Animals from all around the globe may be seen and learned about in zoos.
Some zoos also run conservation, research, and teaching initiatives to help save wildlife and their natural environments.
However, which zoos have the most acres of land? How do they stand in relation to one another? Also, what about the question of whether zoos’ practices are moral?
In this post, we’ll list the 9 largest zoos in the world as of 2023.
Top 9 Largest Zoos in the World (Ranked)
The following list is based on the official land area of each zoo, as reported by their websites or other sources. Some zoos may have additional land that is not open to the public or used for other purposes. The list does not include wildlife parks, safari parks, or aquariums that are not part of a zoo.
1. The Wilds in Ohio, USA, With 9,154 acres (37.04 km²)
The Wilds shelters over 25 rare and endangered animal species from Africa, Asia, and North America. The 9,000-acre park sits on reclaimed coal mining land. Animals roam spacious, natural habitats. Guests explore via bus tours, safaris, ziplines, horseback, or hiking. The Wilds provide overnight stays, education, and research.
2. Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in Tirupathi, India, With 5,532 acres (22.39 km²)
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, the largest zoo in India and Asia, was founded in 1987. The zoo aims to protect the Tirumala Hills’ wildlife and culture, considered sacred by Hindus. Over 1,500 animals across 200+ species, including lions, tigers, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and fish, call the zoo home. The zoo contains three sections: carnivores, herbivores, and a mini zoo. It also houses a botanical garden, museum, library, and veterinary hospital.
3. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia, USA, With 3,200 acres (13 km²)
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), part of the Smithsonian Institution, concentrates on wildlife conservation and animal health. Situated on a former army base in Front Royal, Virginia, SCBI is not public. But it occasionally hosts open houses and special events. SCBI shelters over 400 animals across 25+ species, including cheetahs, clouded leopards, cranes, red pandas, black-footed ferrets, and bison. SCBI researches animal reproduction, genetics, ecology, behavior, and disease.
4. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in California, USA, With 1,800 acres (7.3 km²)
The non-profit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California promotes desert conservation and education. It houses over 600 animals across 145+ species including giraffes, zebras, camels, mountain lions, coyotes, and meerkats. The zoo contains a botanical garden with 50+ desert ecosystems, a model train exhibit, a wildlife hospital, and a discovery center. Activities offered include guided tours, animal encounters, hiking trails, and camel rides.
5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California, USA, With 1,800 acres (7.3 km²)
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a sister site to the San Diego Zoo, displays animals in spacious, open-air enclosures mimicking their natural habitats. Over 3,000 animals across 300+ species, including rhinos, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and gorillas, inhabit the park. It also contains a botanical garden with 3,500+ plant species, a conservation center, and a nursery. Guests can tour via tram, safari truck, caravan, cart, or ropes course.
6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, India, With 1,490 acres (6.0 km²)
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, founded in 1855, is one of India’s oldest zoos and Chennai’s first public zoo. Relocated in 1985, the zoo houses over 2,300 animals across 170+ species including tigers, leopards, jaguars, bears, hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The zoo contains various zones like the lion safari, deer safari, nocturnal house, reptile house, and butterfly house. It also has a children’s park, aquarium, education center, and library.
7. North Carolina Zoo in North Carolina, USA, With 1,371 acres (5.55 km²)
The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo and North America’s largest zoo. Home to over 1,800 animals across 250+ species, including polar bears, grizzlies, elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, gorillas, and lions, the zoo contains two regions: Africa and North America. Each region has habitats mimicking the animals’ natural environments. The zoo also houses a veterinary hospital, conservation center, and discovery institute.
8. Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, India, With 990 acres (4.0 km²)
Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha uniquely blends wildlife, nature, and culture. It houses over 1,600 animals across 160+ species including white tigers, black panthers, gharials, pangolins, and orangutans. The zoo is renowned for breeding programs saving endangered species like the gharial and white tiger. It also contains a botanical garden, lake, museum, and heritage village.
9. Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens in Florida, USA, With 740 acres (3.0 km²)
Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, or Zoo Miami, is Florida’s largest and oldest zoo, established in 1948 and relocated in 1980. It contains over 3,000 animals across 500+ species including koalas, kangaroos, elephants, rhinos, lions, and tigers. Animals live in naturalistic habitats like the Asian forest, African savanna, Amazon rainforest, and Australian outback. The zoo also houses a botanical garden with 1,000+ plant species, a children’s zoo, a wildlife center, and a splash park.
Are Zoos Ethical?
Zoos spark debate due to ethical concerns over captivity. Supporters argue zoos assist in conservation, education, and entertainment.
Captivity protects threatened species and raises awareness and funds for protection and research.
Zoos let visitors appreciate rare animals. However, critics cite negative animal welfare, behavior, and health impacts.
Captivity deprives natural instincts, interactions, and freedom. It causes stress, boredom, frustration, and depression in confined, unnatural spaces.
Zoos may exploit animals for profit or entertainment. Critics suggest sanctuaries or reserves that respect animal rights and dignity should replace zoos.
FAQs
Where Is The Biggest Zoo In The World Located?
The biggest zoo in the world in terms of land area is The Wilds in Ohio, USA. It covers 9,154 acres (37.04 km²) of land.
What Is The #1 Zoo In The US?
The Wilds in Ohio, USA
Which Country Has The Most Zoos?
According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), there are over 1,400 zoos and aquariums in the world that are members or affiliates of the organization. The country with the most zoos and aquariums that are part of WAZA is Germany, with 141. The next countries are Japan with 99, China with 96, and the US with 93.
Where Is The Largest Private Zoo In The World?
The world's largest private zoo, Parque Zoológico de Luján in Argentina, spans 988 acres with over 400 animals across 100+ species. Controversially, the zoo permits visitor interactions with dangerous animals like lions, tigers, bears, and elephants without barriers or safety measures.
What City Has The Largest Zoo?
The city with the largest zoo in terms of land area is Cumberland, Ohio, where The Wilds is located. The Wilds covers 9,154 acres (37.04 km²) of land.
What Is The Most Visited Zoo In The US?
The San Diego Zoo in California is the most visited zoo in the United States. Over five million people come each year.
Is The Australian Zoo The Biggest In The World?
The Australian Zoo is not the biggest in the world in terms of land area. It covers 1,000 acres (4 km²) of land, which makes it the 10th largest zoo in the world. However, it is one of the most famous zoos in the world because of its association with the late Steve Irwin, also known as the Crocodile Hunter.
Is The San Diego Zoo Still The Largest Zoo In The World?
The San Diego Zoo is not the largest zoo in the world in terms of land area. It covers 100 acres (0.4 km²) of land, which makes it the 78th largest zoo in the world. However, it is one of the largest zoos in the world in terms of animal diversity and popularity. It has over 12,000 animals from more than 650 species and attracts over 5 million visitors per year.
What Is The Busiest Zoo In The United States?
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
