Emily Flores
Around the world, a select group of zoos is making real strides in protecting endangered wildlife and restoring fragile ecosystems. These institutions go beyond display—they lead with science, care, and innovation. Discover which ones are setting powerful examples for the future of conservation.
San Diego Zoo, USA
This zoo hosts over 12,000 animals across 680 species and pioneered the use of habitat-based enclosures. It’s home to the world’s largest zoological membership and made history as the first to breed a giant panda outside China. Its Frozen Zoo project also preserves endangered DNA.
ZSL London Zoo, UK
Opened in 1828, this iconic institution is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Operated by a leading conservation charity, it supports the EDGE of Existence program and pioneered the first public aquarium. It also tracks global wildlife populations through annual field monitoring.
Taronga Zoo, Australia
More than 50 conservation programs across the Asia-Pacific region are tied to Taronga’s efforts. It helped breed and release the rare Bellinger River snapping turtle and runs a wildlife hospital, treating around 1,500 animals a year. The nocturnal house is very immersive, and visitors can tour its science labs.
Singapore Zoo, Singapore
This zoo helped reintroduce orangutans into Borneo’s wild and collaborates on endangered species breeding programs across Southeast Asia. It’s known for open-concept habitats and has succeeded in breeding rare proboscis monkeys. Moreover, lemurs and kangaroos roam in free-range areas here.
Berlin Zoo, Germany
Established in 1844, Berlin Zoo supports tiger conservation in Asia and partners with the European Endangered Species Programme. It holds the world’s most diverse animal collection and houses Germany’s only giant panda pair. Its long legacy continues to influence European zoo conservation efforts.
Toronto Zoo, Canada
This zoo helped reintroduce the black-footed ferret and co-founded Canada’s Amphibian Conservation and Research Centre. Its Wildlife Health Centre is top-tier, and it was one of the first to introduce carbon-neutral zones. DNA barcoding here helps monitor poaching and track species threats.
Chester Zoo, UK
With 80+ active projects in over 30 countries, Chester Zoo’s global reach is impressive. It was instrumental in helping protect the Eastern black rhino and welcomes over 2 million annual visitors. Its award-winning Islands exhibit replicates Southeast Asia’s lush biodiversity.
Bronx Zoo, USA
Covering 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo ranks among the largest urban zoos. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it supports over 500 global projects and was instrumental in saving the American bison. Its Madagascar! exhibit aids lemur conservation, and its veterinary residency program drives medical innovation.
Loro Parque, Spain
Loro Parque houses the world’s biggest parrot collection and helped save the Lear’s and Spix’s macaws from extinction. Its foundation supports 82+ conservation efforts in 28 countries. Visitors help conservation efforts directly, as a portion of every ticket goes toward protecting wildlife and habitats.
Beauval Zoo, France
Home to over 35,000 animals, Beauval Zoo has helped breed rare Chinese pandas and leads France’s efforts for okapis and manatees. It runs a conservation fund supporting global programs and features a public-view wildlife hospital that highlights care behind the scenes.