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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteNorth Carolina Zoo has the largest natural-habitat zoo property in this list, with more than 2,800 acres, though much of the land is undeveloped or used for conservation. Zoo acreage can mean total property or developed visitor grounds, so the figures below are useful comparisons rather than an absolute scientific ranking.
For example, Zoo Miami reports roughly 740–750 acres, but about 340 acres are developed. The measurements and descriptions are based on zoo and public-agency information, including Miami-Dade County’s Zoo Miami page.
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The 20 largest traditional zoos in the United States
The acreage figures below use the most comparable publicly stated measure for each institution: its principal public zoo grounds or zoological property. Total property is not necessarily all developed or open to visitors, and the order should not be treated as a permanent scientific ranking.
| Rank | Zoo | Location | Reported property size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina Zoo | Asheboro, North Carolina | More than 2,800 acres |
| 2 | Zoo Miami | Miami, Florida | Approximately 740–750 acres |
| 3 | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Powell, Ohio | Nearly 600 acres |
| 4 | Bronx Zoo | Bronx, New York | More than 260 acres |
| 5 | Sedgwick County Zoo | Wichita, Kansas | Approximately 247 acres |
| 6 | Brookfield Zoo Chicago | Brookfield, Illinois | Approximately 216 acres |
| 7 | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium | Kansas City, Missouri | Approximately 202 acres |
| 8 | Milwaukee County Zoo | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Approximately 190 acres |
| 9 | Smithsonian’s National Zoo | Washington, D.C. | 163 acres |
| 10 | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | Omaha, Nebraska | More than 160 acres |
| 11 | Detroit Zoo | Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, Michigan | 125 acres |
| 12 | Phoenix Zoo | Phoenix, Arizona | Approximately 125 acres |
| 13 | Oklahoma City Zoo | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Approximately 119 acres |
| 14 | Dallas Zoo | Dallas, Texas | 106 acres |
| 15 | San Francisco Zoo | San Francisco, California | Approximately 100 acres |
| 16 | Woodland Park Zoo | Seattle, Washington | Approximately 92 acres |
| 17 | Saint Louis Zoo | St. Louis, Missouri | Approximately 90 acres |
| 18 | Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance | Denver, Colorado | 80-acre public campus |
| 19 | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Cincinnati, Ohio | Approximately 75 acres |
| 20 | Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | Jacksonville, Florida | Approximately 73 acres |
1. North Carolina Zoo — Asheboro, North Carolina
Size: More than 2,800 acres
North Carolina Zoo is the clearest choice for the top spot when the comparison is based on a natural-habitat zoo property. The zoo arranges its exhibits around African and North American regions, with large outdoor habitats, wooded trails and substantial conservation land.
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The zoo describes itself as the world’s largest natural-habitat zoo and says it cares for more than 1,700 animals, according to North Carolina Zoo. The full 2,800-acre figure does not represent one enormous exhibit area: much of the property is undeveloped habitat or land used for conservation. Visitors should expect a sprawling, walking-focused experience rather than a compact collection of exhibits.
2. Zoo Miami — Miami, Florida
Size: Approximately 740–750 acres, with about 340 acres developed
Zoo Miami’s subtropical climate allows it to display animals and landscapes that are difficult to maintain in much of the continental United States. Its open-air, cageless design gives the grounds a safari-park feel, with broad views between many habitats.
Miami-Dade County describes the zoo as occupying roughly 740 acres, while county documents commonly use a figure closer to 750 acres. Only about 340 acres are developed for visitors, so the total-property number should not be confused with the amount guests can explore, as explained by Miami-Dade County.
3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — Powell, Ohio
Size: Nearly 600 acres
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium combines a large campus with one of the broadest animal collections in the country. Its major areas include North America, Asia Quest, Africa and Shores, while the aquarium adds substantial indoor aquatic exhibits.
The nearly 600-acre complex is larger than the ordinary visitor map may suggest because only part of the property is developed and walkable. It is still a full-day destination, particularly for families who want both land-animal habitats and aquarium exhibits in one visit.
4. Bronx Zoo — Bronx, New York
Size: More than 260 acres, commonly stated as 265 acres
The Bronx Zoo is unusually spacious for a major urban zoo. Its grounds include hardwood forest, wetlands, walking trails and large habitats, creating a much wilder setting than its location in New York City might imply.
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Popular areas include African Plains, JungleWorld, World of Reptiles and Congo Gorilla Forest. The Wildlife Conservation Society says the zoo contains more than 260 acres of hardwood forest and is home to more than 11,000 animals representing over 640 species, according to its About page.
5. Sedgwick County Zoo — Wichita, Kansas
Size: Approximately 247 acres, with about 115 acres developed
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Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the largest regional zoos in the United States by property area. Its geographically themed habitats cover African, Asian, Australian and North American wildlife.
The distinction between total property and developed grounds is especially important here. The zoo’s approximately 247 acres include land beyond the visitor routes, while the developed portion is closer to 115 acres. Even so, the public areas provide plenty of space for large habitats and a long day of exploring, according to the zoo’s About page.
6. Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Brookfield, Illinois
Size: Approximately 216 acres
Brookfield Zoo Chicago sits on a large suburban campus outside downtown Chicago. Its grounds combine historic structures with newer habitats for primates, big cats, hoofstock and aquatic species.
The size and variety make this a particularly useful zoo for visitors who want more than a short city stop. Indoor buildings also provide alternatives when Chicago’s weather is cold, wet or windy. The Chicago Zoological Society backgrounder places the zoo on approximately 216 acres.
7. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium — Kansas City, Missouri
Size: Approximately 202 acres
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium describes its grounds as a 202-acre nature sanctuary in Swope Park. The zoo is especially known for African Plains, Australian habitats, primates and its aquarium expansion.
The spacious setting helps the zoo create expansive outdoor exhibits rather than packing every species into a tightly arranged urban footprint. Plan extra time if you want to see both the zoo’s land-animal regions and the aquarium, as noted by the zoo’s About Us page.
8. Milwaukee County Zoo — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Size: Approximately 190 acres
Milwaukee County Zoo’s current fact sheet identifies a 190-acre site, although some county publications round the figure to 200 acres. The more cautious description is therefore “approximately 190 acres.”
The wooded campus contains more than 2,400 animals representing over 340 species, according to the zoo’s fact sheet. Continental-themed habitats, primate exhibits, a family farm and indoor animal buildings make it a practical choice in both summer and cold-weather seasons.
9. Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Washington, D.C.
Size: 163 acres
Set inside Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo has a wooded and hilly character that is unusual for a major capital-city attraction. The Smithsonian says the public zoo occupies 163 acres and houses more than 2,100 animals representing nearly 400 species.
Visitors can see elephants, great apes, big cats and Asian small-clawed otters, along with animals involved in conservation-breeding programs. The Smithsonian’s separate Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, is not part of the public zoo’s acreage, as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo page makes clear.
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10. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium — Omaha, Nebraska
Size: More than 160 acres
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a standout for indoor, immersive habitats. Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Asian Highlands, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, the aquarium and African Grasslands give the zoo a broad mix of climate-controlled and outdoor experiences.
The zoo describes its public campus as more than 160 acres, while another institutional page gives 162 acres. It also advertises more than 33,000 animals, but animal totals are difficult to compare because institutions count fish, invertebrates, offspring and off-exhibit animals differently, as noted by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.
11. Detroit Zoo — Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, Michigan
Size: 125 acres
Detroit Zoo uses its 125 acres for naturalistic habitats and conservation-focused exhibits. The Arctic Ring of Life and Polk Penguin Conservation Center are among its best-known attractions.
The Detroit Zoological Society says more than 2,000 animals representing over 200 species live across the grounds. Its emphasis on animal welfare and habitat design is as important to the visitor experience as the acreage itself, according to the Detroit Zoological Society.
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Size: Approximately 125 acres
Phoenix Zoo provides a large, walkable collection in a desert environment. Its Arizona, Africa, Tropics and Children’s trails organize the visitor experience, and the zoo reports approximately 2.5 miles of walking paths.
Heat is the main practical challenge. Wear sun protection, carry water and allow more time than the acreage alone might suggest if you are visiting with children. The zoo’s visitor information gives its acreage and walking-path details.
13. Oklahoma City Zoo — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Size: Approximately 119 acres
Oklahoma City Zoo combines botanical gardens with habitats for elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, gorillas and other large animals. Family-oriented attractions sit alongside the main animal exhibits.
The campus is commonly reported at approximately 119 acres. Because the zoo continues to expand and redevelop habitats, check its latest institutional fact sheet before relying on the acreage for detailed trip planning.
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Size: 106 acres
Dallas Zoo is the largest zoo in Texas by the institution’s own description. Its 106-acre campus houses more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.
Giants of the Savanna and Wilds of Africa are major areas, while the zoo’s Texas-focused conservation work adds context for visitors interested in regional wildlife. The collection is large enough to fill a full outing without requiring a huge overall property, according to the Dallas Zoo About Us page.
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15. San Francisco Zoo — San Francisco, California
Size: Approximately 100 acres
San Francisco Zoo combines animal exhibits with an oceanfront setting. Visitors can see gorillas, big cats, African hoofstock, penguins and Australian wildlife while also experiencing the cooler, changeable weather of the Pacific coast.
The zoo has described its grounds as approximately 100 acres. That wording is preferable to a more exact figure because its public materials have not always used identical measurements.
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16. Woodland Park Zoo — Seattle, Washington
Size: Approximately 92 acres
Woodland Park Zoo has a smaller footprint than the entries above but makes efficient use of its Seattle campus. African Savanna, Assam Rhino Reserve, Temperate Forest and Trail of Adaptation use immersive, geographically themed designs.
At approximately 92 acres, it is easier to cover than some of the country’s largest acreage-based zoos. The institution’s conservation and research programs extend beyond its public grounds, so those programs should not be added to the campus size.
17. Saint Louis Zoo — St. Louis, Missouri
Size: Approximately 90 acres
Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best-known free-admission zoos in the United States. Its grounds are in Forest Park, but the zoo itself occupies approximately 90 acres—not the much larger surrounding municipal park.
Historic Hill, River’s Edge, The Wild and Lakeside Crossing are among the principal areas. The combination of historic architecture, animal-care programs and a substantial species collection gives the zoo an experience larger than its acreage might suggest.
18. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance — Denver, Colorado
Size: 80-acre public campus
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance offers African, Asian, South American and North American wildlife in an urban park setting. Its conservation role became more prominent following the organization’s 2024 rebrand.
Do not add the 570-acre Lembke Family Preserve in Weld County to the public zoo’s size. That preserve is a conservation and breeding facility and is not open to ordinary visitors. The relevant figure for a zoo trip is the Denver campus: 80 acres, as distinguished in the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance annual report and preserve information.
19. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — Cincinnati, Ohio
Size: Approximately 75 acres
Cincinnati Zoo combines a traditional zoological collection with a substantial botanical-garden program. Its gorilla, hippopotamus, elephant and big-cat habitats are joined by significant plant collections across the visitor campus.
The approximately 75-acre grounds are comparatively compact, but the botanical-garden designation makes this more than an animal-only attraction. It is a strong choice for visitors who enjoy horticulture as much as wildlife.
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20. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens — Jacksonville, Florida
Size: Approximately 73 acres
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens makes good use of its riverfront location and warm southeastern climate. African, Australian, Asian and South American areas contain large outdoor habitats that can make the zoo feel more expansive than its 73 acres.
Its public grounds should not be confused with nearby conservation properties or regional wildlife preserves. For visitors, the relevant number is the approximately 73-acre zoo campus.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Large animal destinations that are not directly comparable
San Diego Zoo Safari Park — Escondido, California
San Diego Zoo Safari Park covers 1,800 acres, including 900 undeveloped acres. It is larger than nearly every conventional city zoo, but it is a safari park rather than the urban San Diego Zoo campus. Because its property includes a substantial biodiversity reserve that ordinary visitors cannot explore, it belongs in a separate category, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Bay Lake, Florida
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is often included in informal lists of large U.S. zoos because it has extensive animal habitats and a large property. However, it is also a theme park. It is more accurate to describe it as a wildlife-focused theme park than to place it uncritically in a conventional-zoo ranking.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Wilds — Cumberland, Ohio
The Wilds is a nearly 10,000-acre conservation center operated by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It is one of North America’s largest conservation facilities, but it is not a typical zoo campus. Its scale should not be used to claim that Columbus Zoo’s public grounds are the largest in the country, as described by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
How to choose the right large zoo to visit
- For the biggest natural-habitat setting: Start with North Carolina Zoo.
- For warm-weather, open-air exhibits: Zoo Miami and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are especially well suited.
- For indoor immersive habitats: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers the strongest combination of large indoor environments and outdoor exhibits.
- For a city trip: The Bronx Zoo, National Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo and Woodland Park Zoo provide substantial experiences without requiring a rural destination.
- For families: Columbus Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Phoenix Zoo and Dallas Zoo combine major animal areas with attractions designed for a broad range of ages.
- For weather flexibility: Milwaukee County Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo have indoor buildings that can make an unpredictable day easier.
Why zoo size claims often conflict
One institution may count its entire property, another may count only developed visitor grounds, and a third may include conservation land or off-site breeding facilities. Animal counts have the same problem: a zoo that includes thousands of fish and invertebrates may report a much larger total than one using a narrower counting method.
For that reason, claims such as “the largest zoo in America” or “the largest zoo in the world” need a definition attached. North Carolina Zoo leads this list by total natural-habitat property, while Omaha is frequently praised for its indoor exhibits and collection. Those are different forms of size, not contradictory facts.
FAQ
What is the largest zoo in the United States?
By the total size of its natural-habitat property, North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is the strongest answer, with more than 2,800 acres. Much of that land is undeveloped or used for conservation, so it is not all visitor exhibit space.
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No, not by total property. Zoo Miami occupies approximately 740–750 acres, compared with more than 2,800 acres for North Carolina Zoo. Zoo Miami has about 340 developed acres, however, which shows why total acreage and visitor space should not be treated as the same measurement.
Is Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo the largest zoo in the world?
There is no universal ranking that supports that statement. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is widely recognized for its indoor habitats, animal collection and exhibit quality, but “largest” could refer to property, developed grounds, animal numbers, species or indoor exhibit space.
What is the largest zoo or animal park in the United States if safari parks are included?
San Diego Zoo Safari Park covers 1,800 acres, including undeveloped natural habitat, and The Wilds in Ohio covers nearly 10,000 acres. Both are separate from conventional urban zoo campuses. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is another large wildlife destination, but it is a theme park as well as an animal attraction.
The Bottom Line
The largest conventional zoo property on this list is North Carolina Zoo, but the best zoo for a particular animal lover depends on what “large” means to you. Zoo Miami excels in open-air subtropical habitats, Omaha stands out for immersive indoor exhibits, the Bronx Zoo offers unusual scale within New York City, and Cincinnati adds a major botanical-garden experience. Before booking, check the zoo’s current map and visitor information: total property acreage is not the same as the amount of ground you can walk.
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