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The best zoos

Discussion in 'General Zoo Discussion' started by Daphne, 16 Aug 2018.

  1. Daphne

    Daphne Well-Known Member

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    I haven’t been to a lot of zoos . Maybe 10 . I do plan to visit as many as I can in the future. When reading on the internet there are certain ones that they say are “the best “
    Which ones would you consider the best that you have been to. I know everyone’s idea of the best will be different. Out of the ones I have been to . I think Chicago’s Brookfield zoo is probably #1 for me . That might change in the future though .
     
  2. SpinyLiving

    SpinyLiving Well-Known Member

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    YES FINNALLY SOMEONE WHO APPRECIATES ONE OF MY HOMETOWN ZOOS!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  3. Daphne

    Daphne Well-Known Member

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    It’s been several years since I been to that zoo but I did enjoy it . Going to Cincinnati and Columbus this weekend.
     
  4. Batto

    Batto Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Trying to determine what zoos are "the best" is a very subjective matter - and almost always results in heated debates on ZC. People have different expections towards zoos and thus rate zoos differently. There are some zoos that most zoo fans can agree on as currently being the top of their class on an international level, but objective final ranking orders are a matter of debate - and imho, lead nowhere.
     
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  5. Daphne

    Daphne Well-Known Member

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    I agree . That’s why I even said In my original post. Everything he’s idea of what is the best will be different. Maybe I should word it differently. Which of the zoos you have been to did you like the best .
     
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  6. BigNate

    BigNate Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    I have the Living Desert Zoo as my favorite
     
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  7. ZooBinh

    ZooBinh Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    In exhibit quality, I think Virginia Zoo and Columbus, but my favorite is Cincinnati.
     
  8. Yi Qi

    Yi Qi Well-Known Member

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    In terns of exhibit quality consistency, i'd go with High Park Zoo as far as i'm concerned. All the enclosures, with the exception of the peacock aviary, are grass fields, most of which are on small hills which provide decent space for the hoofstock which comprises the bulk of species at the zoo.
     
  9. Daphne

    Daphne Well-Known Member

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    I am visiting Columbus and Cincinnati this weekend. Should I try to plan a trip to Virginia zoo soon ?
     
  10. Daphne

    Daphne Well-Known Member

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    Where is high park zoo ?
     
  11. aardvark250

    aardvark250 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    For me it's Taipei.(Or singapore but I have little memory of it).Tama is a close up followed by probably Chimelong.
     
  12. TZDugong

    TZDugong Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    High Park Zoo is a small zoo in Toronto, which is located in High Park, hence the name. Personally I can’t share the same enthusiasm @Yi Qi has for this zoo, I find it rather boring and it’s one of my least favourite zoos.
     
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  13. ZooBinh

    ZooBinh Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    If you want to. The Virginia Aquarium is also nearby and is also pretty good.
     
  14. John Marchwick

    John Marchwick Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    The San Diego zoo safari park. I just love seeing the massive herd of animals I’m the large and expansive field enclosures.
     
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  15. Yi Qi

    Yi Qi Well-Known Member

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    @TZDugong My reasoning for High Park Zoo is that all exhibits are all rather spacious and are deferentially good for all.
     
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  16. Daphne

    Daphne Well-Known Member

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    That’s definitely on my list of zoos to go to.
     
  17. John Marchwick

    John Marchwick Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    I've only been there once but let me tell ya it's something that everyone has to see and do at least once in their lives.
     
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  18. TZDugong

    TZDugong Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    True, but the exhibits are really same-same, and the collection is minuscule. It is free though, which is an added bonus.
     
  19. TheMightyOrca

    TheMightyOrca Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Minnesota Zoo was a favorite of mine as a kid, haven't been to it in years though. Hope I can get back soon.
     
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  20. TZDugong

    TZDugong Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    This is an interesting question, and I’ll just list my top 5 favourite zoos

    1. San Diego Zoo (huge collection, mostly great exhibits and truly wonderful grounds. I spent 11 hours here and could’ve used many more.)

    2. Bronx Zoo (brilliant exhibits all around the zoo. Probably the most consistently excellent zoo I’ve visited.)

    3. Taronga Zoo (another large zoo with mostly great exhibits. I saw my first Platypus here! I’m also a big fan of taking the ferry to the zoo, and then the gondola to the top of the hill.)

    4. Detroit Zoo (an underrated gem of a zoo, delightful exhibits and loads of interesting animals.)

    5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (the famous African Tram ride is the star of the zoo, but the walking trails are still brilliant and there are lots of interesting mammals.)
     
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