Top 5 Zoos with Rats in North America 2026

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, located in Balboa Park, just minutes from downtown San Diego, California. It is operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization. The zoo offers visitors the chance to explore a wide variety of habitats from around the world and features innovative nature play areas, such as the Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Guests can enjoy unique wildlife encounters, live animal cameras, and a range of upgraded experiences, including VIP tours and special wildlife adventures. The San Diego Zoo is renowned for its commitment to animal care, immersive exhibits, and providing educational and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

The Oregon Zoo is a prominent zoological park located in Portland, Oregon. Established over a century ago, it has grown into one of the region's most popular attractions, drawing visitors of all ages. The zoo is known for its diverse animal collection and its commitment to wildlife conservation and education. Visitors can expect a variety of engaging experiences, including daily keeper talks, animal activities, and special events such as ZooBrew and ZooNights. The zoo also collaborates with local organizations on conservation projects, such as the Cascades Pika Watch, which involves volunteers in mapping pika populations.

Assiniboine Park Zoo is a prominent zoological park located within Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The zoo is known for its diverse range of animal exhibits and engaging visitor experiences. Throughout the year, the zoo hosts special exhibits such as 'Monsters of the Abyss' and 'Dinosaurs UnCovered', offering unique educational opportunities for guests of all ages. Visitors can also participate in daily Zoo Chats to learn more about their favorite animals. The zoo is part of the larger Assiniboine Park, which features expansive greenspaces, gardens, and scenic pathways enjoyed by millions annually.

The Phoenix Zoo is a prominent zoological park located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is recognized as the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Since its founding, the zoo has become a major destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of animal exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can expect to see a diverse collection of animals, participate in daily activities, and enjoy special events throughout the year. The zoo is actively involved in wildlife conservation, including the construction of a new animal rescue and care center to support injured, orphaned, and trafficked wildlife. With its commitment to animal welfare and engaging visitor experiences, the Phoenix Zoo stands out as a leading institution in the region.

Granby Zoo, located in Granby, Quebec, is one of the province's major tourist attractions. Founded in 1953 by then-mayor Pierre-Horace Boivin, the zoo has grown to house over 1,800 animals representing 230 species from around the world, including Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania. Visitors can explore themed sections such as Asia, which features a geodesic dome designed by the architect of Montreal's Biosphere, and Oceania, known for its interactive experiences like stingray touch tanks and lorikeet feeding. The zoo is also home to the Amazoo water park and an amusement park inspired by the Johnny Test animated series, offering a diverse range of activities for families. With an annual visitor count exceeding half a million, Granby Zoo is recognized for its extensive animal collection, immersive exhibits, and unique attractions that set it apart from other Canadian zoos.