Salina’s Rolling Hills Zoo is among of group of zoos from across the country vying to be voted as one of the best. Rolling Hill is in the running for USA TODAY’s 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for Best Zoo.
According to USA TODAY, the United States is home to hundreds of zoological parks, including more than 200 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Short of heading out into the world’s wild places, nothing beats a visit to the zoo to foster an appreciation for the striking animal diversity of our planet.
A panel of experts has nominated their top 20 picks for the best zoos in the United States — facilities that excel in the fields of animal care and enrichment, while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors.
The zoos include:
- Oakland Zoo, Conservation Society of California – Oakland, California
- San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Brevard Zoo – Melbourne, Florida
- Honolulu Zoo – Honolulu, Hawaii
- Zoo Boise – Boise, Idaho
- Rolling Hills Zoo – Salina, Kansas
- Louisville Zoo – Louisville, Kentucky
- Audubon Zoo – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Minnesota Zoo – Apple Valley, Minnesota
- Saint Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri
- ZooMontana – Billings, Montana
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska
- Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park – Carlsbad, New Mexico
- Central Park Zoo – New York City, New York
- Seneca Park Zoo – Rochester, New York
- North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, North Carolina
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio
- San Antonio Zoo – San Antonio, Texas
- Woodland Park Zoo – Seattle, Washington
Which zoo is your favorite? Vote once per day for your top pick until voting ends on Monday, March 4th at 11am central time. The 10 winners will be announced on Friday, March 15th.
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