Where was the first zoo in the US?

Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, is renowned for innovation in animal care and unwavering commitment to wildlife. A zoo of firsts, Philadelphia Zoo has been a leader since opening its historic gates on July 1, 1874.



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The first zoo in the United States opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. The Philadelphia Zoo remains one of the most important zoos and facilities for breeding rare and endangered animals.

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The Philadelphia Zoo, located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, is the first true zoo in the United States. It was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, but its opening was delayed by the Civil War until July 1, 1874.

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The Zoological Society of Cincinnati was founded in 1873 and officially opened its doors in 1875, making the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden the second oldest Zoo in the United States.

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The largest zoo in the United States is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, measuring 406.30 acres for the zoo alone and 580 acres in total.

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Austin, TX is the largest city in the United States without an AZA-accredited 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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Schönbrunn Zoo (German: Tiergarten Schönbrunn; also simply called Vienna Zoo) is a 17-hectare (42-acre) zoo in the city of Vienna, Austria. Established in 1752, it is the world's oldest zoo still in operation.

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Our 2023 Best Of Travel Award winner for Best Zoo in the U.S. is the San Diego Zoo! Situated in sunny San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park, this southern California zoo is renowned for its diverse collection of animals and dedication to conservation.

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1. San Diego Zoo | San Diego, CA. Renowned across the country, San Diego's zoo, founded in 1916, is home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. Among them are red pandas; African elephants; and bonobo apes.

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Due to the effort of William Camac, a Philaelphia doctor, the Pennsylvania State Legislature established a nonprofit Philadelphia Zoological Society in 1859, making it America's first zoo. William Camac was able to secure 30 acres for the Philadelphia Zoo in Fairmount Park along Girard Avenue.

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The Ross Park Zoo is 90 acres of beautiful forest located just south of the city of Binghamton, New York, USA. The zoo was opened in 1875, making it the 5th oldest zoo in the nation. The Ross Park Zoo is open seasonally from April through November.

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The first zoo in the United States opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874.

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The Navajo Zoo – Always Free to everyone!

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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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1. Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Animals: 17,000.
  • Species: 962.
  • Size: 160 acres.
  • First Opened: 1894.
  • Most Popular Feature: Lied Jungle (America's largest indoor jungle).
  • Mission Statement: “To inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats.


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50 Best Zoos in the World
  • 1 – San Diego Zoo, USA.
  • 2 – Singapore Zoo, Singapore.
  • 3 – Loro Parque, Spain.
  • 4 – St. Louis Zoo, USA.
  • 5 – Henry Doorly Zoo, USA.
  • 6 – Rotterdam Zoo, Netherlands.
  • 7 – Australia Zoo, Australia.
  • 8 – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, USA.


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The second oldest zoo in the world is Paris' Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. Having already been France's premier botanical garden for 150 years, Jardin des Plantes sought to add a little fauna to its abundance of flora in 1793.

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