St Louis is also well known for its conservation efforts, but there are plenty of fun activities for kids as well. The zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals and more than 60 endangered species. I wouldnt go along with the Pittsburgh Zoo. Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. The zoo, which opened its doors in 1916, stretches across 100 acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals. In addition to housing nearly 500 animal species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approach to animal care and wildlife conservation. AZA accreditation is a rigorous and trustworthy way for us to be confident that those accredited organizations are striving for the best interests of the animals both in their care and in the wild.". But in addition to offering glimpses of tigers, lions, and gorillas, the zoological theme park has done wonders on growing its elephant and giraffe herds. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing in front of the Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Not all these zoos on this list are found in the US, but they are all accredited through some form of organization with conservation and education at their forefront. However, the St Louis Zoo is a close second, with nearly 19,000 animals of 600 species over a 90 acre space of the Forest Park. Like the zoos on this list, the Pittsburgh zoo prioritizes education and conservation of endangered and threatened species. This zoo was also the first in the country to do away with the traditional bars and cages and start creating naturalistic habitats for the animals that live here, including over 4,000 creatures from over 600 different species. Suncoast started life as Noells Ark Chimp Farm - which was shut down in 1999 for the sheer number of AWA violations. The days when education was their purpose (and I question whether it ever was) are long gone. Henry Doorly Zoo, NE. Animals end up stressed and unhealthy or dead. The Basel Zooencompasses 27 acres of space and is home to more than 5,000 animals. These scientists at SCBI are actively studying and breeding more than 20 species, from clouded leopards to red pandas. "So, there are cases of urgency, where in fact animals can justify being kept, and must be kept in captivity. It's documented that zoos unethically acquire animals, separate animals from their homes and families, and cause suffering in animals. That being said, please let me know in the comments the name of zoos or sanctuaries that you believe could serve as a guide or even as a source of inspiration when it comes to proper animal care. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I know they're accredited but from what I hear the Disney corporation is still and will always put guest experience before animal welfare. Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? With modern technology, film makers are able to bring us up close and personal with anim. Of course. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Outside of the US, I can name Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in NSW. The zoo has a strong commitment to conservation, research, and education. Courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Most of these zoos are for-profit and animal welfare is often not the priority. Cape May County Park Zoo, N.J. The 84-acre zoo that is home to lions, zebras and elephants was joined alongside world renown facilities such as the San Diego Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. Toledo Zoological Gardens, Ohio Some aspects of the most ethical and the best zoos in the world include: Progressive conservation projects . Not only is the Lincoln Park Zoo one of the oldest in North America, but it also has one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country. This zoo is also known for breeding programs, especially with the rare Giant Panda. American Humane, the countrys first national humane organization, certifies the humane treatment of animals in more than 60 zoos and aquariums around the globe. The Bronx Zooopened its doors way back in 1899. Image credit: Trabantos/Shutterstock.com Voted the best zoo in Europe for five years in a row, this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site is home for more than 700 species of animals. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are With pros and cons linked to #zoos, are these conservation and research tools still relevant? For wild animals that cannot be returned to their natural habitats, true sanctuaries offer the best alternative. As for what is 'right' or 'wrong'? It is a tourist hotspot, and comes highly recommended when looking for things to do in this US . Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are With pros and cons linked to #zoos, are these conservation and research tools still relevant? The specific reason is that the AZA wants elephant keepers to be separated from the elephants by a barrier, and the Pittsburgh Zoo didnt want to do that. Instead, they rely primarily on public donations for support. Animal adoption is encouraged at the Philadelphia Zoo, as they have thousands of mouths to feed, leading their annual grocery bill to over $500,000. Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH auf LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? The zoo's scientists constantly monitor animal behavior to improve their welfare, and have conservation initiatives set up all over the world. The Edinburgh Zoois home to more than 2,500 animals from around the world, including its famed giant pandas, a huddle of penguins, and Scotlands only sloths. Denver Zoo named one of the best and most ethical zoos in United States, Colorado Avalanche trade for center Lars Eller; send second-round draft pick to Capitals, BEST BETS: The Denver Gazette's best picks for today (Wednesday, March 1), 'Visioning effort' launches ahead of plan for Colorado 14ers, Beloved cranes are back in southern Colorado, EDITORIAL: A Colorado crackdown on auto theft, GUEST COLUMN: Revival is back in Americas public lexicon, Artistic Director speaks out on leaving Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, DENVER GAZETTE PODCASTS | News, Sports, Politics and Lifestyle, Sign up for our newsletters and get the news that matters most delivered to your inbox, Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response, Missing snowmobiler found dead in Colorado avalanche, Accused Boulder supermarket shooter diagnosed with schizophrenia, court papers show, Family, friends describe Elias Armstrong as bright, loveable son who fell in with wrong group, Denver helped more than 5,000 immigrants since December. The Melbourne Zoo, a nonprofit organization, is another spectacular place to see your favorite animals and even get personal with a few species with itsexclusive animal encounters program. These initiatives include breeding species that were once extinct in the wild like the black-footed ferret and scimitar-horned oryx and work focused on global tiger populations and regional landscape preservation. Admission to the year-round Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is completely free they just ask that you make a reservation in advance. In addition to the conservationist credentials, Indianapolis has some incredible experiences for guests, including an opportunity to swim with dolphins and create paintings with animal artistes (and the help of the zookeepers, of course). In the process, cameras visit some of the world's harshest and most extreme habitats, while also heading to many facilities where animals are kept, from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia to London and Edinburgh Zoos, to see how humans have worked to research and conserve them. This zoo is at the forefront of conservation and education regarding our planets wildlife. The idea behind the zoo's interactive programming? The zoo also features a 100,000 gallon coral reef tank, and some of the best primate habitats in the country (the Congo habitat). While seeing its animals (including everything from sloths to African penguins) is great, itseducational programsmake this zoo even better, especially for families with young children. The Society takes pride in its ability to inspire and engage children, and adults to make a meaningful and positive impact on the natural world. The zoo prides itself on the education of nearly 1.2 million visitors about animals and environmental conservation. Zoos that remove animals from the wild, particularly babies, are most likely doing this illegally and should not be supported. The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle struck me as very well done. Here are 20 of the best zoos that work hard to make the world a better place for people and animals. However, episode five - Humans - also exposes the damage we're doing to the natural world as a new natural force, highlighting the immense amount of work we need to do to fix climate change. "Eagles should not be kept in zoos at any time, but there are monkeys, for example, or squirrels, that do perfectly well, and aquaria, of course, do very well indeed. A.O.02 In an ideal world, no animals would be endangered or threatened as a result of human impacts on their natural environment. The zoo also offers day and evening events and up close animal experiences that include a look behind the scenes at the various habitats. Read More From themed exhibits to the daily sea lion show and the Childrens Zoo with animal themed play areas. Your adoption would allow for the purchase of necessary foods, like monkey chow or mealworms! To help you determine the best and most ethical zoos in the U.S., the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) came up with a list of AZA-accredited locations that provide excellent care for animals and a better future for all living things. Of course, the zoo is also heavily involved in conservation projects, and supports over seventy projects around the world. Visitors can take part in learning programs and a few close encounters with sun bears, giraffes, and more. Chicago Zoological Society is world-renown for its cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation. Surely there must be some middle ground that balances zoos treatment of animals with their educational potential. Pueblo Zoo, Colo. Our They also spearhead educational efforts on the dangers of lead ammunition, which is hazardous to both humans and wildlife. Overall, you'll feel good about your choice to visit this zoo, plus admission is free. Valerie TaylorPhoenixThe writer is the executive director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. (Photo courtesy of the Denver Zoo). And if the ice melts, the seas are going to rise and flood those cities. Earth's great diversity of wildlife". Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. . Some of the projects the zoo has taken on include trying to revive the Great Lakes Piping Plover through incubating abandoned eggs, and working to rehabilitation African penguins chicks that are abandoned at birth. What is an Ethical Zoo? "(It's) the most important thing that we do and it's critical to our mission," Kubie said. We examine whether AATs can benefit both humans and animals by positively changing It's documented that abuse occurs in zoos, because wild animals are difficult to manage. Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH na LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? The Toronto Zoospans a whopping 710 acres, providing its animals with massive, naturalized environments. But as amazing as it can be to witness these wild animals up close, many activists view zoos as prisons. The Bronx Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the US, and is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world (as well as one of the most award-winning). Any facility that is denied may reapply after one year. Cincinnati Zoo has bred multiple endangered species, including South African cheetahs, Sumatran rhinoceros, western lowland gorillas, Malayan tigers, and Masai giraffes, and was the first zoo to breed California sea lions. Glue traps will leave rats starving, for days . Zoos are tools for thinking. The zoo also has a powerful conservation program, including itsworldwide species conservationwork that helps to save rare and endangered animals across the globe. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Top 10 Zoos To Visit That Won't Make You Feel Guilty, Is Keeping Wild Animals In Zoos Unethical? The Henry Doorly Zoohelps visitors get to know animals on land, at sea, and in the air, thanks to its various habitats. "And if you look at the Arabian oryx [a medium sized antelope found in the desert and steppe areas of the Arabian Peninsula] the Arabian oryx was extinct in the wild, and it was only saved because people realised that zoos in America and Europe, as well as private collectors, had got individual animals. In 2017, one of their elephants, Shannon,passed away overnight - and the zoo was accused of negligence by various animal rights groups for knowing that she was sick and choosing to leave her unmonitored on the night that she passed. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. The first zoo opened in 1793 in Paris, France. The zoo is home to more than 20,000 animals and works to educate every guest on not only their conservation programs but how individuals can take action, too. The entertainment of visitors is crucial, and animals often suffer because of that. and the zoo has been found in violation of USDA law every year for the past several years. Since then, its grown and expanded (although, being in the heart of the city, it doesnt have too much room to expand! Another zoo that doesnt live up to its positive name is the Alligator Adventure and Barefoot Landings T.I.G.E.R.S. 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