ThFor In light of National Zoo and Aquarium Month, I wanted to share some of our family’s favorites that we’ve encountered during our travel adventures. These locations are all around the world and are only a small glimpse into the places we’d love to see.
9 Must-See Places for National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This zoo located in (you guessed it) Monterey Bay has a strong focus on regional marine life. Of course, they also have a wide variety of other animals as well as a commitment to education around issues like plastics in the oceans and sustainable seafood. If you can’t make a trip just yet they have loads of live webcams of their exhibits you can view from anywhere!
San Diego Zoo
With over 12,000 animals on 100 acres of land, this zoo is really something to see. There are two parts of this zoo, the zoo itself and the Safari Park. In addition to the education aspect, the zoo has a mission to promote the conservation of animal species from around the world. If you have older kids, they also have programs like summer camps and nights at the zoo. If you’re making a National Zoo and Aquarium month bucket-list, this is one to put on there!
Georgia Aquarium
Did you know that the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the entire United States? They have a wide range of animals and programs to educate the public. One of their more interesting offers is a veterans immersion program. This therapy program is for military personnel who have been wounded physically, emotionally, or mentally to swim or dive in the aquarium cages along with the trained staff.
Georgia Aquarium has the most adaptive scuba-certified divemasters and instructors in the world.
Florida Aquarium
At the Florida Aquarium, the goal is to walk you through the marine experience starting with a drop of rainwater and ending in the Florida Keys. This aquarium focuses heavily on local Florida marine life. Additionally, they are involved with coral, sea turtle, shark, and ray conservation. While many aquarium experiences are limited to the animals in the aquarium, here you can join a wild dolphin cruise with a conservationist in Tampa Bay.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
This aquarium is in New Orleans, LA, and run by the Audubon Nature Institute. There is also an Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and a nature center giving you plenty of options to choose from. One of the newest additions to the aquarium is the shark discovery center a 13,000-gallon enclosure with touch pools for the rays.
Related: Top 5 Aquariums to Visit When Traveling
Turtle Back Zoo
If a smaller zoo and experience is more your style then you’ll soon learn why we enjoy the Turtle Back Zoo. This zoo is part of the Essex County Parks Department in West Orange, NJ. The Turtle Back Zoo has been open since 1963. Many different species of animals call it home. To make their home more inviting, the Zoo got a huge facelift within the last 10 years. For hands-on experiences, there is a touch tank and farm area.
Zoo de Barcelona
A visit to the zoo might not be the first thing you consider when you think of visiting Barcelona but it’s certainly worth a stop. There are many different animals here including several species that are extinct in the wild. Some of the animals are local to European habitats. There are also quite a few African breeds and animals from other parts of the world too.
Barcelona Zoo works a lot in the conservation field to reintroduce animals to the wild whenever possible.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
A giant shopping mall isn’t exactly where you’d expect a state-of-the-art aquarium to be located. However, this is exactly where you’ll find the Dubai Aquarium. A 10 million liter tank is home to thousands of aquatic species. There are many ways to have encounters here if you are looking for something more than viewing in the tanks.
For parents who enjoy learning through travel, you’ll love this. The Dubai aquarium is very involved with education in local schools and with the community when it comes to marine life.
ZSL London Zoo
Did you know that the ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo? It has been opened since1828! Head to Regent’s Park if you want to take in a stop here during your time in London. There are 673 different species of animals at the zoo. One interesting historical fact about the zoo is that even during the bombing of London during World War II the zoo was not closed completely! In addition, no animals were killed by bombings!
I’d love to hear from you!
Do you have a favorite zoo or aquarium? Make sure to let us know so we can be on the lookout for our next adventure.