Do you know which is the biggest zoo in the world? Or have you ever visited a zoo that safeguards rare species of animals? A zoo is a dedicated space that is specifically managed for animals and endangered species. The sole purpose of a zoo is wildlife conservation and to educate people concerning animals. There are numerous zoos in the world that breed and take care of rare and jeopardized species. Most zoos have the objective to educate people of the geological conditions, behavior, and breeding of animals. While zoos are intended to conserve endangered and rare animals, they are famous as tourist spots among travelers.
We can classify the biggest zoo in the world by area. However, there are zoological parks spread across thousands of acres, but they are inhabitants of just a few animal species. Therefore, it’s significant to consider the area while creating the list of the biggest zoo in the world. Check out our list of the 15 biggest zoos in the world.
15- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore, Karnataka)
Also known as Mysore Zoo, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens cover 157 acres (64 hectares), whereas Karanji Lake Nature Park and the Chamundi Conservation and Rehabilitation Center cover 113 acres (46 hectares). These are also under the zoo’s management. This zoological garden began as a tiny private institution in the summer palace of Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar. The first palace zoo’s large enclosures are still standing, and after numerous expansions, the zoo has become one of India’s biggest animal conservation and research facilities.
14- Smithsonian National Zoological Park (Washington DC, USA)
Spread across 163 acres of land in red creek, Washington DC, the park first opened its doors for protection, study, and education in 1886. Amazonia, the American train, the Asian path, and the Birdhouse are among the park’s trails and exhibits. Then there’s the Elephant Trails and the Cheetah Conservation Center. Other attractions include a children’s farm, primates, and a reptile discovery center.
13- National Zoological Park (Delhi, India)
The National Zoological Park is located in the center of India’s capital city, Delhi. This zoo has a total area of 176 acres (71 hectares). It is obviously not the biggest zoo in the world, but nearly 1,350 creatures can be found here. The zoo handles conservation breeding efforts for endangered animals such as the royal Bengal tiger. Swamp deer, Asiatic lions, Indian rhino, brow-antlered deer, and red jungle fowl are also protected. The and the brow-antlered deer are also protected.
12-National Zoological Gardens Of South Africa (Pretoria, South Africa)
Also known as Pretoria Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is spread across 210 acres of area and can be termed as the biggest zoo in the world as around 600 000 visitors arrive here every year to explore more than 9000 animals of 700 species. The Apies river flows through the zoo and divides steep modern sides from the flat plains. This zoological garden is home to African beauties such as elephants, gorillas, leopards, and rare species like kangaroos, komodo dragons, and koalas.
11- Brookfield Zoo (Chicago, USA)
Brookfield Zoo occupies 215 acres of area, which homes around 2300 animals of 450 different species. It is one of the pioneer zoos which started establishing moats instead of cages to safeguard the animals. Moreover, the Brookfield Zoo also includes the world’s first indoor forest rain simulation. Also known as Chicago Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the United States to import giant pandas.
10- Beijing Zoo (Beijing, China)
Established during the late Qing dynasty period in the sixteenth century, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Spread over 220 acres of area, Beijing Zoo is known for preserving and conducting research on animal species worldwide. It is inhabited by around 14, 500 animals representing 950 species. Five hundred of them are marine animals and 400 land animals. Beijing is the biggest zoo in the world as it attracts around six million visitors every year.
9- Nehru Zoological Park (Telangana, Hyderabad)
Home to around 1100 animals representing 100 species, Nehru Zoological Park occupies 380 acres and was established in 1963. People visit this zoological park to see Indian animals such as elephants, deer, Asian lions, pythons, antelope, and slender loris. Indeed, the park is not considered the biggest zoo in the world, but it is home to many bird species and includes an aquarium, dino park, tortoise park, and butterfly park. Moreover, Nehru Zoological Park also conducts a program to adopt animals.
8- Assam State Zoo And Botanical Garden (Guwahati, Assam)
Spread in 432 acres, Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden is part of Hengrabari Reserve Forest and inhabits an extensive range of wild animals representing 38 species. This range includes Indian rhinos, chimpanzees, Himalayan black bears, and white tigers. Surrounded by the exquisite botanical divisions, the zoo includes a nocturnal house and an aviary. It is the biggest zoo in the world as it attracts around 450, 000 visitors from all across the world annually.
7- Columbus Zoo And Aquarium (Ohio, USA)
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is spread over 580 acres of area on the eastern banks of the Scioto River. This non-profit zoo is home to around 7000 animals representing over 800 species, including Asian, African, and North American animals. Giraffe Feeding, the Surfin Safari, and Discovery Reef Diver are must-try activities that attract visitors worldwide. Moreover, you can also enjoy visiting Stingray Bay, Kangaroo Walkabout, Lorikeet, and the Reptile Keeper Lab. Moreover, a 4D theater is not-to-miss. Columbus Zoo also provides space to organize events and business meetings.
6- Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
One of the biggest zoos in Andhra Pradesh, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park covers around 625 acres and is located amidst the exquisite mountain scenery of Eastern Ghats. This zoological park is a division of Kambalakonda reserve forests near the Bay of Bengal. The park is considered ideal for botanical and zoological research due to its proximity to the Indian East Coast.
5- Toronto Zoo (Toronto, Canada)
Divided into seven geographical regions and spread across 710 acres, Toronto Zoo is the biggest zoo in the world. The seven geographical regions in the zoo include Canada Domain, Eurasia Wild, Australia, Africa, Americas, Indo-Malaya, and Tundra Trek. The zoo includes the wildlife health center, and the wonders of wildlife show is packed with entertainment. Moreover, there are numerous attractions, including GreenHouse, Kids Zoo, Splash Island, and Zoo Mobile.
4- Nandankanan Zoological Park (Bhubaneswar, Odisha)
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums has recognized Nandankanan Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens in Odisha as the first zoo in India. The Chandaka Forests in Bhubaneswar are home to this zoo, which spans 1,080 acres (437 hectares). This zoological park inhabits pangolin, crocodile, and white tiger breeding projects. The White Tiger Safari and Kanija Lake Boating are two of the park’s attractions. A reptile park, nocturnal animal house, amphibian enclosure, and open-top leopard habitat are all available.
3- Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Chennai, Tamilnadu)
Also known as Vandaloor Zoo, Arignar Anna Zoological Park has a campus spread over 1256 acres and is considered India’s first zoo opened for visitors in 1855. This 165-year-old zoological park is home to around 2700, representing 171 species, a popular picnic hub in Chennai. The park includes numerous attractions, including Lion Safari, Deer Safari, Butterfly Park, Elephant Enclosure, a walk-through aviary, Otteri Lake, and more.
2- North Carolina Zoo (NC, USA)
Situated at the heart of North Carolina, It is a forest that occupies 2600 acres of area. However, the 500 acres of area has been developed over the years. This zoo provides shelter to a total of 1800 animals of 250 different species. In terms of area, it is not the biggest zoo in the world, but it is the largest in North America. The zoo offers a broad range of activities that might take an entire day to cover. Moreover, the major attractions at North Carolina Zoo are Prairie Geyser, Endangered Species Carousel, Zoofari, and Air Hike Rope course.
1- The Wilds Safari Park (Cumberland, Ohio, USA)
The non-profit Wilds Safari Park in Ohio is the biggest zoo in the world by area. The Zoo is home to barely over 300 creatures from less than 25 different kinds. For its modest population, though, this zoo occupies 9,154 acres (3,704 hectares) of land. It was built on reclaimed land and used to be the home of the Central Ohio Coal Company. It is well-known for its conservation research and breeding. People may participate in unusual activities such as horseback riding, ziplining, fishing, and more in this safari park.
Final Words
By this article, we intend to provide information concerning the biggest zoo in the world. The above-mentioned zoological parks and wildlife conservation centers are highly sought-after tourist spots as many travelers want to witness the natural diversity and wildlife of different geographical areas. Moreover, these parks and forests are taking care of a large number of endangered creatures.
