The American Bison, also commonly known as the American Buffalo, is a native to North America. Photo courtesy of the National Zoo
Giraffe feeding at Zoo Miami is a crowd favorite. Photo courtesy of Zoo Miami
addition at the Bronx is the Butterfly Garden where visitors can mix with some of nature’s best works of art.
and jungle-like environment seems to please most of the 900 animals (500 species) that freely roam the park’s 750 acres. The zoo is an active leader in many global wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives and is currently involved in more than 36 projects taking place on six continents. For visitors, the best and most comfortable way to get around Zoo Miami’s 100-plus exhibits is to join a Safari Tram Tour where expert guides provide commentary on the zoo’s creatures. At the Kaziranga Camp Rhino Encounter a nominal fee gives visitors a rare opportunity to touch and feed a pair of massive Indian rhinos. www.zoomiami.org – 305-251-0400 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium – Columbus, Ohio Columbus Zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals representing about 800 species and draws nearly 2.5 million visitors annually. It has a worldwide reputation and has been regularly cited as one of America’s top zoos. This success is largely attributable to the efforts and influence of noted animal expert and TV personality Jack Hanna who, from 1978 to 1993, led the zoo’s development and continues to serve as its director emeritus. The animal exhibits, scattered over 588 acres, are
www.bronxzoo.com – 718-367-1010 National Zoo – Washington, D.C.
Part of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo is scenically situated in Rock Creek Valley and was one of the first major zoos to be located in a spacious landscaped setting. More than 400 animal species roam among the tree-shaded trails threading through the 163-acre park. It’s a prime visitor attraction as well as a noted center for animal conservation, research, and education. Its most popular exhibits include the Asia Trail (home to the only giant pandas on the East Coast), Great Cats, Elephant Trails, and the Reptile Discovery Center, where visitors can watch voracious giant Komodo dragons feed. htttps://nationalzoo.si.edu – 202-633-4888 Zoo Miami – Miami, Florida Although there seems to be some confusion surrounding its name—it’s sometimes listed as Miami MetroZoo or Miami-Dade Zoological Park & Gardens—one thing is for certain, this is the only wildlife park in the United States located in a subtropical climate. The hot, humid weather
EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019
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