Are there any free zoos in the US?

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois With a pair of swans gifted from New York's Central Park, Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo was established more than 150 years ago. When you visit today, you can observe more than 200 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds at the only privately managed free zoo in the U.S.



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In the United States most zoos are supported partially or wholly out of public funds by the town, city, or state in which they are located. The National Zoological Park, in Washington, D.C., was founded by Congress in 1889–90.

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So what do zoos spend money on if not the animals? Staff salaries, animal maintenance and facilities costs are the obvious expenses, but there are others. For example, in 2021 the San Diego Zoo spent $15,084 on advertising, according to the zoo's financial statement.

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Ethical zoos also provide resources to protect threatened and endangered species such as anti-poaching rangers. Perhaps the zoo that contributes the most to conservation field programs is the Bronx Zoo run by the Wildlife Conservation Society.

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Zoos can help to save endangered species by keeping them in a 'safe' environment. Safe as in protected from poachers, predators, habitat loss and even starvation. If a zoo has a breeding programme, this is another way to protect endangered species which may have trouble finding suitable mates in the wild.

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Animal sanctuaries offer a compassionate alternative to zoos that prioritizes animal welfare over profits. They provide a safe haven for animals that have suffered abuse or neglect and work to educate the public on animal rights.

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Founded in 1962, Phoenix Zoo is the biggest non-profit privately owned zoo in the USA. The zoo has more than 1,400 animals and contains 2.5 miles of walking trails that stretch between four themed areas: the Africa Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Tropics Trail and the Children's Trail, which includes a petting zoo.

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The Charles Paddock Zoo is a small 5-acre (2.0 ha) community zoo located in San Luis Obispo County, California, in the City of Atascadero, California.

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Is there a day when admission is free? Limited Admission is free all day on Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo. ADVANCE TIMED TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. The Wednesday Ticket Store opens on Mondays at 5:00pm for that Wednesday's reservations.

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Which States have the highest number of businesses in the Zoos & Aquariums industry in the United States? California (63 businesses), Florida (61 businesses) and Texas (50 businesses) are the States with the most number of Zoos & Aquariums businesses in the US.

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On average, captive animals (especially mammals) live longer than wild animals. This may be due to the fact that zoos provide refuge against diseases, competition with others of the same species and predators.

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What Are Some Pros and Cons of Zoos?
  • Animals Often Only Have Quite Limited Space. ...
  • Zoos Are Crowded. ...
  • Animals Are Trapped in Unnatural Environments. ...
  • Confinement May Alter the Behavior of Animals. ...
  • 'Surplus' Animals Can Be Killed. ...
  • Animals Are Often Mistreated. ...
  • Animals Don't Like Being Visited. ...
  • Animals Struggle to Form Connections.


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Some animals in zoos are kept in enclosures far too small for them, while others are forced to perform degrading tricks. Even in the best zoos, under the best conditions, a lifetime of captivity is no life at all for wild animals.

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Bronx Zoo, New York City, USA It's also one of the most ethical zoos in the world and is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). This inner-city wildlife park hosts over 4,000 animals from 650 species, including African lions, monkeys, tigers, snow leopards, gorillas, and many more.

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While zoo advocates and conservationists argue that zoos save endangered species and educate the public, many animal rights activists believe the cost of confining animals outweighs the benefits, and that the violation of the rights of individual animals—even in efforts to fend off extinction—cannot be justified.

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