~ Top 10 Best Zoos in the World ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Best Zoos in the World


1. Beijing Zoo, China



Located in the Xicheng District, the Beijing Zoo covers area of 89 hectares and is the first its kind to be founded in China. The zoo comprises 16 different areas, halls and exhibitions and together with its aquarium it has over 500 species of marine animals and over 450 species of land animals.  The Beijing Zoo is mostly known for its unique collection of rare animal species endemic to China, including the Giant Pandas, the White-lipped deer, the South China Tiger, the Golden snub-nosed monkey, the Crested ibis and the Chinese Alligator. In the Beijing Aquarium you could see wide range of fish species or enjoy spectacular performances by sea lions and dolphins.

[MysteRy]

2. Singapore Zoo, Singapore



Acclaimed as one of the world's most spectacular zoos, the Singapore Zoo attracts thousands of tourists annually with its incredible landscape design and "open" concept. What is really special about it is the usage of natural barriers like vegetation, moats, rock walls and streams to function as a barrage between the animals and the visitors. Extending on area of over 28 hectares, the zoo houses approximately 315 animal species, as 16% are considered threatened species. Small monkeys, turtles, colourful birds and even orangutans share the pathways with the amazed guests of the zoo and make the whole atmosphere even more adorable. The main attraction of the Singapore Zoo, is the so-called "Breakfast with an Orangutan", which lets visitors interact closely with the orangutans via token feedings.

[MysteRy]

3. Tiergarten Schonbrunn - Zoo Vienna, Austria



Founded in 1752 as an imperial menagerie, the Vienna Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world and is also considered to be scientifically administered zoo and centre for species conservation. Tiergarten Schonbrunn boasts a tropical area with colourful orchids, rice paddy field and mangrove woods.  It is true paradise to more than 500 animal species that inhabit it. Among them the most significant are the zoo's giant pandas, named Fu Long, Fu Hu, Yang Yang and Long Hui. There you could also see polar bears, armadillos, giraffes, hippos, seals, elephants and more. The oldest and only baroque zoo in the world will surely captivate you with the uniqueness of its atmosphere. Be sure you won't miss visiting the Arctic Polarium and the Rainforest house, while you are there.

[MysteRy]

4. Toronto Zoo, Canada



Spreading on area of over 700 acres, the Toronto Zoo is acclaimed to be the largest in Canada. It is home to over 16,000 animals which represent summary over 491 species. What is characteristic about the he zoo is that it is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Eurasia, Americas, Indo-Malaya, Africa, Australasia, Tundra Trek, Australasia, and the Canadian Domain. Each of the above listed regions showcases plants and animals form the relevant area of the world. Some of the animals are displayed indoors in large tropical pavilions and outdoors in what would be their genuine environment. You should definitely visit the award winning African Savannah, Gorilla Rainforest, Splash Island, Waterside Theater and New Great Barrier Reef.

[MysteRy]

5. Bronx Zoo, New York, USA



Opening its doors to the public on November 8, 1899, today the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the world, covering area of 265 acres.  It is home to more than 4,000 animals representing around 650 species, many of which are threatened or endangered of extinction. Visit "Madagascar" to meet the lemurs, Nile crocodile and hissing cockroaches. The "African Plains", on the other hand, will allow you walk past stork, lions and zebras. Visit the marvellous 6.5 acre "Congo Gorilla Forest" for an unforgettable African safari adventure or stop by the Stop by Tiger Mountain to acquaint yourselves with the majestic Siberian tigers. A long trip around the beauties of Bronx zoo guarantees an unbelievable adventure to remember!

[MysteRy]

6. Basel Zoo, Switzerland



Founded in 1874 as an animal park for native animals, today the Basel Zoo in Switzerland is one of the most tradition-rich zoos in Europe. Between 1880 and 1900 were added the first exotic animals: llamas, tapirs, camels, an orangutan and an elephant. Today there one can find more than 6,000 animals, including dwarf hippopotami and wild donkeys. The zoo boasts the first Greater flamingo hatch, as well as the first Indian rhinoceros birth in a zoo. The amazing spirit and the exotic animals are probably the main reason why the Basel zoo attracts nearly 1.7 million visitors per year, which ranks it on a leading position among the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland.

[MysteRy]

7. Moscow Zoo, Russia



Approximately 5,000 animals of 750 species, kept in the Moscow Zoo make it the largest in the Russian capital. When it first opened for visitors in 1864, the zoo covered an area of 10 hectares with 286 animals inside. Today it functions as much more than an ordinary attraction. The zoo studies animals feeding, reproduction and behaviour, and also breeds rare endangered species. Some of the highlights of the Moscow Zoo include big cats, sea lion enclosure that lets you watch them swim from below, as well as a neat underground viewing space below the penguin pool. In case you are visiting the city with your kids, this is the best way to keep them entertained.

[MysteRy]

8. National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa



Established in 1899, the National Zoological Gardens is one of the top zoos in the world with great contribution to education for over a century. Nowadays the Pretoria Zoo houses 161 bird species, 97 mammal species, 106 reptile species, 279 fish species,  and seven amphibian species, as most of the animals in the zoo today were born and bred there. It also boasts walk-through aviary, large aquarium and reptile park, 6 restaurants and venues available for hire. Besides atmospheric and picturesque pathways, natural exhibits and lush, the park features the largest aquarium in South Africa.

[MysteRy]

9. Zoo Praha, Czech Republic



Here is another place you cannot afford to miss in case you are a passionate about wild life and animals. Opened in 1931 for scientific purposes, the Zoo Praha now occupies 45 hectares and treasures up about 4,400 animals of 670 different species from all over the world. One of the most frequently visited and appreciated pavilions are the Monkey Island and the Indonesian Jungle, where you could play with the lemurs or explore the luxuriant fauna and flora of the jungle. Another place both you and your kids will certainly enjoy Children ZOO and the Children Area, where the little ones may play with some domesticated animals, like: ponies, rabbits, ducks and hens.

[MysteRy]

10. St. Louis Zoo, Missouri, USA



This amazing zoo is one of the landmarks of Missouri and is renowned all over the world for protection and conservation of endangered species. St. Louis Zoo is home to many different animals shown in natural environment and settings: from the elephants, to the great apes, and the penguin house. From the Sub-Antarctic to tropical rainforests - all could be found in "The Wild" zone of the zoo. In the "Historic Hill" zone you could observe reptiles and birds in their modern habitats. In the "Red Rock" zone, on the other hand, you may enjoy the nice company of antelopes, zebras, giraffes, tigers, see lions and other big cats. Don't forget to pass along the "Lakeside Crossing" zone for souvenir or refreshment in order to make your tour complete.