Gaur Was Bison at the Bronx Zoo. They’re native of South and Southeast Asia. Photo courtesy of Bronx Zoo/Julie Larsen Maher
So it is becoming increasingly evident that zoos must be more than just entertaining attractions. No longer simply modern-day arks, most of the country’s accredited zoos have become vigorously proactive in conserving wild animals, restoring habitats, and breeding and reintroducing endangered species. Probing the ranks of America’s accredited zoos, we’ve identified the following eight that stand out among the best of America’s zoological parks—listed below from East to West. Bronx Zoo – New York, New York Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Bronx Zoo is one of America’s most historic zoos, dating back to 1899. It’s also the country’s largest urban zoo—home to more than 8,000 animals of more than 700 species— spread out across 265 acres. The zoo is a leader in naturalistic exhibitry and multi-species habitats such as JungleWorld, African Plains, and the Himalayan Highlands. On the entertainment side, the zoo features seasonal camel rides, a daily schedule of feedings and enrichment demonstrations, and the Treetop Adventure—a ropes and zipline course that leads visitors through a canopy atop the park. A recent
Map by William Tipton
EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS By Dave G. Houser
It’s hard to imagine a more entertaining and educational family outing than a visit to a zoo. Zoos help open our eyes, minds, and hearts to the wonders of the natural world. America’s first zoo opened in Philadelphia in 1874. Today, the Department of Agriculture licenses 2,800 “animal exhibitors,” of which 230 are accredited members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), an organization that requires high standards of animal care and conservation. AZA’s high standards are important—and here’s why: Wildlife populations are declining at an alarming rate around the world. One in five species on Earth now faces extinction, and experts predict that by 2050 the extinction rate will rise to 50% due to climate change and loss of habitat. This is an unprecedented global crisis.
EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019
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