Top 12 Biggest Zoos in Europe Based on Area You Should Visit

The Biggest Zoos In Europe B Area You Should Visit

These large zoos, which are housed both indoors and outdoors, attract millions of visitors each year, both children and adults. Some of these zoos are able to save animals that are on the verge of extinction, giving them a significant role in the world of animal care.

In Europe's oldest zoos, you can see everything from marine animals to exotic birds. Plan to spend at least a few hours at each of these zoos; many of them can be visited in a single day.

Continue reading to learn more about the 10+ largest zoos in Europe that welcome visitors today.

Top 12 Largest Zoos In Europe By Area You Should Visit

1. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - 242 hectares

Animal population: nearly 4000

190 different species

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) operates ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, England, which is one of the largest zoos in the UK. It is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and conservation-minded individuals, and is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including many endangered species.

2. Berlin Zoological Garden - 35ha

Animal population: 17,000

Species: 1,400

Zoologischer Garten, also known as Berlin Zoological Garden, is one of Europe's oldest and most well-known zoos, located in Berlin, Germany. The Zoologischer Garten was founded in 1844, making it one of Europe's oldest zoos. It has a long history and has contributed significantly to zoology, animal conservation, and research over the years. During WWII, it was heavily damaged, but it was rebuilt and has since been expanded and renovated.

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3. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park - 240ha

Animal population: over 700

90 different species

The Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is located in Hyte, England, and was designed by Sir Herbert Baker during World War II. Given its size (about 240 hectares), it may come as a surprise that the park only has 700 animals from 90 different species. However, there is a more than plausible explanation. Within the area, visitors can go on safaris along pre-planned routes, admiring the animals in their natural habitat. Among these, you will have the opportunity to examine some extremely rare species, such as the black rhino, which has only a few specimens in the world.

Another reason is the Dinosaur Forest, where visitors can walk through the "world" of dinosaurs that once roamed our planet. There are dinosaur replicas at natural height that are quite realistic, as well as exhibition panels that will allow visitors to learn more about the prehistoric world. If you want a more realistic experience, download the free park app from the Apple Store and enjoy a virtual reality experience.

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4. Zoological Garden - 55 ha

The total number of animals is 17,000

1,400 different species

Zoologischer Garten, also known as Berlin Zoological Garden, is one of Europe's oldest and most well-known zoos, located in Berlin, Germany. The Zoologischer Garten was founded in 1844, making it one of Europe's oldest zoos. It has a long history and has contributed significantly to zoology, animal conservation, and research over the years. During WWII, it was heavily damaged, but it was rebuilt and has since been expanded and renovated.

5. Prague Zoo - 58ha

Animal population: approximately 4,600

More than 800 species have been identified.

The city zoo, located near Prague's Troian Castle, is home to 133 endangered species. Indeed, since its inception in 1931, Prague Zoo has dedicated itself to the preservation of endangered species, a goal that we, too, strive to achieve through the relentless advancement of zoology research.

Above all, the Prague Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature and educating the public about animal life. It is not surprising that the first polar bears were born here in 1942 through artificial insemination, and the first gorillas were born a few years later, in 2004.

6. Zoo Pairi Daiza - 55ha

Animal population: approximately 5,000

There are over 350 species.

Zoo Pairi Daiza is a well-known European zoological park known for its size, diverse animal collection, immersive themed areas, and conservation efforts. It offers visitors a one-of-a-kind and immersive experience while also serving as an important center for wildlife conservation, research, and education.

7. Zoo Parc de Beauval - 35ha

Animal population: 10,000

There are 600 different species.

Zoo Parc de Beauval, also known as Beauval Zoo, is a well-known zoological park in Saint-Aignan, France. It is well-known for its large animal collection, which includes rare and endangered species, conservation efforts, and innovative exhibits. Numerous awards have been bestowed upon Beauval Zoo for its conservation efforts, animal welfare, and visitor experience. It has been named France's Best Zoo several times.

8. Edinburgh Zoo - 33ha

Animal population: over 1000

There are 171 species.

The Zoo of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, holds this position in our ranking. This zoo, which opened in 1913, is located just three miles from the city center, in an area of peace and quiet.

Inside, Edinburgh Zoo houses over 1000 animals, many of which are rare and/or endangered species, or are seriously injured and unable to return to their natural habitat. Among these are the two magnificent Giant Pandas, the only ones in the entire United Kingdom: the female, Sweetie, and the male, Sunshine, who enjoy rolling around and eating bamboo, and whose infinite sweetness has always impressed both adults and children who visit.

9. Chester Zoo - 51 hectares

Number of animals: 35,000 or more

500 different species

Chester Zoo, with over 21,000 animals from more than 500 species, is the world's largest zoo in terms of animal water level. There are also some of the most rare and endangered animals. Boat rides on the Lazy River, dining at restaurants, picnicking at various locations, and monorail rides are all enjoyable activities.

10. Tierpark Berlin - 160ha

Animal population: 9,000

Species count: approximately 1,000

Tierpark Berlin Zoo is one of Europe's largest and is located in Berlin, Germany. It is famous for its enormous size and diverse collection of animals from all over the world. Tierpark Berlin is not only a popular tourist attraction, but it also contributes significantly to animal conservation and education.

11. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park - 32ha

Animal population: 2,500

More than 200 species have been identified.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, also known as Paignton Zoo, is a zoological park in Paignton, Devon, England. Paignton Zoo, which opened in 1923, is owned and operated by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, a charitable organization that also manages two other UK zoos, Newquay Zoo and Living Coasts. The zoo has a long history of conservation, education, and research of wildlife.

12. Edinburgh Zoo - 33ha

Animal population: over 1,000

Species: 171

This zoo, which opened in 1913 in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, is located just three miles from the city center, in a tranquil and silent area. It is home to over 1000 animals, many of which are rare and/or endangered species, or who have been seriously injured and are unable to return to their natural habitat.

Among these are two magnificent Giant Panda specimens, the only ones in the entire United Kingdom. Sweetie, the female, and Sunshine, the male, enjoy rolling around and eating bamboo, and the infinite sweetness they transmit has always impressed both young and old visitors.

Conclusion

The largest of Europe's zoos covers an area of more than 200 hectares. They are all home to unique and endangered species from around the world. Take your children to Europe's largest zoos to inspire them to care for wildlife.

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