures of the first palace zoo still exist.
Over time, after several expansions, the zoo became one of the biggest animal conservation and research facilities in India. Today, the zoo accommodates more than 1,400 animals belonging to 168 different species. For the past two decades, the zoo ran an animal adoption program. Also, there is an artificial lake inside this facility. Birds and people enjoy the lake. You can explore this zoo either by foot or on a battery-operated vehicle.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: 2 USD
Address: Zoo Main Road, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010
Nehru Zoological Park
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Established in 1963, Nehru Zoological Park covers 380 acres (153.8 hectares) near Mir Alam Tank in Hyderabad, India. Nehru Zoo provides sanctuary for more than 1,100 animals from 100 species. Interestingly, it’s home to Indian animals like Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, panthers, and more. Expect to also see Asian lions, gaur, elephants, python, antelope, deer, and slender loris. Plus, it houses many birds. Popular, the Nocturnal House is the main attraction. Containing an artificial day-night reversal system, visitors see the night prowlers like fruit bats. Keep an eye out for leopards, owls, and hedgehogs. Usefully, visitors can see these nocturnal animals during the daytime. Additionally, there’s an aquarium, butterfly park, dino park, and tortoise park in this zoo. Plus, Nehru Zoological Park also has an animal adoption program.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: 2 – 3 USD
Address: NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064
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Assam State Zoo And Botanical Garden
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Part of the Hengrabari Reserve Forest, Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden occupies 432.4 acres (175hectares). Notably, it has a wide range of exotic wild animals belonging to 38 different species. Some of these are white tigers, Himalayan black bears, Indian rhinos, and chimpanzees. Additionally, this zoo also has an aviary and a nocturnal house. Then, there’s the fabulous botanical division. Annually, the zoo attracts about 450,000 visitors from across the world.
Opening Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Admission: 1 – 2 USD
Address: RG Baruah Rd, Ambikagirinagar, Guwahati, Assam 781005
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio
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Situated on the eastern banks of the Scioto River’s O’Shaughnessy Reservoir, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is 580 acres (234 hectares). Here, the non-profit zoo exhibits Asian, African, and North American animals. Belonging to over 800 species, you’ll find over 7,000 animals. Exclusive experiences, specially designed for visitors. entertain people. Must-try activities include the Animal Encounter’s Village. Popular, the Surfin Safari, Discovery Reef Diver, and Giraffe Feeding attract visitors. Plus, you can also check out the Kangaroo Walkabout. Enjoy Lorikeet, the Reptile Keeper Lab, and Stingray Bay. Additionally, look out for the 4-D theater, keeper talks, and more. Events, such as business meetings can also be arranged.
Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm
Admission: 6 – 9 USD
Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, United States
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
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Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in Andhra Pradesh. Set amidst beautiful mountain scenery, the zoo covers 625 acres (253 hectares). This backdrop comes from the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It’s part of the Kambalakonda reserve forests near the Bay of Bengal. As the park is near the Indian East Coast, it’s ideal for research on both plants and animals of the region. For notable attractions, look for the Bioscope Wildlife Education Center and the Nocturnal House. Plus you’ll see birds, primates, herbivores, carnivores, reptiles, and more.
Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: 1 – 2 USD
Address: Near Dairy Farm, Yendada Nursery, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530040
Toronto Zoo
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The largest zoo in Canada, Toronto Zoo is one of the top ten in the world. This zoo is divided into seven geographical regions. Actually, they spread across 710 acres (287 hectares). The seven dedicated regions of the zoo are the Americas, Africa, Australiasia, Eurasia Wilds, Canada Domain, Indo-Malaya, and Tundra Trek. Packed full of entertainment, this zoo in Toronto brings an array of animal experiences. Meet the keeper, or do the Kangaroo Walkthrough.
Next, note the wildlife health center. Additionally, watch the Wonders of Wildlife show. Plus, there are animal enrichment shows. They also have an Adopt an Animal private tour. Great fun, get on their casual encounters and become a keeper for a day. This zoo also has other attractions like Kid Zoo, Splash Island, Green House, and Zoo Mobile.
Then, there’s the Serengeti Bush Camp, Seasonal Wild Rouge Zipline, and Canopy Tour. Also, visit the Conservation Carousel, Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, and the Tundra Air Ride.
Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission: 18 – 28 USD
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
Zoo Miami
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Zoo Miami is also called as the Miami Metro Zoo or Miami Dade Zoological Park. This zoo comprises a total land cover of 750 acres (304 hectares), of which only 324 acres (131 hectares) are developed. Zoo Miami is one of the oldest and largest zoos in North America. Miami is known for its sub-tropical weather conditions. Hence, this zoo is ideal for the conservation of animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. You can explore this zoo using an all-inclusive Miami Zoo pass for a hassle-free experience.
This zoo strives to create as close to natural habitats as possible for its animals. Hence, the zoo has a diverse landscape with a variety of plant and bird species as well. It offers a safe home to more than 3,000 animals belonging to 500 different species. Miami Zoo has several programs and activities for the exploration, education, and conservation of animals under its care. You will also love their long list of fun activities like animal feeding, presentations, rides, kids zones, and character meet and greet.
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Admission: 19 – 23 USD
Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, United States
Como Zoo, St. Paul, Minnesota
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Como Zoo is a 759-acre (307-hectare) animal zoo and conservatory facility in St.Paul, Minnesota. It is one of the largest zoological parks in the US. Como Zoo is famous for its Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a 0.5-acre glass center that features different garden styles of the world and flower shows.
Como Zoo organizes gardener talks and keeper talks for people to get an insight into how they preserve flora and fauna. You will also love the Gorilla program and Polar bear program through which the zoo educates visitors about the importance of these animals and their behavioral traits. Another enjoyable experience in this zoo is Story Time. During Story Time, the zookeeper team will read numerous fun animal stories for you.
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (April to September), 10am – 7pm (October to March)
Admission: 2 – 3 USD
Address: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103, United States
Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha
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Nandankanan Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens in Odisha is the first zoo in India to be a part of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This zoo is 1,080 acres (437 hectares) within the Chandaka Forests near Bhubaneswar. It runs breeding programs for pangolins, crocodiles, and white tigers. Some of the features in this park are the White Tiger Safari and Kanija Lake Boating.
They also have a reptile park, nocturnal animal house, amphibian enclosure, and an open-top leopard enclosure. Other features include a toy train, battery-operated vehicles, and a library. Enjoy the aquarium, reptile center, zoo museum, and aviary. About 3,500 animals live in this zoo.
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: 2 USD
Address: Nandankanan Rd, Near Police Station, Barang, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai
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Arignar Anna Zoological Park or Vandaloor Zoo in Chennai is a 1,265-acre (602-hectare) campus and the first public zoo in India that opened doors for visitors in 1855. This 165-year-old park provides habitat for about 2,700 animals belonging to 171 different species. Hence, it is a popular picnic spot in the city.
The key attractions of this zoo are the Lion and Deer Safari, walk-thru aviary, forest museum, aquarium, butterfly park, elephant enclosure, Otteri lake, and more. Adjacent to the zoo, 228 acres (92.5 hectares) contain an animal rehabilitation center for confiscated and abandoned wild animals. In fact, This zoo excels in breeding programs for endangered species. Arignar Anna Zoological Park also organizes zoo programs for students and teachers.
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Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: 1 – 3 USD
Address: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
The Living Desert Zoo, California, USA
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The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Palm Desert, California, occupies 1,800 acres (730 hectares) of the Sonoran desert in Coachella Valley. This desert zoo was established to preserve the California desert eco-system due to the growth of resorts in the Palm Springs region. Actively conducting conservation research, it’s 50-years-old. Plus, they run breeding programs, habitat protection, and education programs across the globe.
Notably, attractions in the Living Desert Zoo include feeding a giraffe. Then, there’s the camel connection. Alternatively, enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds. In fact, try the endangered species carousel. Then, explore the private-behind the scenes tour. Also, enjoy the animal encounters, petting kraal, nature and hiking trails. Additionally, visit the discovery center, G-scale model trail, gecko gulch, and more.
Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (October – May) 7 am – 1:30 pm (June – September)
Admission: 15 – 25 USD
Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to more than 3,500 animals This safari park is 1,800 acres (730 hectares). Usefully, you can explore the park with different safari options. Certainly, the Caravan Safari, Cheetah Safari, and Cart Safari are interesting. Plus, explore the Jungle Ropes Safari, Flightline Safari, and go behind the scenes. Additionally, they bring a Roar and Snore Safari and an Ultimate Safari. Enjoy the different safaris of this park with the San Diego Zoo Safari ticket.
It may not be the largest zoo in the world, but it has fascinating zones for animals from different regions of the world. They are African Plains, African Woods, and African Outpost. Also, look for the Asian Savanna, Condor Ridge, Lion Camp, and Gorilla Forest. Still, if you want more, try the Elephant Valley, The Grove, or the Tiger Trail. Plus, you can opt for Walkabout Australia and the Nairobi Village.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: 48 – 58 USD
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
North Carolina Zoo
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North Carolina Zoo is located at the heart of North Carolina within 2,600 acres (1,052 hectares) of forest. However, only 500 acres (202 hectares) of the land area has been developed so far. This zoo provides care for more than 250 different species, summing up a total of over 1,800 animals. Measured by area, it’s not the largest zoo in the world, but it is the biggest in North America. Offering a wide range of activities, it takes more than a day to experience.
Actually, a few striking attractions in this zoo are Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden and the Expedition Africa. In fact, there’s more. These include the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck and a Treehouse Trek. Furthermore, experience the Endangered Species Carousel, Air Hike Rope course, and a Zoofari. Then, try the Praire Geyser, Kid Zone, Hiking Trails, Gorilla Playscape, and Garden Friends Playground.
Opening Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Admission: 11 – 15 USD
Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, United States
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park
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Mythology-themed, Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (S.V. Zoo) educates visitors on the significance of animals in Hindu mythology. Obviously, they also explain the need to preserve them. S.V. Zoo is a 5,532-acre (2,239-hectare) campus in the Hindu pilgrimage city of Tirupati. In fact, it’s not the largest zoo in the world, but it is the largest zoo in Asia.
Impressively, this zoo runs several conservation initiatives like conservation breeding centers, conservation education, and training programs. They also have an animal rescue center and rehabilitation programs. Also, you can check out lions and deer in their natural habitat on a Caged Vehicle Zoo Safari. Uniquely, it features Mayuravani (house of peafowls), Mrugavani (house of herbivores), and Vrukavani (house of smaller carnivores).
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: 1 USD
Address: PO, Pudipatla, SV Zoo Rd, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517505
The Wilds Safari Park, Cumberland, Ohio
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Non-profit, the Wilds Safari Park in Ohio is the largest zoo in the world by area. Home to just over 300 animals, they belong to less than 25 species. However, this zoo occupies 9,154 acres (3,704 hectares) of land for its small population. Created on reclaimed land, it once housed the Central Ohio Coal Company. Hence, the old strip mining lands of Cumberland became the Wilds Safari Park. Popular, it also does conservation research and breeding. There, enjoy unique adventures like horseback riding, ziplining, fishing, and more. Additionally, the zoo has cabins, lodges, and, campgrounds. So, you can enjoy an overnight stay in the jungle, as well.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: 30 – 125 USD (pay per ride)
Address: 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, United States