RhinoRyan's Top Ten Zoo List

Now, This is my list of the Top Ten Best Zoos in America list. I have been to over 20 zoological facilities and have many friends who give me their opinions on other zoos and I have decided to give out my top zoos in this country.

My basis of judging zoos is different then some, 1. I look for large natural exhibits 2. Updated facilities 3. Diversity of animals 4. Conservation leaders 5. Educational for all but especially kids!

RhinoRyan's Top Ten Zoos

1. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE: I rate this the best zoo in the country. Not everything is completely updated, but it has some of the best exhibits of different regions of the world. Lied Jungle is world-famous for its size and naturalistic themes. Desert Dome and Kingdoms of the Night will leave you amazed. Don't miss Scott Aquarium or the Gorilla/Orang facility.

2. Bronx Zoo in Bronx, NY : Immense in sure size and the facilities are amazing, Congo Gorilla Forest and Tiger Mountain are there best. But as big as the zoo may be the things they due are much greater. The Bronx Zoo is very education oriented and conservation driven.

3. St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, MO: Free! Free! Free! One of the very few free zoos. Have many innovative exhibits and very educational. Penguins and Apes region are great.

4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, OH : Columbus probably is the most updated zoo on this list and has some of the most natural exhibits in the country. The only problem is that if you love African Savanna animals they don't have them at this point just lions, rhinos and elephants. Africa will come by 2011-12 also in 2009 Polar Frontier will be built(brown and polar bears, fox and reindeer.

5. Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN : Like a Rising Phoenix from the ashes Minnesota Zoo has regained its form. Once was one of the best in th country it lost its way but in the past few years it's brought itself back! It's Tropical and Aquatic regions are great but not the best. Tiger Liar is arguebly the best tiger exhibit in the country fighting with Bronx for the top spot. Also in 2008 they were given the 2008 Best Exhibit Award for Minnesota Trails exhibit. An look out in 2009 for the best exhibit award as Russia's Grizzly Coast is one-of-a-kind (brown bears, leopards, otters, and boar)

6.San Diego Zoo in San Diego, CA: The World-Famous Zoo is one of the best with Polar Plunge, Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics(best gorilla exhibit-my opinion). Reason so LOW sometimes I think they worry more about breeding instead of letting animals just be animals and spare space for animals for other things.

7. Louisville Zoo in Louisville,KY : Great Asia and Australia. Gorilla Forest is the best area and so unique in design.

8. Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City,UT: Utah?! Yes! This zoo is a hidden secret of great designs. Very Updated with best areas being Asian Highlands and Elephant Encounters. Asian Highlands feels so real and unbelievable.

9. Jacksonville Zoo in Jacksonville, FL : Diverse and Florida! Of course we go there. Jacksonville houses animals from alittle of everywhere. Range of the Jaguar is their best and one of the best exhibits in the country.

10. Tie-Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago,IL: Both have great educational stand outs and have a diverse collection. Lincoln Park Zoo is free but dont skip Brookfield its worth the 11 dollars. Both have similar regions but each has a leg up on eachother.

Runners Up: Lowery Park Zoo, Miami Zoo, LA Zoo, Nashville Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo.


List for looking for favorite animal by best exhibits:

Gorillas:
1.San Diego
2.Louisville
3.Bronx

Elephants:

1.Columbus
2.Hogle
3.North Carolina

Big Cats:

1.Philly
2.Bronx
3.Minnesota

Rainforest:

1.Jacksonville
2.Cleveland
3.Omaha