Zoos have always been a centre of attraction for those who love to trail in the life of the wild. With the growing depletion of forests and extinction of many wild animals, zoos have gained more importance as learning centers, which make us aware of the threat posed to the existence of wild life and the ways of its conservation. These animal-friendly wildlife parks are much cheaper than the extra expensive amusement parks. Following are the five among the best zoos in America:-
San Diego Zoo: This is the most popular tourist attraction and one of best places to have a glimpse of the actual wild life. From Polar Bears to Elephants and from Pandas to Cheetahs, this Zoo cum Safari Park is a home to more than 800 animal species and is spread in a 100-acre area. Apart from the animals, this place is an accredited botanical garden and boasts more than 1 million plants. The Zoo cum Safari Park contains numerous natural habitats, which are a must-watch destination. You can have a great look at the Park by choosing between Guided Bus tour (of duration 35 min and covers more than half of the zoo) or Express Bus (that takes Five stops throughout the entire ground) or Skyfari aerial team (that gives you an exotic aerial view of the ground). The Scripps Aviary that contains about 130 native birds of Africa, the Polar Bear Plunge and the Panda Park that has giant and red pandas are the most special attractions of the San Diego Zoo. It also inhabits a very old Galapagos tortoise along with its 20,000 other animal species that include 120 rhinoceros.
The Bronx Zoo: With a total area of 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan animal park in America. It was first opened in 1899. It is a home to more than 4,000 animals belonging to 600 different species. It perfectly imitates a large number of natural habitats that include African Plains, Himalayan Mountains and Asian forests. The visit to this zoo is mesmerizing enough to make you forget the clatter of the cities. You can have a close rendezvous with the Siberian big cats (Tigers) at the Tiger Mountain and can have a close knowledge of the Wild Asia Complex, which is the recreated form of Asian rainforests that boasts native Asian birds, leopards, gibbons and lizards.
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum: The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is located in Tucson and is adjacent to Saguaro National Park. It includes an area of 15 acre protected landscape. The animals here have been perfectly adjusted to their natural looking habitat and the place contains plant forms like cactus, grassland and mountain woodland. You can have a look at animals, such as javelinas, big horn sheep, butterflies, beavers, rattlesnakes, owls, Gila monsters and many more.
Disney Animal Kingdom: Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park of Walt Disney and is spread over an area of 500 acres. This park offers you a close view of more than 1700 animals belonging to 250 different species. The park contains seven habitats that include Africa, Asia, Camp Minnie-Mickey and DinoLand U.S.A. The park contains animals such as zebras, elephants and hippos but is also famous for its rides and other attractions like Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids raft ride, Kilimanjaro Safari Expedition and the Wildlife Express Train.
National Zoo: The National Zoo is located in Washington DC. The Komodo Dragons, Hsing-Hsing, Orangutans, Golden Lion Tamarins are amongst the many inhabitants of the Zoo. In addition, a Think Tank allows the apes to use touch-screen computers while the scientists take their measures. Some of the animals from here are also being successfully sent to their natural habitats.
Summary:
Zoos in America allow you to go wild with almost all types of animals from different places on Earth. These include different forms of wildlife from Giant Pandas to Himalayan Zebras to Mountain Lions, all in their natural habitat and are the best place for animal lovers and even families to visit.