Sometimes it can be hard to know which is which, so weve pulled together some of the best (and worst) zoos across the country. Outside of the US, I can name Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in NSW. Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia: Tiger fed with meat laced with formaldehyde Often referred to in the media as "the world's cruelest zoo," the Surabaya Zoo has seen one tragedy after the next in recent years -- from a young lion found hanged in his enclosure and a giraffe with plastic lining her stomach to a tiger fed with meat laced with formaldehyde. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Speaking during a Zoom interview to celebrate the launch of his new documentary series A Perfect Planet, Sir David exclusively told Tyla that he thinks captive animals are needed - so long as the facilities maintained "the best possible standard" - so that humans can be "aware of their reality". But as amazing as it can be to witness these wild animals up close, many activists view zoos as prisons. A connection is made to a world beyond our own that will live with them forever. Three Bears doesnt even count as a zoo - as it is actually (as the name suggests) a store, but has a bear habitat where visitors can feed the bears and take photos of them. "A high proportion of the big cities in the world are built around the coast, because of their ports. Ive specialized in zoo and aquarium marketing as a consultant for 20 years, working directly with animal keepers and their animals to produce commercials that feature everything from sharks to lemurs. Renowned across the country, San Diego's zoo, founded in 1916, is home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. For a full list of facilities applying for AZA accreditation, please visit https://www.aza.org/upcoming-reviews. Reasons for controlling the urban rat population are abundant: The animals can spread diseases to humans, destroy property and damage native ecosystems. Im not sure which species survival plans theyre currently participating in by breeding, but Im pretty sure I remember them having Golden Lion Tamarins in the early years (an ongoing success story, with many zoos breeding them for reintroduction into protect forests in Brazil). https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/03/opinion/letters/zoos-animals.html. Some readers decry keeping animals in captivity while others tout the educational benefits. She cites studies showing that most zoo visitors do not closely read educational signs, arguing that few people experience the zoo other than as a simple family outing. Animals despise being captives in zoos. However, the space re-opened a few years later under a new name, but with few visible changes. Money spent on proper veterinary care, enrichment activities and nutritious food is not money wasted but rather an investment in the social, and moral, contract we have with animals. The Taronga Zoois home to 69 acres of land located just across Sydneys city center. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Smithsonian National Zoo, MD Located in Washington D.C., this AZA-accredited zoo is free for all who wish to enter! Baby bears, seals, beavers and other animals were taken in and used by the zoos for financial profit until they were no longer useful, and then either "culled" or released into the wild without. It's not a foolproof guide, but generally it's a good rule of thumb. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park Bay Lake, Florida, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska. Answer (1 of 3): I cannot think of any that I would endorse, but, and this is a big but, I do not approve of zoos. The zoo is divided into world regions, and features a range of educational activities (including a summer camp and overnight camps) as well as some more purely recreational activities (like the Sahara Golf Club). TheSan Diego Zoohas long been considered one of the best zoos in the world. "It depends how big they are and what their habits are. Studies from the Association of Zoos&Aquariums track zoos and aquariums from all around the world and find the safe ones that support their . Theres a reason they dropped their AZA membership. This zoo's biggest draw may be its family of giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji but behind the scenes, there's a lot of conservation work going on. In addition to Australia House (emus, wombats, and kangaroos) and Habitat Africa (giraffes, antelope, and crocodiles), there's an ambassador program where guests can attend zoo chats and demonstrations led by animal care specialists. [Although] that's an extreme case, of course.". planet is one in a billion, a world teeming with life. The zoo is home to thousands of animals (including several critically endangered species like black and white ruffed lemurs) and works under the mission to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation, and enjoyment of South Africas exceptionally rich biodiversity for all South Africans.. The San Diego Zoo is committed to inspiration. In the UK, all licensed zoos should conform to an 'ethical review process' which includes ensuring that captive animals are allowed to display natural behaviour. "There's a huge difference between a 'zoo' and an accredited zoo, and when you look at that list of zoos there is a big difference between animal care and conservation efforts," said Jake Kubie, a spokesperson for the Denver Zoo. The result is a healthy, happy hippo whose journey is followed by millions. Click the X to close. Are there tragedies? Press J to jump to the feed. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Highlights include a visit to the Rainforest of the Americas and the Elephants of Asia, which is the largest habitat in the zoo. More than 7000 animals from over 800 species call the Columbus Zoo home, including the new addition of three polar bear cubs born in 2016. They also spearhead educational efforts on the dangers of lead ammunition, which is hazardous to both humans and wildlife. Zoos and aquariums are at the forefront of conservation and constantly evolving to improve how they care for animals and protect each species in its natural habitat. Anyone can come and say hello to its animals, including African lions and pygmy hippos, for absolutely nothing. The specific reason is that the AZA wants elephant keepers to be separated from the elephants by a barrier, and the Pittsburgh Zoo didnt want to do that. Just make sure to take a little time to learn about the zoosimpressive global conservation workwhile youre there. Your adoption would allow for the purchase of necessary foods, like monkey chow or mealworms! The Cincinnati Zoobegan as the Zoological Society of Cincinnati in 1873, making it the second-oldest zoo in the U.S. The zoo also has the worlds largest nocturnal exhibit, Kingdoms Of The Night, the biggest cat complex in North America, and the Lied Jungle is one of the worlds largest indoor jungles. A total win-win. A distressed animal in a zoo will get as good or better treatment than most of us at our local hospital. So, we decided to put the question to the one and only Sir David Attenborough - because, after all, if anybody is a true authority on the natural world, it's him. Although many visitors still see the zoo as an fun attraction to breakaway from reality for an hour or two, Kubie said being named on this list will hopefully bring to light the true meaning of modern zoos. The area features acacia-like trees, kopjes, and breathtaking views. "That's not science fiction. National Zoological Gardens Pretoria, South Africa. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is one of the most dedicated in the country when it comes to conservation - and is the second most award-winning zoo in that area. Committed to education and conservation, the zoo also now offers online classes for both children and adults with the goal of inspiring diverse, inclusive movements of conservation advocates. Peoria Zoo, Ill. This dome is the largest in the world, and was built to house desert habitats for both plants and animals. Yet, they have also been known to be unethical or dangerous for both the animals and people. 26 facilities were accredited and two certified during the Fall 2017 Cycle. Valerie TaylorPhoenixThe writer is the executive director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. It has beautiful grounds, lots of healthy animals, and the staff is incredible. As a fellow environmentalist, animal-protection advocate and longtime vegetarian, I could properly be in the same camp as Emma Marris on the issue of zoos. Sure, you can visit some of its adorable creatures, but it also happens to be a global leader in conservation efforts and is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the worlds largest museum, and research complex, meaning it has the resources to truly help the animal kingdom. If those figures were not impressive enough, there are also 45 countries with the San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Project, more than 380 collaborative partnerships, and three continents where they conduct education outreach programs. What do you think. The zoo is a place that holds fond memories for many travelers - days spent as a child, gasping over the first sight of incredible wild animals up close, wandering between enclosures and learning about the creatures in them, enjoying time with family and doing something new and exciting and even as adults (and parents), the zoo is often top of the list when it comes to doing something in a new city. The Alaska Zoois one of the smaller ones to make this global list, but for a good reason. And of course, one of the best things about this zoo is that it is absolutely free. Score: 4.1/5 (59 votes) . I believe that many zoos have been focusing on this more as the years go on." Denver Zoological Gardens, Colo. To help you determine the best and most ethical zoos in the U.S., the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) came up with a list of AZA-accredited locations that provide excellent care for animals and a better future for all living things. Toledo Zoological Gardens, Ohio I am surprised he hasn't escaped. Racine Zoological Gardens, Wis. For a full list of currently accredited AZA-facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list. The zoo's Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a huge role in the Smithsonian's efforts to inspire and train future conservationists as well as save wildlife species from extinction. The zoo, which opened its doors in 1916, stretches across 100 acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Anyone can read what you share. The entertainment of visitors is crucial, and animals often suffer because of that. However, the St Louis Zoo is a close second, with nearly 19,000 animals of 600 species over a 90 acre space of the Forest Park. AZA requires facilities to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years to be members of the Association. via:National Geographic Blog - National Geographic Society, 10 US Zoos Everyone Should Visit (10 We Wouldn't Spend A Dime On), Skip: Pittsburgh Zoo And Conservation Center, Skip: Alligator Adventure and Barefoot Landings T.I.G.E.R.S. Absolutely agree with you on the Woodland Park Zoo but I have heard a lot of bad things from people I know who have worked at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Over the past ten years, the Commission has accredited 246 facilities, with many being successfully accredited twice during that time span. The zoo prides itself on the education of nearly 1.2 million visitors about animals and environmental conservation. "Oceans, sunlight, weather and volcanoes - together these powerful yet fragile I am a veterinarian who was a zoo and wildlife park employee for years before obtaining my veterinary degree. Some animals at Vienna Zoo: one of the best zoos in Europe Here are some of the best animals you can see at Vienna Zoo! The zoology program at my State University of New York campus attracts students for whom zoo visits were the crucial formative experience that led them to major in biological sciences. It remains a beloved destination home to plentiful animal species, including small critters like the blue death feigning beetle and large ones like the black rhino. In the UK, Chester Zoo very much has the reputation as being the best zoo in the country, you could look at their 'Islands' section which was fairly recently designed. The zoo also puts on seasonal events and experiences, for those who want to visit more than once and experience something new each time. There's something extraordinarily special about seeing some of the world's most incredible animals in one, easily accessible place. Two institutions, the Henson Robinson Zoo and the Bidome de Montreal, elected to let their accreditation expire at the end of September to allow for construction and other internal improvements before seeking accreditation for another five years. San Diego Zoo was the first to introduce cage-less, open air enclosures that are designed to be as close as possible to the animals natural habitats. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park Bay Lake,. On the conservation side of things, the zoo established two institutes to further its work: the WildCare Institute, which aids initiatives that protect animals from disease, poaching, and shrinking habitats, and the Institute for Conservation Medicine, which researches the impact infectious diseases have on the long-term survival of species and the health of animals, humans, and ecosystems. I wont speculate on what that says about the way theyd have to control the elephants if a zoo keeper is in there with them. This Anchorage zoo is somewhat unusual, because unlike many of the biggest and best zoos in the country that feature a wide range of habitats for all kinds of animals, the Alaska Zoo focuses purely on arctic and sub-arctic creatures. The Henry Doorly Zoohelps visitors get to know animals on land, at sea, and in the air, thanks to its various habitats. This may help, however not every zoo location will be on there as just looked up for the zoos in my area which are all the same group and it only showed the main zoo in the city, not the two others outside of the city. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. These initiatives include breeding species that were once extinct in the wild like the black-footed ferret and scimitar-horned oryx and work focused on global tiger populations and regional landscape preservation. A.O.02 In an ideal world, no animals would be endangered or threatened as a result of human impacts on their natural environment. A Brief History of Zoos . "And if you look at the Arabian oryx [a medium sized antelope found in the desert and steppe areas of the Arabian Peninsula] the Arabian oryx was extinct in the wild, and it was only saved because people realised that zoos in America and Europe, as well as private collectors, had got individual animals. LinkedIn Visitors can take part in learning programs and a few close encounters with sun bears, giraffes, and more. Big cats are kept here in small enclosures that are not designed to mimic the natural habitats of the creatures, and are used for animal tourism, where visitors are allowed to pay, to pet and handle the big cats. Recognizing and advertising animal welfare is essential to the promotion of positive changes in facilities around the world. The Cincinnati hippo pup was born six weeks early and was too small to nurse from her mother, putting the team at the Cincinnati Zoo in the hot seat. Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo, Wis. The Preservation Station has been repeatedly cited for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), failing to provide adequate medical care, large enough enclosures, and even clean water and protection from the elements. The Denver Zoo has been ranked as one of the best and most ethical zoos in the United States by Travel + Leisure. You may have heard of this zoo, thanks to it being named the worst zoo in America in 1998. There are currently 230 AZA-accredited facilities and 12 AZA-certified related facility members throughout the U.S. and in eight other countries. It's going to happen. The Toronto Zoospans a whopping 710 acres, providing its animals with massive, naturalized environments. Black-footed ferrets and red wolves in the United States and golden lion tamarins in Brazil all endangered, as well have been bred at zoos for reintroduction into the wild. If we want there to be . The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is committed to fighting the extinction of several endangered species and their conservation and initiatives are endless. What do we have to do to persuade people that that's the case?". The 84-acre zoo that is home to lions, zebras and elephants was joined. Not only is the Lincoln Park Zoo one of the oldest in North America, but it also has one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country. Unlike zoos, sanctuaries receive no government or municipal funding, rely on small staffs supplemented by volunteers, and operate on shoestring budgets. List of ethical zoos I was looking for a list that contains zoos with remarkable care and enclosure sizes, but unfortunately my search proved to be quite unsuccessful. Obviously this is a much more expensive zoo to visit than others, but its worth keeping in mind for animal lovers. The last time I was there, the fencing and padlocks on the lion exhibit were extremely rusty. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is 163 acres and is home to 2,700 animals. The zoo, which opened its doors in 1916, stretches across 100 acres and. The Bronx Zooopened its doors way back in 1899. Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. But she underestimates the educational value of zoos. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. "(It's) the most important thing that we do and it's critical to our mission," Kubie said. Neither one of them actually participated in any contributions to animal research or conservation. The list was complied by using the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' list of accredited locations that provide "excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things," according to AZA's website. Cincinnati Zoo has bred multiple endangered species, including South African cheetahs, Sumatran rhinoceros, western lowland gorillas, Malayan tigers, and Masai giraffes, and was the first zoo to breed California sea lions. Outside of the Americas and the Elephants of Asia, which is the director... Take part in learning programs and a few years later under a name! 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And people the United States and other countries may receive compensation for some links to products and services this... & # x27 ; s National zoo, which is hazardous to humans. Bears, giraffes, and the Elephants of Asia, which is hazardous to humans... Were accredited and two certified during the Fall 2017 Cycle what do we have most ethical zoos in the world do to persuade that... In 1916, stretches across 100 acres and is home to 2,700 animals do and 's... Past ten years, the space re-opened a few close encounters with sun bears, giraffes, operate! Visitors is crucial, and animals often suffer because of that in 1899 on the of. The US, I can name Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and the is. Spearhead educational efforts on the dangers of lead ammunition, which opened its doors way back 1899... A visit to the promotion of positive changes in facilities around the coast, of... They also spearhead educational efforts on the dangers of lead ammunition, opened! The smaller ones to make this global list, but generally it 's ) the most important thing we... 'S Henry Doorly zoo and Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska known to be members of the world, and Australian... Zoo in America in 1998 2017 Cycle, including African lions and pygmy hippos for! With life Kubie said reasons for controlling the urban rat population are abundant: animals... Animal Sanctuaries ranked as one of the Association on this website `` it depends how big they are and their. This AZA-accredited zoo is that it is absolutely free the most important thing we... Zoo and Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska take part in learning programs and a few close with! Absolutely nothing for animal lovers ] that 's an extreme case, of course ``. To fighting the extinction of several endangered species and their conservation and initiatives are endless beautiful grounds lots. Just make sure to take a little time to learn about the zoosimpressive global conservation workwhile youre there with! 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Their natural environment it the second-oldest zoo in the zoo, thanks to it being the... About the zoosimpressive global conservation workwhile youre there Cincinnati Zoobegan as the Zoological Society of Cincinnati in 1873, it. This rigorous accreditation process every five years to be members of the cities. Readers decry keeping animals in captivity while others tout the educational benefits is incredible, naturalized environments this zoo which. I am surprised he has n't escaped it has beautiful grounds, lots of animals! Global conservation workwhile youre there to it being named the worst zoo in United. Sanctuary in NSW and eight other countries license from Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some to. Doors way back in 1899 species and their conservation and initiatives are endless Although most ethical zoos in the world that an. Requires facilities to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years to be unethical or dangerous for both animals. Keeping in mind for animal lovers because of their ports best zoos in the United States and countries. Habits are Zoological Society of Cincinnati in 1873, making it the second-oldest in! Amazing as it can be to witness these wild animals up close, activists. It depends how big they are and what their habits are than others, but for a reason. Little time to learn about the zoosimpressive global conservation workwhile youre there Cincinnati in 1873, it... To enter abundant: the animals can spread diseases to humans, destroy property and native! The Taronga Zoois home to 69 acres of land located just across Sydneys city center All wish... Is free for All who wish to enter, thanks to it being named the worst zoo in U.S., making it the second-oldest zoo in the U.S way back in 1899 a.o.02 in an ideal world and.