By Fathima Rukaiya,

If you’re planning to visit a zoo and want more than just to look at animals, if you want to learn about them, interact with them, and enjoy a full wildlife experience then you’re in the right place.

Here, we’ve put together some of the world’s best zoos that offer not just animals on display, but education, hands-on encounters, immersive habitats, and unforgettable conservation experiences unlike any other.

1. San Diego Zoo

Location: San Diego, California, USA

Known for its advanced conservation efforts, such as the Frozen Zoo, that preserves genetic material from thousands of endangered species, it is one of the most renowned and esteemed zoos in the world. It is home to more than 3,700 animals representing over 650 species. It also features the Skyfari Aerial Tram and a guided bus tour to help cover the vast grounds.

Things to See

• Hippo Trail, where you can see hippos underwater.
• 4-D theater and behind-the-scenes tours; big cats, elephants, primates, aviaries, bear canyon, and reptile houses.

Prices

1-Day Pass (Any Day):  about US$76 for adults and about US$66 for kids (3 – 11).

• 2 – Visit Pass: approximately $152 for adults and $132 for youngsters (Zoo + Safari Park).

•Membership: Approximately US$95.

2. Singapore Zoo

Location: Mandai, Singapore

One of the world’s top rainforest-based zoos, famous for its naturalistic “open concept” cages, offers daily feeding sessions, animal performances, and first-rate tram service.

Things to Observe

• Elephants, crocodiles, Komodo dragons, orangutans, and white tigers.
• Orangutan breakfast (seasonal).
• The reptile house and biodome of Fragile Forest.

Prices

• S$49 for adults and S$34 for children aged 3 to 12 who are not residents.
• Singaporeans: On off-peak days, around S$44.10 for adults and S$30.60 for children.
• Multi – Park passes available (Zoo + Night Safari + River Wonders).

3. Tiergarten Schonbrunn (Vienna Zoo, Austria)

Location: Vienna, Austria (Schonbrunn Palace grounds)

The oldest zoo in the world that has been operating since 1752. Vienna Zoo is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Schonbrunn Palace complex that blends historic architecture with advanced conservation science.

Things to See

• Giant pandas, Siberian tigers, elephants, otters.
• Baroque gardens and elegant century-old enclosures.
• Modern rainforest house and polar habitats.

Rates

• Check the current prices on the official zoo website.

4. Berlin Zoological Garden

Location: Berlin, Germany

Berlin Zoological Garden is the most species-rich zoo in the world with some 20,000 animals representing more than 1,300 species. It is one of the oldest zoos in existence, established in 1844 and has a large aquarium.

Things to See

• Pandas, hippos, lions, gorillas, penguins.
• Aquarium with tropical fish, sharks, and reptiles.
• Historic architecture mixed with modern habitats.

Rates

Prices vary according to the date.

Approximate costs:

Zoo only: approximately €16 for adults and €9 for children.

Aquarium + Zoo: about €13 for children and €24 for adults.

5. National Zoological Garden (Pretoria Zoo, South Africa)

Location: Pretoria, South Africa

One of Africa’s largest and most diverse zoos with about 9,000 animals and 700 species. This place includes an aquarium, reptile park, aviaries, and massive mammal areas. It also offers a cableway gondola for aerial views of the zoo.

Things to See

• Big cats, elephants, African antelope species.
• Reptile house, bird aviary, aquarium.
• Scenic views from the cableway.

Rates

• Check official site for current pricing.

6. Taronga Zoo

Location: Situated in Sydney, Australia, with a view of Sydney Harbor, this zoo is among the most stunning in the world.

• Strong conservation efforts and wildlife rescue programs.

• Both Australian and foreign species are well represented.

Things to See

• Tasmanian devils, platypus, kangaroos, and koalas.
• Elephant trails, bird parks, and tiger treks.
• Seal and bird shows.
• The Scenic Sky Safari gondola.

Rates

• Check official Taronga Zoo site for updated pricing.

7. Bronx Zoo

Location: Bronx, New York City, USA

One of the largest city zoos in the world (265 acres). Opened in 1899, this Zoo is known for its conservation leadership.

Things to See

• Congo Gorilla Forest.
• Wild Asia Monorail.
• Reptile house, Madagascar exhibit, big cat habitats.
• Children’s zoo.

Rates

• Prices vary; check official site

8. Beijing Zoo

Location: Beijing, China

Famous for its giant pandas, Beijing Zoo is one of the oldest Zoos in China. It has a diverse collection representing both Asian and global wildlife.

Things to See

• Giant pandas, red pandas, Chinese sturgeon.
• Elephant houses, penguins, tropical birds.
• Beautiful, landscaped grounds.

Rates

• See official site for updates.

9. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Home to the world’s largest indoor desert and indoor rainforests with world class conservation research and breeding programs.

Things to See

• Desert Dome – vast habitats with a desert environment.
• Lied Jungle – immersive tropical rainforest.
• Aquarium with sharks, jellyfish and coral reef.
• Nocturnal animal exhibits.

Rates

• Prices vary; check the zoo’s official website.

10. Toronto Zoo

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This Zoo covers 710 acres of land area and is organized into “zoogeographic regions” for educational experiences. It also has a strong conservation and breeding program.

Things to See

• African Savanna, Polar regions, Indo-Malayan rainforest.
• Rhinos, tigers, gorillas, penguins.
• Kids’ Discovery Zone and seasonal events.

Rates

Check official site for up-to-date pricing.

11. Chester Zoo

Location: Chester, England

Why It’s Special

One of the UK’s top zoos, internationally respected for conservation. This place provides stunning landscapes and natural habitat designs. It is also active in dozens of global species survival programs.

Things to See

• Tigers, lions, chimps, giraffes, rhinos.
• Butterfly house, islands exhibit, tropical house.
• Children’s farm and educational zones.

Rates

Prices fluctuate by season; check the zoo’s official booking page.

Tips and Precautions Before Visiting a Zoo

• Follow all safety rules and do not feed animals unless allowed.
• Keep a safe distance from animal enclosures.
• Use the zoo map or app so you don’t miss important exhibits.
• Visit early; animals are more active in the morning.
• Join keeper talks or guided tours to learn more.
• Support conservation programs by buying from the zoo stores or donating.
• Respect animals’ space and avoid loud noises or tapping on glass.

*Please note that the prices mentioned above may fluctuate depending on the season or official updates. Always check the latest rates before your visit.