Since traveling is out of the question in 2020, we’re sure many people, including you and your family, miss having fun in the sun. Some people might already be making travel plans for once the condition improves. How about you? Got any dream vacation plans yet?
One of the most popular vacation destinations is the zoo. After all, who doesn’t want to spend an exciting day filled with wild adventures? Thinking of getting up close and personal with wild animals? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the top zoos in the world you can visit once the pandemic is over.
San Diego Zoo, USA
Founded in 1916, San Diego Zoo has been awarded as the best zoo in the world multiple times. Situated in Balboa Park, San Diego, this zoo also has stunning open-air, cageless exhibits so you can see the animals behave as they would in their normal habitats. It houses more than 700 species and almost 4,000 animals across its 100-acre grounds.
The Singapore Zoo — Singapore
The Singapore Zoo is located in the Mandai rainforest. The zoo's animal breeding program continues to have multiple births per year of endangered species, working toward their goal of biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Guests will have interactive experiences with the animals thanks to the "walk-through" exhibits. In the Fragile Forest, you'll see flying foxes and mouse-deer up close and personal.
Zoorasia, Japan
Visit Japan’s newest and largest zoo. Established in 1999 in Yokohama, this zoo keeps fences to a minimum, ensuring visitors to be able to see the animals living as they normally would in their natural environment. The zoo is divided into several unique sections, each with their own charms, namely Asian Tropical Forest, Oceanian Grassland, Subarctic Forest, Amazon Jungle, Japanese Countryside, African Savannah, and African Tropical Rainforest.
Zoologischer Garten — Berlin, Germany
The Berlin Zoo has been open since 1844 and has over 19,000 animals for guests to see. During World War II, many of the animals were either injured or died, leaving only a fraction left. The surviving animals were kept in an environment that was as close to their natural habitat as possible so they could breed. Today, the zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the world.
Australia Zoo — Queensland, Australia
Home of the late "crocodile hunter," Steve Irwin, the Australia Zoo offers a lot of hands-on experiences. Safely learn how to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and have about 20 other encounters with animals — including wombats, tigers, and elephants. Besides meeting the animals, guests can take guided tours of the zoo and see wildlife shows.
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa — Pretoria, South Africa
The largest zoo in the country and the only one to have national status, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is highly rated throughout the entire world. Guests will be able to see over 3,000 animals. They even have an "Adopt a Wild Child" program where you can adopt an animal to help protect endangered species and engage in on-going conservation efforts.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park — Washington, D.C., USA
While you're in D.C. walking the National Mall, stop by the Smithsonian Zoo. It's free! You'll get to explore all the different exhibits, including the giant pandas in the Asia Trail. Meet the adult male, Tian Tian, the adult female, Mei Xiang, the young female, Bao Bao, and the male cub, Bei Bei.
Wellington Zoo — New Zealand
At the Wellington Zoo — New Zealand's first zoo — you'll see a whole lot of endangered species that are specifically native to the land. Spread across the 32 acres, guests can see Sumatran tigers and the miniature sun bear, which happens to be the smallest bear species.
