A visit to the zoo is great fun for children and adults. It is especially good if the territory and the number of animals allow you to spend a lot of time studying, observing and discovering something new. The size of the zoo can be estimated both by area and by the number of animal species represented.
It is the last criterion that is taken as the basis for compiling our Top 10 largest zoos in the world.
10. Toronto Zoo, an area of 287 hectares.
Animal species - 491
Canada's largest zoo opened in 1974. Animals from all parts of the world are gathered in seven zones of this huge park. It contains about 5,000 individuals, many of which live in conditions that are as close as possible to the usual and natural.
9. San Diego Zoo, 40 hectares.
Animal species - 650
This California zoo contains over 3,700 animals of 650 species. The San Diego Zoo was one of the first to practice showing animals outside of cages. In addition, active work is underway here to preserve and even breed many rare species.
8. Bronx Zoo, an area of 107 hectares.
Animal species - 650
This is one of the oldest zoos in New York. There are many aviaries that imitate the natural habitat of animals. In total, the park contains about 4 thousand individuals of different species.
7. National Zoological Garden of South Africa, area 85 hectares.
Animal species - 705
This park is often called the Pretoria Zoo. The entire territory is divided into 2 parts - flat and hilly, between which the river flows. About 7 thousand individuals of different species live here.
6. London Zoo, area 46 hectares.
Animal species - 755
The opening of the zoo took place in 1847. In total, about 16,000 individuals are kept here. The zoo often hosts activities in support of rare species, such as fundraising for the Sumatran tiger rescue program.
5. Moscow Zoo, area 21 hectares.
Animal species - 927
The zoo was opened in 1864 and is one of the most famous and oldest in Europe. The territory contains about 6 thousand individuals. At the end of the last century, the territory was significantly improved, a sea aquarium, attractions for children, new enclosures for animals appeared.
4. Henry Doorley Zoo, an area of 52 hectares.
Animal species - 962
This huge zoo is located in Nebraska. It was built in 1864. On the same territory with the zoo there is a large Aquarium, as well as the largest cat complex in North America.
3. Beijing Zoo, an area of 89 hectares.
Animal species - 950
The zoo was opened in 1906. It contains many representatives of the fauna endemic to China, including the Chinese tiger, the large Chinese salamander and the most popular animal, the giant panda.
2. Columbus Zoo, area 234 hectares.
Animal species - 793
This Ohio Zoo is often called the best in the USA... It is visited by 2.3 million tourists annually. It contains about 9,000 individuals. A separate area is reserved for an amusement park.
1. Berlin Zoo, area 35 hectares.
Animal species - 1500
The largest zoo in the world by the number of animal species was discovered in 1844.About 19.5 thousand individuals live here. 3 million people come to the zoo every year, the most popular time to visit is the feeding, which attracts thousands of enthusiastic tourists.