California has lots of Zoos, some are among the largest in the nation. Due to high number of zoos, often people are confused about which zoo to visit.
Today we have compiled a list of largest top 50 most visited zoos in California.
#1. San Diego Zoo – Largest California Zoo
The San Diego Zoo located in San Diego, CA is the most visited zoo in the state. With over 12,000 animals of over 600 species, the zoo receives over 4 million visitors every year. The zoo covers an area of over 100 acres in Balboa Park.
San Diego Zoo is the largest zoo in California & one of the largest in the nation.
Fun Fact: First video ever uploaded on YouTube was filmed at San Diego Zoo by YouTube’s co-founder Javed Karim.
#2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Second Largest California Zoo
Another zoo in San Diego area, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the second most visited zoo in California. Located in San Pasquale Valley, the zoo covers an area of over 1,800 acres. With more than 2 million annual visitors, the zoo houses mire than 2,600 animals. San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the second largest zoo in California.
#3. Los Angeles Zoo – 3rd Largest California Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is a public zoo located in Los Angeles, California. The zoo covers an area of over 133 acres & has over 2,100 animals of over 270 species. The zoo receives over 1.8 million visitors every year & is owned by The City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles zoo is the third largest zoo in California.
#4. San Francisco Zoo – 4th Largest California Zoo
The San Francisco zoo is the 4th largest zoo in California. Covering an area of over 100 acres, the park has over 2,000 animals of 250+ species. It is famous for being the birthplace of Koko The Gorilla and Elly, the oldest Black Rhinoceros in America. San Francisco zoo is the fourth largest zoo in California.
#5. Fresno Chaffee Zoo – 5th Largest California Zoo
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a 39 acre zoo located in Fresno, California. The zoo has over 200 species of animals & receives almost 1 million visitors annually. The zoo is the fifth largest zoo in California.
Top 50 Largest Zoos in California By Number of Visitors
| Rank | Zoo | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | San Diego Zoo | 46,254 |
| 2. | San Diego Zoo Safari Park | 21,137 |
| 3. | Los Angeles Zoo | 16,194 |
| 4. | San Francisco Zoo | 10,749 |
| 5. | Fresno Chaffee Zoo | 10,623 |
| 6. | Oakland Zoo | 10,366 |
| 7. | Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park | 9,344 |
| 10. | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens | 7,705 |
| 11. | Sacramento Zoo | 6,338 |
| 12. | Santa Barbara Zoo | 5,012 |
| 13. | SeaQuest Folsom | 4,637 |
| 14. | Santa Ana Zoo | 3,235 |
| 15. | Happy Hollow Park & Zoo | 3,893 |
| 16. | Big Bear Alpine Zoo | 2,361 |
| 17. | Orange County Zoo | 2,334 |
| 18. | California Living Museum | 1,903 |
| 19. | Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary | 1,792 |
| 20. | Micke Grove Regional Park | 1,569 |
| 21. | CuriOdyssey | 1,520 |
| 22. | Micke Grove Zoo | 1,420 |
| 23. | Merced’s Applegate Park Zoo | 1,260 |
| 24. | Old Los Angeles Zoo | 1,146 |
| 25. | Zoomars at River Street Ranch | 1,070 |
| 26. | Montebello Barnyard Zoo | 1,032 |
| 27. | The Reptile Zoo | 1,008 |
| 28. | Knowland Park | 959 |
| 29. | California Trail at Oakland Zoo | 872 |
| 30. | Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo | 804 |
| 31. | Living Coast Discovery Center | 771 |
| 32. | Penguin Island | 633 |
| 33. | Monterey Zoo | 589 |
| 34. | Exotic Feline Breeding Compound | 596 |
| 35. | Gilroy Ostrich Farm | 396 |
| 36. | Living Amphibians Invertebrates and Reptiles | 393 |
| 37. | Sugarplum zoo | 368 |
| 38. | America’s Teaching Zoo | 330 |
| 39. | Morelos Park Zoo | 327 |
| 40. | Pony Time at Lakewood Equestrian Center | 308 |
| 41. | Hesperia Zoo | 233 |
| 42. | LA Zoo | 221 |
| 43. | Star Eco Station | 218 |
| 44. | Northern Frontier | 204 |
| 45. | Gibbon Conservation Center | 194 |
| 46. | Children’s Nature Retreat Foundation | 191 |
| 47. | Insect Zoo | 123 |
| 48. | Elephants of Asia | 122 |
| 49. | Butterfly Habitat | 121 |
| 50. | EcoVivarium | 100 |
