USA Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Parks

AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accreditation is the gold standard for zoological facilities. Less than 10% of USDA-licensed animal exhibitors earn AZA accreditation. Accredited facilities must meet rigorous standards for animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. The accreditation process includes extensive reviews and on-site inspections every five years. When you visit an AZA-accredited zoo, you're supporting an institution committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation.

There are approximately 2,800 USDA-licensed animal exhibitors in the United States, though only about 240 of these are AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. The exact count depends on how you define a "zoo" - from large metropolitan zoos to small roadside attractions, petting zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries. Every state has at least one zoological facility, with states like California, Florida, and Texas having the most options. AZA-accredited facilities are located in 46 states plus Washington D.C.

The Bronx Zoo in New York City is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States at 265 acres, home to over 4,000 animals. However, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park covers 1,800 acres if you include safari parks. The distinction depends on whether you're measuring by acreage, number of animals, or species diversity. Other notably large zoos include the Columbus Zoo (580 acres including the water park), Disney's Animal Kingdom (580 acres), and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas (1,800 acres).

Yes, several major zoos offer free admission. The Saint Louis Zoo (St. Louis, MO) and Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL) offer free general admission year-round. The Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. is also free (though parking has a fee). Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI, must remain free per donor terms. Additionally, many zoos offer free admission days - for example, the Bronx Zoo has "Pay What You Wish" Wednesdays. Check individual zoo websites for free admission days and library pass programs.

Early morning (9-11am) is the best time to visit a zoo. Animals are most active in the cooler morning hours before the heat sets in - you'll see lions roaring, monkeys swinging, and otters playing. Morning also coincides with feeding times at many exhibits. Late afternoon (4-5pm) is another good option when big cats and predators wake from their midday rest. Avoid the midday heat (11am-3pm) when many animals hide in shade and rest. Weekday mornings have the smallest crowds and the best chance to talk with zookeepers.

The AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program allows members of participating zoos and aquariums to receive free or discounted admission at over 230 other facilities nationwide. When you purchase a membership at your home zoo, you can use it at other participating AZA facilities. However, reciprocity has some limitations: facilities in "close geographic proximity" may not honor each other's memberships, parking and guest privileges don't typically transfer, and some special exhibits may require additional fees. Always bring your membership card with photo ID, as zoo databases aren't linked.

Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries have different primary missions. Zoos focus on public display, education, conservation breeding, and research - they may acquire animals for exhibits and participate in breeding programs. Wildlife sanctuaries (accredited by GFAS) provide lifelong homes for rescued, surrendered, or confiscated animals - they don't breed animals, allow direct public contact, or acquire animals for display purposes. Sanctuaries take in animals from circuses, private ownership, or illegal trade situations. Both can be accredited and provide excellent animal care, but their operational models differ significantly.

Allow 3-5 hours for a typical large zoo visit, or a full day for the largest zoos and safari parks. Small community zoos may take only 1-2 hours. Time depends on the zoo's size, how many exhibits you want to see, and whether you attend shows or keeper talks. Most major zoos require 2-4 miles of walking. Families with young children should plan for longer visits with breaks. Safari parks like San Diego Zoo Safari Park or Fossil Rim can easily fill an entire day, especially if you book special safari experiences.

Species Survival Plans are cooperative breeding programs managed by AZA to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered species in zoos. Started in 1981, there are now 295 SSP programs. Each program has a studbook keeper who tracks every individual animal, and a coordinator who makes breeding recommendations based on genetic analysis. Animals may be transferred between zoos for optimal breeding matches. SSP successes include bringing California condors, black-footed ferrets, red wolves, and Arabian oryx back from the brink of extinction.

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States, holding 11 million gallons of water with over 60 exhibits featuring 700+ species. It's the only U.S. aquarium housing whale sharks and features a 100-foot underwater viewing tunnel. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago holds 5 million gallons and is one of the most visited. Monterey Bay Aquarium (2 million gallons) is considered one of the best for its research and conservation programs, particularly for sea otters and jellyfish.