U.S. News Names Dallas-Fort Worth Zoos Among Best In Nation

We love the Dallas and Fort Worth's zoos as much as anyone. And while folks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may not be shy about their fondness for our zoo, it’s always nice to get some national recognition. That’s exactly what happened this week when U.S. News & World Report named our zoo one of the 30 best in America.

Here’s what the report said about the Fort Worth Zoo:

"Texas is home to several top zoos, including the Fort Worth Zoo, which has educated visitors since 1909. In addition to being the only zoo in the country where travelers can see animals from all four great ape species, Fort Worth's wildlife habitat offers the reptile- and amphibian-filled Museum of Living Art. What's more, the zoo features the Texas Wild! Petting Corral, a carousel and a laser target shooting gallery, among other facilities. Special events include group overnight stays and a kids sleepover on New Year's Eve. To save some coin, visit on a Wednesday when ticket prices are cut in half."

Here's what was said about the Dallas Zoo:

"Inside the Dallas Zoo, visitors will find more than 2,000 animals across approximately 400 species. The zoo's naturalistic habitats range from an African savanna to rainforests for South American creatures to a sand-floored barn where zookeepers bury food and toys for elephants. Board the monorail for a guided Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari past a waterfall and five exhibits that are not otherwise accessible. Or, participate in an evening Family Safari Night Hike, which is available on select days and costs $20 per person for visitors ages 5 and older."

Other zoos that made the list: The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona.

The Alaska Zoo, which has rescued abandoned and injured animals, features a facility dedicated to teaching visitors about climate change, the report said. It also promotes bear conservation.

Those who enjoy imbibing adult drinks will love the Memphis Zoo, which hosts conservation fundraisers including Pints for Pangolins, Wine for Rhinos and Beers for Bears. Because nothing says “I support animals” like tipping back a few boozy beverages.

Being named one of the 30 best zoos in the country is no small feat. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that represents such facilities across the globe, there are 215 accredited zoos and aquariums in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Those accredited organizations contributed more than $22.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.