The biggest zoo in the world can be measured in different ways, such as the number of species, the total land area, or the number of animals. Here are the top contenders:
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha, Nebraska, USA)
- Size: 160 acres (65 hectares)
- Number of Species: Over 960
- Number of Animals: More than 17,000
- Why It’s Famous: It has the largest indoor desert, largest indoor rainforest, and largest nocturnal exhibit in the world.
Berlin Zoological Garden (Berlin, Germany)
- Size: 86 acres (35 hectares)
- Number of Species: Over 1,300 (one of the most diverse in the world)
- Number of Animals: Around 20,000
- Why It’s Famous: It has the largest variety of animal species in any zoo.
The Bronx Zoo (New York City, USA)
- Size: 265 acres (107 hectares)
- Number of Species: Over 700
- Number of Animals: Around 10,000
- Why It’s Famous: One of the largest metropolitan zoos, with naturalistic habitats.
The San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California, USA)
- Size: 100 acres (40 hectares)
- Number of Species: Over 650
- Number of Animals: Around 3,500
- Why It’s Famous: Pioneered open-air exhibits and operates San Diego Zoo Safari Park (1,800 acres).
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Ohio, USA)
- Size: 580 acres (234 hectares) (including its Safari Park)
- Number of Species: Over 800
- Number of Animals: More than 10,000
- Why It’s Famous: Led by famous conservationist Jack Hanna, it’s one of the most visited zoos.
Which is the biggest?
- If you go by land area, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (including its Safari Park) is one of the largest.
- If you count species variety, the Berlin Zoological Garden is #1.
- If you look at overall facilities and unique exhibits, the Henry Doorly Zoo is a strong contender.