01
San Diego Zoo
One of the largest zoos in the world, pioneering cage-free and open-air enclosures since 1969. San Diego's conservation genetics program has saved the California condor and Arabian oryx from extinction.
▲ Steady·Score +16
Zoos
Best Zoos in the World for Animal Welfare and Conservation
The world's leading zoological parks ranked by animal welfare standards, conservation programs, and immersive visitor experiences.
Pick your favorites · Every vote moves the ranking · Results update live
02
Dublin Zoo, Ireland
One of Europe's most visited zoos in the heart of Phoenix Park. Dublin's gorilla rainforest, African savanna, and the superb Wild Lights night event make it Ireland's most beloved wildlife destination.
▲ Steady·Score +13
03
Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Perched above Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and Bridge as backdrop, Taronga houses Australia's most comprehensive collection of native wildlife alongside exotic species in a stunning harbour-view setting.
▲ Steady·Score +13
04
Auckland Zoo, New Zealand
Auckland Zoo's New Zealand section showcasing kiwi, kākāpō, and tuatara is unlike any zoo in the world — a conservation-forward institution focused on native species recovery as a core mission.
▲ Steady·Score +12
05
Bioparc Valencia, Spain
Bioparc Valencia is the finest example of total immersion zoo design in Europe — African savanna, gorilla forest, and Madagascar sections designed so visitors feel inside the habitat, not outside looking in.
▲ Steady·Score +11
06
Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington D.C.
Free admission at one of America's finest zoos, home to giant pandas, clouded leopards, and the extraordinary Asian Trail. The Smithsonian's conservation biology program is globally respected.
▲ Steady·Score +9
07
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China
The world's pre-eminent giant panda conservation facility — seeing dozens of giant and red pandas in near-natural habitat at dawn feeding time is one of Asia's most extraordinary wildlife encounters.
▲ Steady·Score +8
08
Chester Zoo, UK
The UK's most visited wildlife attraction and a global leader in conservation — Chester's Islands of Southeast Asia habitat is the largest new zoo project in the world, housing Sumatran orangutans and tigers.
▲ Steady·Score +8
09
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Consistently voted America's best zoo by TripAdvisor — the world's largest indoor desert, North America's largest indoor rainforest, and a submarine-experience aquarium all on one campus in Nebraska.
▲ Steady·Score +4
10
Pairi Daiza, Belgium
Europe's most beautiful zoo set within a historic Cistercian abbey — Pairi Daiza's Chinese Garden, Elephant Kingdom, and immaculate landscaping have won it every major European zoo award since its redesign.
▲ Steady·Score +4
11
Denver Zoo, Colorado
Denver's award-winning Toyota Elephant Passage is the largest elephant habitat in North America — 10 acres of immersive landscape also housing Malayan tapirs, clouded leopards, and Asian small-clawed otters.
▲ Steady·Score +4
12
Singapore Zoo
Widely regarded as the world's best zoo for its open-concept habitats with no visible barriers, outstanding animal welfare, and award-winning breakfast-with-orangutans encounter program.
▲ Steady·Score +1
Predict the rank
“San Diego Zoo”
Currently ranked #1. Where will it be in 7 days?