Which Country Has the Most Zoos?

The United States, Germany, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, India, Russia, Australia, Canada and other countries compete by one metric: number of public zoos and major zoological parks by country. This bar chart race follows the spread of zoos from 1800 to 2026, showing how early European zoological gardens grew into modern zoo networks across the world. Germany leads the early story through historic zoological gardens, city zoos and dense regional animal parks. The United Kingdom rises through London Zoo and later regional wildlife parks, while France, the Netherlands, Austria and other European countries build strong zoo traditions. The United States becomes the giant of the race, expanding through major city zoos, public zoological parks, conservation centers and safari-style institutions across the country. China rises fast in the modern era, with large city zoos and safari-style zoological parks expanding across major urban regions. Japan, India, Russia, Australia, Canada, Spain, Brazil, Poland and South Korea also build major public zoo networks. This count focuses on public zoos and major zoological parks. Tiny private animal parks, farm parks, petting zoos, standalone aquariums and minor animal attractions are excluded. From classic city zoos to modern wildlife parks, this is the country race behind the world’s largest zoo networks. Which country’s zoo count surprised you the most? Music: 'Ignis' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Music: 'Incredulity' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Music: 'Origami' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Music: 'Sentinel' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Music: 'Shoulders Of Giants' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au #Zoos #ZooHistory #USA #BarChartRace #Nacosta