Top 12 Zoos Around the World: A Journey of Wildlife & Wonder for Families

Zoos are more than just places to see animals; they are conservation hubs and educational institutions as well as fun destinations for families. Though all zoos have animals and various attractions, not all of them are created equal. Animal species that call the San Diego Zoo home may not say the same about the Melbourne Zoon in Australia. 

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As you prepare for your journey, it’s important to have a travel eSIM on your phone. This will allow you to check opening and closing times, look up feeding times for certain exhibits, utilize a map of the zoo on your phone and get in touch with loved ones, should you become separated. 

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Here’s a tour of the top twelve zoos around the globe that stand out for their unique features, innovative exhibits, and dedication to animal welfare.

1. San Diego Zoo (USA)

Location: San Diego, California, USA

What Makes It Unique: The San Diego Zoo is renowned for its pioneering conservation efforts and expansive habitats. Home to over 3,500 animals across 650 species, this zoo emphasizes creating naturalistic environments.

Special Features:

• The Safari Park offers a closer look at African and Asian wildlife.
• The zoo's botanical collection features over 700,000 plants, enhancing the experience.

2. Bronx Zoo (USA)

Location: Bronx, New York, USA

What Makes It Unique: The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, focusing on immersive exhibits for visitors.

Special Features:

• The Congo Gorilla Forest is one of the largest primate habitats.
• The Wild Asia Monorail for a unique viewing experience.

3. Toronto Zoo (Canada)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What Makes It Unique: As Canada’s largest zoo, it features over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species.

Special Features:

• The Tundra Trek is home to Arctic species like polar bears and Arctic wolves.
• A focus on conservation and educational programs.

4. Taronga Zoo (Australia)

Location: Sydney, Australia

What Makes It Unique: With a stunning view of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo combines beautiful scenery with a wide array of wildlife.

Special Features:

• Lemur Forest Adventure, an immersive walk-through experience.
• A strong focus on native Australian wildlife and conservation

5. Melbourne Zoo (Australia)

Location: Melbourne, Australia

What Makes It Unique: Melbourne Zoo integrates natural settings with innovative animal exhibits.

Special Features:

• The Trail of the Elephants simulates an Asian village.
• The Butterfly House with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

6. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (Japan)

Location: Yokohama, Japan

What Makes It Unique: Combining an aquarium and an amusement park, it offers a blend of marine life and entertainment.

Special Features:

• The Aqua Museum with massive tanks and diverse marine species.
• Interactive dolphin and sea lion shows.

7. Singapore Zoo (Singapore)

Location: Mandai, Singapore

What Makes It Unique: This "open concept" zoo uses hidden barriers and naturalistic enclosures to make the animals appear as if they are in the wild.

Special Features:

• The Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo, offers a glimpse into the lives of night-dwelling creatures.
• River Safari, with giant pandas and an Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit.

8. Beijing Zoo (China)

Location: Beijing, China

What Makes It Unique: Beijing Zoo is famous for its rare animal species native to China, including the giant panda.

Special Features:

• The Panda House, a dedicated space for viewing giant pandas.
• Beautiful classical Chinese gardens throughout the zoo.

9. Vienna Zoo (Austria)

Location: Vienna, Austria

What Makes It Unique: Also known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, it is the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world.

Special Features:

• Historical baroque architecture combined with modern habitats.
• The Giant Panda Exhibit and a tropical rainforest house.

10. Loro Parque (Spain)

Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

What Makes It Unique: Originally a parrot sanctuary, Loro Parque has grown into one of the world’s most respected zoos.

Special Features:

• The largest and most diverse parrot collection in the world.
• A spectacular Orca Ocean show featuring orcas and dolphins.

11. Chester Zoo (UK)

Location: Cheshire, England

What Makes It Unique: Chester Zoo is dedicated to conservation and education, featuring over 35,000 animals across 500 species.

Special Features:

• The Islands Exhibit – a recreation of Southeast Asian islands.
• Extensive botanical gardens and a focus on endangered species.

12. Berlin Zoological Garden (Germany)

Location: Berlin, Germany

What Makes It Unique: As the oldest zoo in Germany, it boasts a comprehensive collection of species and historic significance.

Special Features:

• The Panda Garden features giant pandas.
• A diverse aquarium with extensive marine life.

Don’t Swing Back and Forth Between Wi-Fi & No Service

Each of these zoos offers an array of exhibits and amazing creatures to see. With an eSIM app, you can capture every moment and upload your files in real-time. And, with each of these zoos being so large, it’s a relief to know that eSIM cards on each of your family members’ devices will help you stay connected should you get separated. 

Conclusion

These zoos stand out not just for their extensive animal collections but also for their commitment to conservation, education, and creating immersive, enjoyable experiences for visitors. Each zoo offers unique features that make it a must-visit destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re walking through lush forests, riding a monorail, or marveling at marine life, these top zoos provide unforgettable adventures and learning opportunities for all ages.