Which Zoo Has the Most Animals in the World?
Published: 18 May 2026
The zoos with the most animals in the world are not always the largest by land area, but those with the highest species diversity and total animal populations.
Berlin Zoological Garden is widely recognized for having one of the highest species counts in the world, with over 1,200 species and a large collection of animals.
In this guide, we rank the zoos with the most animals and species based on species diversity and estimated total animal populations, as exact numbers can vary depending on breeding programs and reporting methods.
Zoos With the Most Animals and Species in the World
| Rank | Zoo | Country | Species Count | Total Animals (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berlin Zoological Garden | Germany | 1,200+ (approx.) | 18,000–20,000+ (approx.) |
| 2 | Moscow Zoo | Russia | 1,200+ (approx.) | 10,000–15,000+ (approx.) |
| 3 | Beijing Zoo | China | 950+ (approx.) | 13,000–15,000+ (approx.) |
| 4 | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo | USA | 900+ (approx.) | 17,000–19,000+ (approx.) |
| 5 | Houston Zoo | USA | 900+ (approx.) | 6,000–7,000+ (approx.) |
| 6 | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | USA | 700+ (approx.) | 8,000–10,000+ (approx.) |
| 7 | Bronx Zoo | USA | 700+ (approx.) | 10,000–11,000+ (approx.) |
| 8 | San Diego Zoo | USA | 650+ (approx.) | 12,000–14,000+ (approx.) |
| 9 | Toronto Zoo | Canada | 500+ (approx.) | 4,000–5,000+ (approx.) |
| 10 | Chester Zoo (animals cared for) | UK | 500+ (approx.) | 27,000+ (animals cared for, not unique individuals) |
Note: All figures are approximate and based on widely reported zoo statistics. Numbers may vary depending on breeding programs, reporting methods and seasonal changes.
How We Ranked These Zoos
This ranking is based on two key factors: species diversity and estimated total animal populations. Zoos worldwide use different reporting standards, so figures may vary depending on breeding programs, seasonal changes and how each institution records its animal collection.
Species count was used as the primary ranking factor because it provides a more consistent way to compare biodiversity across zoos. The total number of animals is included as a supporting metric to reflect the overall scale of each zoo’s collection.
This method ensures a fair and balanced comparison of the world’s most diverse zoos, highlighting both wildlife variety and the size of their living collections.
Top Zoos With the Most Animals and Species in the World
This list highlights the world’s leading zoos based on species diversity and estimated total animal populations.
1. Berlin Zoological Garden – Germany
Berlin Zoological Garden is widely considered among the most species-rich zoo in the world, supporting more than 1,200 species along with thousands of individual animals.
Founded in 1844, it has developed over nearly two centuries into one of the most important centers for wildlife display and conservation in Europe. Its long history has allowed continuous expansion of its animal collection across multiple generations.
Unlike large open-range safari parks, the zoo is set within a dense urban environment, where space is used efficiently to maintain a wide range of habitats. This allows it to host mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life within a relatively compact area.
In addition to its biodiversity, Berlin Zoo is also active in international breeding programs, contributing to the preservation of endangered species worldwide.
READ: Top 12 Family-Friendly Zoos in Europe Ranked
2. Moscow Zoo – Russia
Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoological institutions in Europe, established in 1864, and today it maintains a highly diverse collection of over 1,200 species.
Located in the heart of the city, the zoo is divided into several themed zones that replicate different natural environments, allowing animals from contrasting climates to be housed in suitable conditions.
Its collection includes Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, large carnivores, primates and a wide variety of bird and reptile species. This diversity makes it one of the most significant zoological parks in the region.
The zoo also contributes to conservation efforts and breeding programs focused on protecting endangered animals and supporting global wildlife initiatives.
3. Beijing Zoo – China
Beijing Zoo is one of the most established zoological parks in China and is home to roughly 950 species of animals.
It is especially well known for its giant panda exhibit, which remains one of the main highlights for visitors. Alongside this, the zoo features a wide variety of wildlife including rare mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic species from different regions.
The layout of the zoo combines traditional Chinese landscaping with large animal enclosures, creating an environment that serves both educational and recreational purposes.
4. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – USA
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is widely regarded as one of the most advanced zoological parks in the world, with around 900 species housed across highly specialized exhibits.
It is particularly famous for large-scale immersive environments such as the Desert Dome and indoor rainforest habitats which replicate entire ecosystems under controlled conditions.
The zoo places strong emphasis on research, education and conservation making it a major contributor to global wildlife preservation efforts.
5. Houston Zoo – USA
Houston Zoo is a major conservation-focused zoo that supports hundreds of species representing around 900 species within carefully designed natural-style habitats.
Located in Hermann Park, it is known for its modern exhibit design and strong involvement in international wildlife protection programs.
Its collection includes a wide range of animals from African savannas, tropical regions and aquatic environments, offering visitors a diverse global wildlife experience in one location.
6. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – USA
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is known for its diverse animal collection, featuring around 700 species across a wide range of habitats.
The zoo is divided into themed regions representing different parts of the world, allowing visitors to experience wildlife from Africa, Asia, North America and beyond in one location.
It also plays a significant role in global conservation and breeding programs, supporting efforts to protect endangered species.
READ: Best Zoos in the United States: Top 25 Must-Visit Parks Kids Will Love
7. Bronx Zoo – USA
Bronx Zoo is one of the largest urban zoos in the world, housing around 700 species across its expansive grounds.
Located in New York City, it is known for immersive exhibits such as forest and jungle-style habitats that closely replicate natural environments.
The zoo is also heavily involved in wildlife conservation and research, contributing to global efforts to protect biodiversity.
READ: Top 10 Largest Zoos in the US by Area
8. San Diego Zoo – USA
San Diego Zoo is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, with around 650 species and a strong focus on naturalistic habitats.
It is particularly famous for its open-air exhibits and pioneering zoo design that allows animals to live in environments closely resembling their natural homes.
Alongside public exhibits, the zoo is a major center for conservation science and global wildlife research.
READ: San Diego Zoo Facts: Size, History & What Makes It Special
9. Toronto Zoo – Canada
Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in North America, featuring around 500 species from different regions of the world.
The zoo is organized into geographic zones, each representing ecosystems such as the African savanna, Indo-Malaya and the Canadian domain.
It is also actively involved in conservation and breeding programs, particularly for cold-climate and endangered species.
10. Chester Zoo – United Kingdom
Chester Zoo is one of the most important zoological parks in the UK, home to around 500 species and a wide range of global wildlife.
It is known for its large conservation programs and efforts to protect endangered species across Africa, Asia and other regions.
The zoo also focuses strongly on education and sustainability, making it one of Europe’s leading conservation-focused institutions.
READ: Largest Zoos in Europe Ranked by Size
Biggest Zoo by Area vs Most Animals
Not all zoos are ranked the same way. While this guide focuses on species diversity and total animal numbers, some zoos are better known for their massive land area and safari-style layouts.
For example, large-scale wildlife parks such as San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Monarto Safari Park are widely recognized for their vast open habitats where animals roam in large, natural enclosures rather than compact city layouts.
These safari-style parks differ from traditional zoos by prioritizing space and natural movement over maximum species density.
If you want a full breakdown read our guide on
READ: Biggest Zoos in the World by Land Area
Quick Facts
- Most species-rich zoo: Berlin Zoological Garden (over 1,200 species)
- Ranking basis: species diversity, not land area
- Famous for giant pandas: Beijing Zoo
- Animal numbers vary due to breeding, transfers and reporting methods
- Leading zoos focus heavily on conservation and endangered species protection
- Species count is more reliable than total animal population for comparisons
Summary
Zoos around the world differ in size, design and purpose, but those with the highest number of species stand out for their biodiversity and conservation impact. Berlin Zoological Garden is widely regarded as one of the most species-rich zoos in the world, followed closely by institutions such as Moscow Zoo and Beijing Zoo.
This ranking is based on species diversity supported by estimated animal populations, as zoos use different reporting methods and figures can vary over time. While some zoos focus on vast land areas or safari-style experiences, others are recognized for maintaining some of the largest and most diverse animal collections globally.
Overall, the world’s leading zoos combine wildlife diversity, conservation programs and education efforts, making them important centers for both animal protection and public awareness.
