Top Zoos I've visited

Oregon Zoo-Portland, OR:
Scores major Sentimentality Points because I've loved this place since age 5 and have been probably over 10 times. I mostly remember the penguins and otters ruling, big fat polar bears, and the fascinatingly agitated big cats.




Lincoln Park Zoo-Chicago, IL:
Scores major points for being free and having lots of happy-looking active animals. Also I saw a man pushing a Real Doll in a wheelchair when I was there. Aaaand there were vultures playing fetch. Best bang for your nonexistent buck.



St Louis Zoo-St Louis, MO:
Also scores major points for being free and is pretty high on this list because, despite it being super cold out and actually some exhibits were off limits because of heavy snowfall, there was still a lot to see and it was all good. We're talking roaring leopards, cuddling lemurs, spooky bugs...even the yaks were fun to look at.



Hogle Zoo-Salt Lake City, UT:
Excellent for viewing elephants, giraffes, more agitated and active big cats. Good for kids as there's lots of animal statues and such to play on. Also lots of good memories here.


Pocatello Zoo-Pocatello, ID:
From what I remember, this place was surprisingly good for a really small zoo. Even though the pen for the grizzly bear was totally not big enough, it was fun for us because we got to get really close! Super awesome!



Brookfield Zoo-Brookfield, IL:
Meh. Pretty good, but had to shell out $9 for parking. Rip off! Was not very memorable except a horrifying video of a giraffe being born. The fact that this is one of 2 pictures I took should tell you something.



Woodland Park Zoo-Seattle, WA:
Downright depressed animals. I did get to see an eagle, which was pretty sweet, but most of the exhibits had the animals so well hidden I felt like I was looking at plants and tourists most of the time.



Prospect Park Zoo-Brooklyn, NY:
Sad animals in small cages. At least admission was cheap and we were right next to the majestic and beautiful Prospect Park, which was full of happy humans in wide open spaces.

Honorable Mentions:

Wildlife Safari-Donald, OR:
Kind of like a zoo but you get to sit down in a car the whole time. Makes it impossible to see animals that are hiding, but hey maybe you'll forget to roll the windows up for the camels and one will reach in and lick your mom's head. If you're lucky.


San Diego Zoo:
This has been at the top of my mental list since right before sitting down and actually writing a list. Because I had such a positive experience there when I was little, it's tweaked my view of it. It has been demoted to Honorable Mention because I honestly don't remember most of my visit. I love the San Diego Zoo like I love The Little Mermaid: for the memories!