There’s something special about seeing some of the world’s most incredible animals in one easily accessible place.

That’s why it’s important to do your research and carefully choose the ones you support.

The zoo is home to some 12,000 animals and more than 3,000 different species and subspecies.

A visitor looking at one of the underwater tanks at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Credit: Courtesy of Giovanna Amodio

It’s known for keeping animals in spacious, open-air, and almost realistic habitats rather than cramped cages.

Even better, the zoo holds free daily activities like seal feedings and giraffe training.

As a bonus, admission to the zoo is free.

Sign for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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With every ticket sold, visitors are able to help support almost 50 wildlife conservation projects around the world.

The idea behind the zoo’s interactive programming?

Behind the scenes, there’s also a lot of conservation work going on.

Monkeys at the Africa section of San Diego Zoo

Courtesy of San Diego Zoo

Bronx Zoo in New York City

TheBronx Zootagline says it all: saving wildlife and wild places.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio

Ever heard of Fiona, the world-famous hippo?

They figured out how and what to feed her, providing round-the-clock care.

A 4-month-old infant chimpanzee holds tightly to her mom on March 9, 2021, at the St. Louis Zoo.

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The result is a healthy, happy hippo whose journey is followed by millions.

Residents include the Amur tiger, Asian elephant, and black rhinoceros.

Sarani, a female snow leopard, explores her habitat with her 4-month old cubs while they made their public debut at the Brookfield Zoo

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Visitors looking at the sloth bear at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Courtesy of Giovanna Amodio

Lion stretches after waking up from a nap at Denver Zoo

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General view of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory at Lake Como in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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Visitors view giraffes at the Bronx Zoo

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A group enters the Los Angeles Zoo on reopening day

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Fiona the hippo is seen at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

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Youngest orangutan at the Oregon Zoo.

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