The Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, PA, first opened its doors way back in 1874, and to this day is still housed on the same 42 acres of Victorian garden. The mission then, and now, is still the same, to engage in conservation for the protection of endangered species worldwide. Philadelphia Zoo is not only an attractive, family-friendly park housing 1300 animals, it is also a revered historic site. Among the popular exhibits are the Big Cat Falls, home to lions, tigers and jaguars, and the Rare Animal Conservation Center. First Niagara Big Cat Falls with its stunning landscape of waterfalls and lush, naturalistic habitats, gives visitors a face to face encounter with endangered big cats, including snow leopards, amur leopards, pumas, lions and a sleek black jaguar. There is an overhead tunnel system that allows cats to move from one exhibit to another, and visitors, beware, there could be a Amur leopard above the walkway, keeping its eye on you. With rock outcroppings and fallen trees, our big cats have abundant space to play and also enables visitors to watch their skills and agility, close up. When visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, you need to arrive early because there is so much to see and experience. READ MORE

At San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco we believe that we have created the ultimate center for wildlife by providing the best care and attention for the rare and endangered species entrusted to us. Our mission is to educate visitors to wildlife, and in so doing inspire in them a caring attitude for nature and conservation. We have established an eductional centre which provides formal and informing programs for children and adults alike, then there is a park and nature center which showcases native plants and gardens, and a bird sanctuary which is a bird watcher's paradise. And when you need to rest awhile, there is a recreation area where visitors can relax and have some fun. However, the main attraction to the zoo is, of course, the animals, who are housed in habitats ideally designed to show them off. Among the most popular animal exhibits are the African lions, gorillas, tiger salamanders, one-horned rhinos, awesome grizzly bears, to name just a few, and for the very brave, feeding time at the grizzly paddock is usually around 11.00am, be there, its a fearsome event. READ MORE

At Belfast Zoo in Belfast, Ireland, we put the care and wellbeing of our animals first, and our aim is to provide protection and a safe haven for endangered species, and to raise public awareness of conservation and biodiversity. Belfast Zoological Gardens first opened its doors in 1934, is home to over 1,000 animals and more than 150 different species, and we also welcome more than 300 000 visitors a year. The aims and objectives of zoos in general have changed dramatically over the years, for the better, especially the way in which animals are kept in captivity. The Belfast Zoo is proud to be co-ordinators of breeding programmes for the Francois langur, the black and white colobus monkey and the mabled polecat. International breeding programmes play a vital part in ensuring the survival of species under threat. Visit Belfast Zoo for a great family outing, and we will ensure you have a memorable experience. READ MORE

Chester Zoo in Upton by Chester, Cheshire, owes it very existence to George Mottershead who, as a young boy in the twenieth century, vowed to create a zoo that was different, one without bars, after he had visited a zoo in Manchester. This fine, upstanding young man kept his word and in 1930 he bought seven acres of land and housed the first animals of Chester Zoo. He would be so proud of how this zoo has grown, with 8000 animals and 110 acres of zoological gardens, in essence a zoo without bars. Visit Chester Zoo and meet our magnificent elephants and rhinos, 400 species of rare, exotic and endangered wildlife, in fact there are so many different animals everywhere on our amazing 110 acres of gardens. If you are looking for present ideas that are different, consider our new range of animal encounters and experience days, we have something for everyone. A day out at Chester Zoo is a day that will be packed full of fun things to do, in fact we know you will want to come back for another zoo experience. READ MORE

Edinburgh Zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland has been in existence since 1913, and is set in 82 acres of beautiful, sloping parkland. Since its inception, the zoo has continued to develop the zoo in conjunction with our growing understanding and awareness of animal welfare, and we regularly design new enclosures that we know will enrich the lives of our animals and will also provide an exciting, inspirational zoo experience for visitors. At Edinburgh Zoo our mission is to encourage and promote the conservation of our threatened animal species and their habitats. There is so much to see and do at the zoo, from hands-on encounters with animals, educational events, play areas, talks by zoo keepers, hilltop safari rides, gift shop and a selection of places to eat, bring the family and spend an entertaining, enjoyable day in the outdoors. READ MORE

Welcome to Dudley Zoological Gardens in Dudley, Westmidlands, for a unique zoo experience. Our zoo was opened in May 1937, and nestles comfortably on approximately 40 acres of ground which features two scheduled monuments, a 11th century castle and limestone caverns, and Grade 2 listed Tecton buildings. We are also home to more than 1300 animals. Bring the family, together with a picnic basket, and we'll take you on a one acre walkthrough experience of Lemur Wood, here you will meet about 30 lemurs who roam free, and also learn about the zoo's conservation programmes in Madagascar for these fascinating creatures. Let's walk a bit further to Monkey Tails for a rainforest experience, and meet Saki monkeys, marmosets, emperor tamarins and especially the cheeky squirrel monkeys. You will even get to see monitor lizards. There is so much to see at Dudley Zoological Gardens, our Asiatic lions of which we are very proud, as there are less than 500 left in the world, African hunting dogs, alpacas, and so much more. And for the youngsters, a visit to Farm and Barn offers them an opportunity to get close to pygmy goats, giant English rabbits, guinea pigs and much more. We look forward to your visit, we know you will not be disappointed READ MORE

Battersea Park Children's Zoo is located next to the picturesque riverside walk in Battersea Park, London, and is home to monkeys, farm animals, meerkats, otters, lemurs and well stocked aviaries. This well-run zoo was saved from being closed after local residents engaged in a year long struggle with the council, and finally won. An exciting animal experience at Battersea Park Children's Zoo entails not just a zoo, but also animal encounters, a play area, Lemon Tree Cafe, and a well stocked gift shop. Battersea Park Children's Zoo has diligent and enthusiastic staff who apply their knowledge by teaching our young visitors the importance of conservation and also to respect all flora and fauna at all times. Our guided tours of the zoo include exclusive use of our tree tops classrooms for activities, an educational tour of the zoo and a play area for children. A trip to Battersea Park would not be complete without an exciting visit to Battersea Park Children's Zoo. READ MORE

Paignton Zoo Birthday Parties ensures a fun filled day for young and old. Get zoo entry for the whole day and enjoy a variety of fantastic party menus and a party bag for each child. A free train ride is available and menu options include a Cold food picnic in the Jungle Fun indoor playarea or enjoy a hot menu at the Island Restaurant.READ MORE

Paignton Zoo is an educational and scientific charity dedicated to conserving global wildlife heritage and is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. At Paignton Zoo travel around the world in one day, enjoy the thousands of animals and a miniature train ride, a wobbly jungle bridge in Lemur Wood, keeper talks, feeding times and more. Paignton Zoo is a wonderful journey for young and old and even boasts a crocodile swamp and botanical garden tours.READ MORE