Do you love visiting zoos as much as I do? Is the next holiday already booked? Don't forget to take a look at the largest zoos in the world in a row. For example, visit the Bronx Zoo or the Zoo in Berlin.
You have zoos in all countries, where one is even more extensive than the other. Depending on the circumstances of a country and the budget to be spent, the zoos differ greatly from each other. Sometimes a zoo only has local animals. In another case, a country does not have zoos, but rather game parks. Often enough, a zoo is just a very nice, fenced park with all kinds of animals from all over the world. In this article I take you along the largest zoos in the world, which are neatly listed here.
Reading tip:4 Special zoos in the Netherlands
Opinions on whether visiting a zoo is good or not vary widely. Some people find it unacceptable that animals are kept in captivity. I partly agree with that. However, many large zoos have established rules that they adhere to. As a result, animals not only have enough space, but it is very similar to their natural habitat. Of course not comparable to the real environment where they come from. On the other hand, zoo animals are often born in captivity, so they don't know any better. In some cases, it also concerns animals that have been rescued and have a much better life in a zoo than in nature.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in northern Columbus, Ohio, United States. The zoo is a non-profit zoo, meaning no extra profits are made. The zoo currently covers more than 37 hectares, but efforts are being made to expand it so that additional habitats can be created.
The Columbus Zoo currently houses more than 5,000 animals divided into 700 different species. All animals are placed in simulated living worlds, depending on the region they come from. As the name implies, it is a zoo and aquarium. Lovers of the underwater world will get their money's worth in this zoo and can indulge in the most beautiful fish.
Do you want to know more about this zoo? Then take a look at their website. There is also a webcam here, which you can use to view the zoo online. Very worthwhile, also fun for children.
One of the largest zoos in the world can also be found in the United States, this one is the San Diego Zoo, located in southern California, in the city of San Diego. The zoo is known worldwide, not only for its great biodiversity, but also for the fact that due to the favorable climatic and living conditions, many animals are successfully bred in 'captivity'. These animals are then released into their natural habitat, where possible.
Due to the pleasant climate of California, most animals live in cages that are placed in the open. This makes a walk through the zoo very pleasant and brings people closer to nature. Became curious? Then take a quick digital look at the San Diego Zoo.
Like the two previous zoos, the Bronx Zoo is in the United States, in New York. The neighborhood in which the zoo is located is not always and everywhere safe, so pay attention to this when you visit this zoo. From my own experience I can only say:visit the zoo when you are in New York.
In 2001 we had a wonderful day at the Bronx Zoo. The zoo is divided into various 'countries' and themes, so that a trip to the animals is not only fun, but also instructive. And to be honest:we saw very special animals there! Is a trip to New York too expensive? Then take a look at the website of the Bronx Zoo.
On the list of the largest zoos in the world, the Toronto Zoo, Canada, should certainly not be missing. The Toronto Zoo is very extensive with an area of 287 hectares. About 16,000 animals live in the zoo. The animals are spread over 7 different geographical regions. You will find animals from Indo-Malaysia, Africa, the Americas, Tundra Region, Australia-Asia, Eurasia and the Canadian Region. Want to take a look at Toronto? Check the website.
This zoo is slightly closer to home than the previous zoos. The zoo dates back to 1864 and is not only one of the largest, but also the oldest zoos in Europe. In the meantime, the zoo has been adapted to today's requirements. The Moscow Zoo has a special children's zoo. The zoo studies animal behaviour, feeding and reproduction and breeds rare endangered species. More information can be found on the zoo's English website.
Beijing Zoo ranks third on the list of largest zoos. Unfortunately, the zoo is not next door, but in distant China. Beijing Zoo has the largest collection of animals in all of China, with the giant pandas as its biggest attraction. In addition to land animals, the zoo has over 500 species of aquatic animals. This makes the zoo attractive to aquarium and marine enthusiasts. Interested? Look at the Chinese website (you can have it translated via Google).
The Berlin Zoo is ranked No. 2 of the largest zoos in the world. Not surprising, because the zoo has the largest collection of animal species in the world! There are 17,000 animals, divided over more than 1500 animal species! Fortunately, the zoo is within easy reach, as the zoo is in Germany and travel to Germany (Berlin) is quite affordable. So highly recommended. The zoo gained worldwide fame because of the polar bear Knut, who unfortunately passed away in March 2011. Became curious? You can view the zoo via the website.
This is definitely the No. 1 largest zoo in the world. The zoo is located in North America in Ohama, Nebraska. Unsurprisingly, the zoo ranks first, as the zoo has the largest indoor desert, largest indoor wetland area, and largest glass dome in the world. This makes the zoo diverse and very attractive, not least for tourists. Since America isn't exactly around the corner, here's the link to the Nebraska Zoo website.
Perhaps the Netherlands does not exactly have the largest zoos in the world, but I can only say that the zoos in the Netherlands are definitely worth a visit. These include Blijdorp in Rotterdam, Artis in Amsterdam, Burgers Zoo in Arnhem and Emmen Zoo. So, don't have the money to visit the aforementioned zoos? Then take a look at the various Dutch zoos.
Do you like to visit zoos and which zoo is your favorite?
