The London Zoo isn’t the only wildlife sanctuary worth visiting in the United Kingdom, with plenty of unique experiences and opportunities for travelers to learn more about the incredible world of animals. Zoos are an important element of animal conservation, education, and research – but also provide an exciting and engaging way for people of all ages to connect with nature. Let’s take a look at the top 5 zoos in the United Kingdom, based on visitor experiences.
1. Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is one of the largest and most visited animal sanctuaries in the UK, with over 35,000 animals across more than 500 species. The zoo offers plenty of immersive exhibitions for travelers, including the Islands at Chester Zoo, which showcase the wildlife of Panay, Papua, Bali, Sumatra, Sumba, and Sulawesi, or the Monsoon Forest – a dense jungle filled with sights, sounds, and smells of wild South East Asia.
At the Zoo, you’ll be able to meet experts in animal conservation with decades of experience, ready to reveal some interesting backstories and tell you all about the world’s most fascinating species.
2. London Zoo
While there are many zoos in London and around the city, the London Zoo is definitely the most iconic one. First established in 1828, ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, located right in the heart of the city. The zoo boasts over 700 species, including some of the world’s most critically endangered ones, like the Sumatran tiger or the Humboldt penguin.
When at the London Zoo, make sure to visit the Land of the Lions and the Gorilla Kingdom. The Land of the Lions is a natural habitat, imitating the vibrant landscape of Sasan Gir in India. The Gorilla Kingdom, on the other hand, will transport you to the African rainforest, where you’ll meet some of the continent’s most exciting residents, including western lowland gorillas – the world’s largest primates.
3. Edinburgh Zoo
Home to the UK’s only giant pandas, Edinburgh Zoo offers a unique opportunity for travelers to witness some of the world’s most exotic animals. In addition to pandas, the zoo features over 1,000 animals on exhibit, including the UK’s largest koala exhibit and the innovative Budongo Trail – a world-class chimpanzee enclosure.
Make sure to set some time aside to see the Edinburgh Zoo when on your trip to the UK – Framey can make it easier by giving you a single app for all your travel planning, booking, and sharing needs, with plenty of inspirations for unforgettable experiences.
4. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Located in Devon, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park enforces a strong focus on conservation, protecting over 2,500 animals and many endangered species, including giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas. While in Paignton, make sure to see the Crocodile swamp exhibit and the spectacular botanical gardens of the zoo!
5. Colchester Zoo
When in Essex, definitely pay a visit to the Colchester Zoo. While not as huge as some of the more popular parks, Colchester Zoo includes multiple interactive animal experiences and contains over 270 species, including African elephants, Amur leopards, and sun bears.
These zoos are only a small fraction of all the gorgeous parks around the United Kingdom – as you explore the country, you’ll find an array of diverse zoos that give travelers more opportunities to learn about conservation and see the fascinating world of wildlife.
