A zoo (short form of zoological garden or zoological park and also called an animal park) is a facility in which all animals are housed within enclosures, displayed to the public, and in which they may also breed. The Zoos conserve the rarest of and endemic species across the globe at centric locations, when considering how big a zoo is, the first thing that comes to mind is the size. Let’s quickly take a look at the biggest zoos that impresses and inspires to conserve wildlife for life.
1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio, USA
Located near Powell in Ohio, it is a non profit zoo. The zoo has over 7000 animals representing over 700 species of them and is separated according to its geographic location which spreads over 120 acres as of now. The Zoo also has a golf course with 18 holes referred to as the Safari Golf Club covering an area of 140 acres. The number of people that visit the zoo in a year is estimated at about 2.3 million. According to the US report, there are plans to add an ‘African Savanna’ section and a ‘Polar Environment’ section.
2. Moscow Zoo, Moscow, Russia
This is one of the oldest zoos in the world, established in 1864. It joins as one of the biggest zoos in the world. The size of the zoo is estimated to be about 53 acres and has over 6000 animals from more than 900 species. In addition to taking care of the animals, the zoo is also involved in studying animal behavior. It also studies about animal reproduction and feeding. The zoo also breeds endangered animals.
3. Toronto Zoo.
Located in Canada, this zoo is considered as one of the largest zoos and the biggest in Canada. It was opened in 1974. the zoo has an appreciable size of 710 acres, accommodating over 5000 animals. The zoo also features Kids play area, Splash Island and Waterside Theater. The unique thing about this zoo is how their animals are divided according to their regions like Africa, Indo-Malaya, Tundra Trek, Eurasia, Australasia, Canadian and the Americas.
4. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
The Henry Doorly Zoo was founded in 1894 as the Riverview Park Zoo and it remains the number one attraction in the state of Nebraska. The zoo has about 17,000 animals spread across 962 species. The zoo also has cat complex, comprising big cats like tigers and lions, with the size of about 130 acres in land mass featuring a large indoor desert as well as a massive indoor swamp.
5. Berlin Zoological Garden
Located in Germany, Berlin Zoological Garden is the best zoo around the world, established in 1844. The zoo has an area of just 86.5 acres, grabbing the second spot due to its hosting of over 19,000 animals. Also, the zoo is the oldest in Germany with about 1,500 animal species. Due to its popularity, the zoo has an annual visitors of about 3.5 million people, it also collaborate with many universities for research purposes.
5. Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, India
The Arignar Anna Zoological Park was the first zoo in the world to perform birth control surgery on crocodiles. Located in the city of Chennai, this zoo is spread over 510 acres. It comprises specially made dry and wet islands as well as evergreen forests. The chimpanzees at the zoo are especially entertaining and will keep you busy with their antics. The zoo gets an average of about 800,000 visitors every year. The main aim of Arignar Anna Zoological Park is to spread awareness about wildlife conservation. (1)
6. Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Also known as Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo was established on 1st July 1934. It has gained worldwide recognition for using ditches and moats instead of cages with over 450 animal species, The ditches and moats are used for separating the visitors from the animals. The zoo built its country’s first dolphin exhibit in 1960, In the 1980s, this zoo was again the first to build an indoor rain forest in America.
7. Beijing Zoo
This is the home for an incredible animal count of 14,500 with 950 species counts. It is in Beijing, covering a landscape of 220 acres. It is said to be the oldest zoo in China, it comes to light after being founded by the Qing dynasty in 1906. This zoo harbors some of the most endangered species of animal, that are endemic to respective geographical regions. Animals like red panda, Asian black bears, clouded leopards, Tibetan gazelle and many more, which seems to be very endangered are preserved at this location.
8. Bronx Zoo, New York City, New York, USA
This happens to be the biggest zoo in the USA, located in the Bronx borough of New York City. This zoo spreads over 250 acres comprising of natural habitats and parkland with more than 4000 animals in it most of which are endangered. it is the first zoo in the world to display Proboscis monkeys which are mostly found in Southeast Asia. The zoo is divided into regions like ‘Wild Asia’ and ‘African Plains’.
9. San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California, USA
This zoo spread over 100 acres, regarded as the most famous zoo in the world. It houses over 4000 animals with over 800 species. The zoo is also actively involved in animal preservation and conservation with most of the species breed in the zoo then later let out into the original habitats.
10. Vandalur Zoo
This zoo is located in India, and is considered as the largest zoo in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The zoo was founded in 1855, recognized officially as Arignar Anna Zoological Park. The zoo has the capacity to accommodate over 2,300 animals contributing the preservation of 46 endanger species along with other species of animals. Over 1.7 million people are being attracted to the zoo annually. With an impressive area of 1,490 acres.
