There is no official, objective ranking of the best zoos in the United States; the right choice depends on what you value, from habitat design and conservation to location and trip length. A Quartz ranking updated September 18, 2026, compared seven zoos using factors including animal welfare, conservation, breeding and reintroduction, research, sustainability, and habitat design, with visitor experience considered afterward.
Here are the seven facilities in that ranking, with its signature points of interest. Treat the order as Quartz’s editorial judgment, not a universal consensus, and confirm current exhibits, admission, hours, and animal availability with each zoo before traveling.
At a glance
| Zoo | Location | What the Quartz ranking highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | Omaha, Nebraska | Large indoor ecosystems, including the Desert Dome and aquarium |
| Bronx Zoo | New York City | Large campus, signature habitats, and Wildlife Conservation Society work |
| San Diego Zoo | San Diego, California | Species diversity, habitat design, and conservation science |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Park | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Hillside habitats and regional conservation |
| Smithsonian’s National Zoo | Washington, D.C. | Free admission, research, and hilly grounds |
| ZooMontana | Billings, Montana | Cold-climate species and Northern Rockies conservation |
| Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Powell, Ohio | Eight geographic regions and conservation work with The Wilds |
1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium — Omaha, Nebraska
Quartz ranks Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium first in its seven-zoo list. It highlights the Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, Lied Jungle, and aquarium as a notably broad collection of indoor ecosystems. Those habitats make Omaha a strong option for visitors who want substantial indoor attractions; Quartz recommends allowing a full day for the campus.
Best fit: Visitors seeking varied indoor habitats and a destination-sized zoo visit. Check the zoo’s current visitor information for hours, admission, access, and exhibit availability.
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2. Bronx Zoo — New York City
Ranked second by Quartz, the Bronx Zoo is a large metropolitan destination. The article points to its 265-acre campus and habitats including Tiger Mountain, Congo Gorilla Forest, and Himalayan Highlands. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s conservation work is another reason it stands out in the ranking.
Best fit: Visitors planning a substantial New York City outing and interested in large habitats and conservation. The Quartz article mentions subway and Metro-North access; check current routes and service before setting out.
3. San Diego Zoo — San Diego, California
Quartz places San Diego Zoo third, citing species diversity, habitat design, and conservation science. The article also highlights the Frozen Zoo. Quartz reports genetic material from 1,300 species stored there at minus 320°F; treat that as a Quartz-reported figure unless you confirm it with the institution.
Rank #2
Best fit: Visitors interested in a broad collection and the connection between zoo exhibits and conservation science. Confirm current exhibits and visitor details with the zoo.
4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Park — Colorado Springs, Colorado
Quartz ranks Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Park fourth and describes hillside habitats, elevated giraffe-feeding platforms, and a regional conservation focus. The terrain is a practical consideration for visitors planning their route around the grounds.
Best fit: Visitors interested in hillside habitats and regional conservation. Check the zoo’s current guidance on terrain, accessibility, and giraffe-feeding terms and availability.
5. Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Washington, D.C.
Ranked fifth by Quartz, Smithsonian’s National Zoo combines free admission with research work and hilly grounds. The ranking notes that Bao Li and Qing Bao returned in October 2024. Panda visibility, entry requirements, and access guidance can change, so check the zoo’s current visitor and animal information rather than assuming an animal will be visible.
Best fit: Visitors combining a zoo visit with Washington, D.C.’s research and cultural institutions. Verify entry requirements, closures, and current animal information before you go.
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6. ZooMontana — Billings, Montana
Quartz ranks ZooMontana sixth and describes a focus on cold-climate species and conservation in the Northern Rockies. Its regional emphasis offers an alternative to zoos centered on global collections.
Best fit: Visitors interested in Northern Rockies wildlife and conservation. Check ZooMontana’s current information for exhibits, admission, and operating hours.
7. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — Powell, Ohio
Quartz places Columbus Zoo and Aquarium seventh. It highlights eight geographic regions, family-oriented experiences, and conservation projects with its sister facility, The Wilds.
Best fit: Families and visitors looking for geographically themed exhibits and a connection to conservation work at The Wilds. Confirm current exhibit and visitor details with the zoo.
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How to choose among these zoos
Start with the experience that matters most to you: indoor habitats, a large urban campus, regional conservation, or research. Then consider location, terrain, transit, admission, and how much time you can spend. Quartz’s ranking is one editorial comparison, not a guarantee that one zoo will be best for every visitor.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) describes accreditation as involving a detailed application and a multi-day on-site inspection. Accreditation can be a useful care-and-operations screening signal, but it is not a ranking or a complete ethical verdict. Check a zoo’s current accreditation status and review its own information about animal care, conservation, and visitor policies.
What to check before your visit
- Check the zoo’s official visitor pages for current hours, admission, closures, and entry requirements.
- Review the map and accessibility information, especially if the grounds are hilly or the campus is large.
- Confirm animal visibility, exhibit access, and any feeding or other scheduled experiences.
- For public transportation, verify current routes and service with the relevant transit provider.
- If considering reciprocal admission through an AZA-member facility, verify both memberships’ terms and participating facilities; eligibility is not a guaranteed discount.
FAQ
Is there an official ranking of the best zoos in the U.S.?
No. The seven facilities here follow a Quartz editorial ranking updated September 18, 2026. Its order reflects that publication’s stated criteria, not an official national ranking or universal consensus.
Which zoo on this list has the strongest indoor focus?
Quartz highlights Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha for its indoor ecosystems, including the Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, Lied Jungle, and aquarium. Check the zoo’s current exhibit information before planning around a specific habitat.
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Quartz describes it as having free admission. Entry requirements and access policies can change, so verify current visitor guidance with the zoo before traveling.
Does AZA accreditation rank zoos?
No. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums describes accreditation as a review process involving a detailed application and multi-day on-site inspection. It is a screening signal, not a league table or a complete ethical verdict.
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