Renowned across the country, San Diego’s zoo, founded in 1916, is home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. Among them are red pandas; African elephants; and bonobo apes. Check out immersive experiences such as a behind-the-scenes peek at zoo life with the 'Inside Look' program, and hop on the Skyfari aerial tram to get a birds-eye view of all the zoo’s habitats. The zoo is recognized by the American Alliance of Museums for its work with its wildlife alliance arm, making strides in population sustainability, genetic diversity, disease, and reproductive sciences.
Zoos have had a checkered history, but when they are done right, they provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to connect with animals and build empathy for them. And a key shift in thinking about their mission is that they provide space for endangered species to be protected and to hopefully thrive and reproduce. Where habitats once were brutally small, exposed to the elements, their inhabitants are treated more as museum displays than living creatures, today more care is taken to build habitats that provide comfort and space to move, with areas where animals can hide if they are uninterested in being stared at. We all want to feel wonder at the beautiful diversity of the animal world, and zoos can deliver on that emotion. Just watch young lemurs play with each other, and you’ll be hooked. Here is our list of the top zoos in the U.S.