Photo: filo / E+ / Getty Images
FLORIDA - USA TODAY’s 10 Best has recognized two Florida zoos among the top in the country for 2025.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens landed at No. 4, while the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne secured the No. 6 spot.
These rankings were based on expert recommendations and reader votes, with selection criteria focusing on animal care, conservation efforts, and visitor experiences.
Coming in fourth place, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens spans 117 acres along the Trout River.
The facility is known for its Range of the Jaguar exhibit, which highlights South American wildlife, and its African Forest, home to gorillas and bonobos.
Guests can also explore Stingray Bay, where they can touch stingrays, and the Wild Florida exhibit, which features native species like alligators, manatees, and bobcats.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with general admission ranging from $30 to $35 for adults and $25 to $30 for children.
The Brevard Zoo, ranked sixth, houses over 800 animals and offers interactive experiences such as canopy walks above South American habitats and kayaking through a recreated African savanna.
Operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission prices around $34 for adults, $28 for seniors, and $22 for children.
Additional activities, including ziplining, are available for an extra fee.
Top Zoos in the U.S. for 2025
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Nebraska)
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado)
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Ohio)
- Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens (Florida)
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Ohio)
- Brevard Zoo (Florida)
- North Carolina Zoo (North Carolina)
- Audubon Zoo (Louisiana)
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (South Carolina)
- Saint Louis Zoo (Missouri)
Both Jacksonville and Brevard Zoos offer world-class exhibits and engaging experiences, making them standout destinations for wildlife enthusiasts in 2025.