Who says you need to go on safari to have an adventure with the animal kingdom? Save the plane fare and instead face the world’s most exotic creatures without leaving the country. These ten zoos deliver local wildlife experiences where endangered species are nurtured, ferocious predators are kept within feet of the public, and a renaissance of education in conservation and science is incorporated throughout, promising fun for the whole family.
# Memphis ZooA favorite family destination for Memphis’ Overton Park, the Memphis Zoo excels at giving visitors an inside look at the life and care of the 3,500-plus animals it houses. A daily comprehensive schedule keeps visitors on task, highlighting a multitude of animal feeding times, intimate animal discussions, and stage shows intended to awe and educate visitors.
# St. Louis ZooA top attraction in St. Louis’ sprawling Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo is home to more than 600 species and covers 90 acres of the 1,371-acre park. St. Louis Zoo stands out for its commitment to sustainable preservation of animals and natural, humane exhibits.
# Lincoln Park ZooLocated near Lake Michigan in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the country’s only free-admission zoos. Open 365 days a year, the zoo is gearing up for a busy summer season with the recent acquisition of two African lions: 20-month-old sisters Zalika and Kamali. The 1,100 animals from about 200 species fill out the compact 35 acres of prime city land.
# Cincinnati ZooGear up for a day filled with animal encounters like you’ve never experienced before at the remarkably accessible Cincinnati Zoo. Scheduled throughout the day, Cincinnati Zoo hosts dozens of animal demonstrations and talks, as well as choice opportunities to feed giraffes, watch elephants bathe, and witness first-hand the grace of the cheetah’s bolt. As the second oldest zoo in the country (opened in 1875, second to the Philadelphia Zoo in 1874), the zoo has a long history of animal conservation and animal awareness initiatives, including Project Saving Species, a fund that channels money throughout the world to projects dedicated to animal welfare.
# Zoo MiamiEnter the tropics by foot at Zoo Miami. With 3,000 animals on site and a property that extends for 750 acres, more than a day is needed to fully appreciate Zoo Miami’s 100-plus exhibits.