If you still think that going to the zoo is a kid's thing, it's because you haven't been to one of these amazing zoos spread across the four corners of the world...
Forget the idea that a zoo is synonymous with animals in small, poorly maintained cages. The world is full of places where animals are very well treated and only receive the best.
And, the coolest thing is that, depending on the country you are in, you can see up close local animals that are super rare for us, like pandas in China, koalas and kangaroos in Australia, among others.
Some of them have extra attractions, such as the one in Sydney, where the landscape is almost as cool as the animal life, or the one in San Diego, where you can spend the night “camping” or the one in Singapore, where you can go on a night safari.
If you are a fan of animals or just want something different to do during your next vacation, how about visiting one of these zoos?
1.San Diego
California, USA
www.zoo.sandiegozoo.org
One of the most highly regarded in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to a number of rare and endangered animals. Visitors can walk through ten different climatic zones and see up close animals such as pandas, koalas, komodo dragons (the animal I am most afraid of on the planet), gorillas, tigers, among other species. In summer, the zoo is open until late at night and it is possible to camp at the zoo for one night. Founded in 1916, today it is home to over 4 animals of more than 800 different species.
2. Beijing
China
www.travelchinaguide.com
Built in 1906, the Beijing Zoo is one of the oldest in China and has one of the largest collections of animals in the country. There are more than 14.500 animals spread over an area of 220 acres. In addition to being a tourist attraction, it also serves as a research center for some rare species. The zoo's biggest attraction is the giant panda house. The place also has typical Chinese gardens with plants, streams and lotus flowers.
3. Berlin
Germany
www.zoo-berlin.de
The oldest zoo in Germany (it opened in 1844) and the most popular in all of Europe, the Berlin zoo is gigantic: it houses more than 20 animals of more than 1.500 different species. Among the most popular attractions are the carnivore house, where you can see predators of various sizes, as well as the bird house, where visitors go inside the aviary. But pay attention to holidays and weekends, as the zoo receives more than 3 million visitors every year.
4. Toronto
Canada
www.torontozoo.com
Canada's largest zoo, with 710 acres and more than 5 animals, the Toronto Zoo is divided into seven different areas, each representing a region of the planet: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia and Dominion Canadian... There are more than 10 km of trails to be explored by visitors. Popular attractions include the Great Panda Experience and the world's largest indoor gorilla exhibit.
5. Taronga Zoo
sydney, australia
www.taronga.org.au
The trip and the view alone are worth the trip. Located across the harbor from Sydney, Taronga Zoo is just a few minutes by ferry from the city centre. There are more than 4 animals, including species native to Australia, such as koalas, kangaroos, among others. The zoo is also home to 19 chimpanzees. The cable car ride inside the zoo is a must. Don't forget to take your camera!
6. Smithsonian National zoological Park
Washington DC, USA
www.nationalzoo.si.edu
Located in Rook Creek Park, in the American capital, the national zoo occupies an area of 163 acres and attracts no less than two million visitors every year. There are more than 2 animals of more than 400 species, and of these, at least a quarter can be considered endangered or endangered. Among the animals that visitors can see in the park are pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers and African lions. The best of everything? Admission is free!
7. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa
www.nzg.ac.za
As it could not be otherwise, wild African animals are the majority in this charming zoo in Pretoria, South Africa. There are more than 9 animals of more than 700 species, most of which were born on site. Leopards, rhinos, lions, elephants, giraffes, among others can be seen in their domains. But the zoo also has a large number of animals from other regions of the planet, including pandas and marmosets.
8. Singapore
Singapore
www.zoo.com.sg
The zoo that calls itself the best tropical zoo in the world is truly amazing. Divided into 11 ecological zones, which recreate habitats from different parts of the globe and the respective species of each one. Among them are the Fragile Forest, which recreates a tropical forest, the Frozen Tundra, home to a polar bear, the Primate Kingdom, which houses 39 of them, on separate islands, the Garden of Reptiles, which has turtles, Komodo dragons (fear !!) and snakes, are some of the main attractions.
9. Bronx zoo
new york, usa
www.bronxzoo.com
One of the largest, at 265 acres, and oldest, established in 1899, zoos in the USA, the Bronx Zoo is well worth a visit. More than 6 animals of more than 650 species currently live in its domains, in environments that recreate the habitat from which they were taken, be it a tropical forest or an African savannah. The site also serves as a rehabilitation and conservation center for several species. On Wednesdays and weekends tickets are cheaper.
10. Londres
England
www.zsl.org
One of the oldest in the world, opened in 1828, the London Zoo is located in the heart of the city, inside Regent's Park and houses more than 755 species and more than 16 thousand animals in its domains. One of the most sought-after attractions is the Tiger Territory, an area dedicated to the conservation of the Sumatran tiger. Another very popular one is the bay of the penguins (), where visitors can see the animals in and out of the water.
