U.S. News Names Houston Zoo Among Best In Nation

HOUSTON -- We love the Houston Zoo as much as anyone. And while folks here 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:

"The Houston Zoo boasts more than 6,000 inhabitants, including one of the largest bird collections in the country. When you're not admiring the zoo's array of birds, watch elephants cool off in the McNair Elephant Habitat Area's pools or offer giraffes a snack at the Giraffe Feeding Platform. Visit during Houston's mild fall or winter months, when the zoo's animals are more active and the park is less crowded. You'll find the action-packed Hermann Memorial Park, where the zoo resides, easy to reach by METRORail's Red Line from downtown Houston."

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.