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8 Largest Zoos in the World

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on April 9, 2025

So what is the largest zoo in the world? The answer to this question depends on what criteria is used for the term “large”. Are we measuring the number of species held in captivity or the total land area of the zoo. If we consider only the later the Red McCombs Wildlife in Texas with its 12,000 acres could be considered the biggest zoo in the world. But is has only 20 different animal species and is more of a wildlife preserve than an actual zoo. Just considering the number of species however also doesn’t seem to fit the bill.

This list therefore considers both these features to determine which is the largest zoo in the world.

8. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aquariumtimuiuc / Flickr

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located just north of Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species divided into geographic regions of the world. In 2004 the zoo started work to expand the 82 acres (37 ha) zoo over the next 10 years. The 120 acres expansion is planned to include a polar environment as well as an African savanna.

7. Moscow Zoo

Moscow ZooDave-Gray / Flickr

Open for visitors since 1864, the Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. Today, the Moscow Zoo has over 6000 animals representing 927 species and covers an area of about 53 acres (21.5 ha) making it Russia’s largest zoo.

6. San Diego Zoo

San Diego ZooCburnett / Wikipedia

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. The 100 acres (40 ha) of parkland is leased from the City of San Diego. The sunny maritime climate of southern California is well suited to many animals and almost all of the major exhibits of the San Diego Zoo are in the open-air. The San Diego Zoo is also extremely active in conservation and preservation efforts and many species are bred in captivity for release into their native habitats where appropriate.

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5. Toronto Zoo

Toronto ZooElvis Pepin / Flickr

Located in Toronto and encompassing 710 acres (287 ha), the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada. The zoo is currently home to over 16,000 animals representing over 491 species. The animals are divided into seven geographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain.

4. Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoolimonada / Flickr

Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo in New York City is the biggest metropolitan zoo in the United States, comprising 265 acres (107 ha) of park lands and naturalistic habitats. The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are endangered. Some of the exhibits at the Bronx Zoo, such as World of Birds and World of Reptiles, are arranged by taxonomy, while others, such as African Plains and Wild Asia, are arranged geographically.

3. Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoomaywong_photos / Flickr

Founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty, the Beijing Zoo has one of the largest animal collections in China. The zoo is home to 14,500 animals representing over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals. The zoo occupies an area of 219 acres (89 ha). The Beijing Zoo is probably best known for its collection of rare animals endemic to China including the Giant Pandas, which are the park’s most popular attraction.

2. Berlin Zoological Garden

Berlin Zoological GardenSwamibu / Flickr

Opened in 1844 the Berlin Zoological Garden (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest and best known zoo in Germany. It covers 84 acres (34 ha) and is located in Berlin’s Tiergarten. With more than 1,500 different species and around 17,000 animals the zoo presents the largest collection of species in the world. Famous inhabitants of the zoo include Bao Bao the Giant Panda and Knut the polar bear (Knut died unexpectedly in March 2011).

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1. Henry Doorly Zoo

Henry Doorly Zoo

Nebraska’s number one paid attendance attraction, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is home to about 17,000 animals of 962 species. It encompasses over 130 acres (53 ha) of land area. Although there are bigger zoos in terms of acreage or species numbers, none rank as high as the Henry Doorly Zoo if both these categories are combined. For this reason it is listed here as the largest zoo in the world. It also features the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest indoor swamp, the world’s largest indoor desert, as well as the largest glazed geodesic dome in the world.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Taylor says

    April 17, 2021 at 9:12 am

    I’m from Omaha and go to the zoo multiple times every year. Every single time I’ve gone to the zoo I have found something new. I nanny four little girls and this is the best place to take them, there are multiple splash pads, tons of exhibits, lots of playgrounds, and tons of interactive activities.

    Reply
  2. Judy says

    April 10, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    The Zoo and Aquarium in Wroclaw Poland is home to over 1100 species, more than 14000 animals, and it covers an area of 33 hectares – yet it wasn’t on the list.

    Reply
  3. Em says

    May 19, 2020 at 5:04 am

    I am from Lincoln and have been to many amazing museums in Nebraska, but I do think having an amazing zoo is the only way we can get people to come here in the first place. But its nice to stop by the zoo every year or two to see what has changed and to also visit my favorite places such as the Lied Jungle.

    Reply
  4. Ssebugwawo Jackson says

    August 27, 2019 at 6:37 am

    What about the Entebbe Zoo in Uganda . Also known as the Uganda Wildlife Education Authority.While it functions primarily as a zoo, this center is actually a world-class animal refuge. It has a surface area of 51 square kilometers .???

    Reply
  5. Jim says

    May 11, 2018 at 7:26 am

    Don’t forget Safaripark Beekse Bergen in The Netherlands. With its 296 acres one of the largest zoos/animal parks in Europe! And that in an overpopulated country.

    Reply
  6. MC says

    November 5, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    The North Carolina Zoo is over 2000 acres (810 ha) is the largest walk-through zoo in the world, and one of only two state-owned zoos in the United States. The NC Zoo has over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America.

    Reply
  7. JS Leonard says

    August 19, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    Per the Association of Zoos and Aquariums the NC Zoo is the Largest Natural Habitat, Walk Through Zoo in the World. So regardless of what anyone says the AZA ranked it so. PERIOD.

    Reply
  8. Thomas says

    July 3, 2017 at 10:02 pm

    The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the largest zoo in India which houses about 2,553 species of flora and fauna across 1,265 acres and is the largest zoological garden in India.

    Reply
  9. Anita Lively says

    February 19, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Proud to be from Omaha Ne..

    Reply
  10. Mr Scotto says

    February 22, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    Thank you for this list. I love zoos and have visited many all over the world. But the largest collection of animals in the world actually belongs to a company that controls 11 parks and is based right here in the United States. Sea World Entertainment companies care for 86,000 animals. There is no other zoo organization that even comes close.

    Reply
  11. King diaz says

    December 23, 2014 at 9:34 am

    Guys what about the southwick zoo in mendon Massachusetts? 300 acres right there

    Reply
  12. Karanja says

    July 18, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    @Kerry Martin, Make sure you go to MOMA if you like art, or at least the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn.

    Reply
  13. Karanja says

    July 18, 2014 at 11:50 pm

    I am taking 3 children of various ages to the Henry Doorly Zoo tomorrow. I know I shall leave tired and broke, but I have always loved zoo’s. My plan this summer is to see the full zoo…all the animals, and each species and sub-species. I think I can get it done in about 4 trips. I am from Kenya, East Africa, so I have some of these animals in the wild!!

    Reply
  14. Kerry Martin says

    February 11, 2014 at 6:42 am

    Many thanks for putting this list together, with lots of great details. very helpful for Bucket-list building, and also travel-planning. I’ve been to Toronto, and heading to New York in a few weeks, and both trips hadn’t considered their zoos. Sounds like an experience and I appreciate the insights.

    Reply
  15. Al says

    January 10, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    I was in Omaha last year, it is a tremendous zoo!!

    Reply
  16. Mary Ann says

    January 9, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    I remember this as Riverview Park Zoo as a child. So proud of it in my hometown!

    Reply
  17. Hannah says

    January 9, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Nebraska has a wildlife safari park that is part of Henry Doorly also.

    Reply
  18. Brad says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    Vickie,
    Then I guess they should include Wildlife Safari Park. It is also owned and ran by the Henry Doorly Zoo. I bet it would add quite a few animals and acres to the total.

    Reply
  19. B says

    January 9, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    I visited the Beijing zoo a few yesrs ago and wsd horrified at the condition of the animals. Rlephants locked up in barns no ro toove, pandas
    That were filthy. The zoo itself was not a good place!!

    Reply
  20. Jen says

    January 9, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    I live 10 minutes away from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska, It is not only the largest, but it is the best zoo in the US. All we need now are pandas, and it will be the best tn the world!

    Reply
  21. Mary says

    January 9, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    Henry Doorly Zoo is an amazing place. It really takes a couple days to explore. I would highly recommend it whether you are young or old. They also have a drive through safari park near Ashland that contains the only herd of a small prong horn deer in the world. The last time I was there, the herd was thriving and beginning to return from the edge of extinction. Totally amazing!!!

    Reply
  22. CeCe says

    January 9, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    The best thing about the Henry Doorly Zoo (Omaha, Nebraska) is that even Omahans are impressed enough to get excited about purchasing their zoo membership every year. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new and interesting to see, learn and experience.

    Reply
  23. Sandra says

    January 9, 2014 at 6:19 am

    Whoo Hoo for Nebraska!

    Reply
  24. Vickie says

    January 8, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    The San Diego Zoo should include the “The San Diego Safari Park”, they are in two locations, but it is one organization.

    Reply
  25. Wit Tuttell says

    November 10, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    North Carolina zoo. 2000 acres, 250 species. http://www.nczoo.org

    Reply
  26. Craig says

    August 24, 2013 at 9:23 am

    What happened to the massive Z!oo of Whipsnade in England. 650 acre with 5000 species set in big natural enclosures.Europes biggest

    Reply
  27. Chris says

    June 26, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    What about Brookfield Zoo in Chicago?? 415 species and 216 acres.

    Reply
  28. Gregorio says

    May 23, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    What happen with zoo of Cabarceno???, 750 hect.

    Reply

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