5 Zoos to Visit in the Midwest

Zoos and animal experiences are sure favorites for children and popular attractions for family travelers. Here are five outstanding zoos to look for when traveling in the Midwest:

Kansas City Zoo
More than 200 species of wildlife from across the globe live at Kansas City Zoo in spaces imitating their native environments as closely as possible. A good example is Helzberg Penguin Plaza, an ice and stone area where penguins can live and cavort in surroundings much like their native habitat — complete with fresh falling snow. See if kids can spot hidden nesting boxes for penguin chicks. Elsewhere are leopards, giraffes, African elephants, monkeys, camels, chimpanzees, rhinos, orangutans and sea lions.

Saint Louis Zoo
Unlike most larger zoos, Saint Louis Zoo is free (although there is a charge for parking), welcome news to budget travelers. It is also a leader in research, conservation and education, and for the management of its more than 16,000 animals across 500 species, many endangered. Pavilions are dedicated to animals from all over the world, with pools for hippos and polar bears, where visitors can observe animals close up. You’ll also find Asian elephants, jaguars, gorillas, cheetahs, Amur tigers, kangaroos, red pandas, grizzly bears, snow leopards and sea lions.

Omaha Zoo
Often cited among the nation’s top zoos, Omaha Zoo is known for its 3-acre Hubbard Gorilla Valley and Hubbard Orangutan Forest. A replicated Indonesian rainforest for orangutans includes a 20-foot-tall waterfall and play area where kids can learn about these primates. In the Lied Jungle, kids can explore the nation’s largest indoor rainforest inhabited by monkeys, macaws, pygmy hippos, gibbons and other natives of South American, Asian and African rainforests. Asian Highlands and African Grasslands are other habitats to explore here.

Great Plains Zoo

The big news at Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the opening of the new lion habitat this summer, and the arrival of lions Simba and Amahle. One of North America’s largest species-specific exhibits built for African lions, it provides year-round indoor/outdoor public viewing, with outdoor yards for the lions. Elsewhere in the 45-acre zoo, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos, lemurs, monkeys, black and brown bears, bison, Amur tigers, and snow leopards are among the more than 1,000 animals.

Brookfield Zoo
Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo is home to more than 3,400 land and aquatic animals. From Africa are giraffes, Black rhino, zebras, gorillas, African lions and African Dwarf crocodiles. Stars from Asia are Amur leopard, Amur tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard, and from elsewhere in the world come two-toed sloth, python, penguins, koala, meerkat, shark, kangaroo, koala, wallaby, wombat, Polar bear, toucan, meerkat and shark. The most popular special features are the Dolphins in Action demonstrations and the carousel, made up of 72 hand-carved animals, many representing endangered species.