23 mei 2016

Top 15 Zoos

Zoo Ratings’ Top 15


Updated on 24/05/14
 
1. San Diego Zoo 8.4
2. Weltvogelpark Walsrode: 8.3
3. SeaWorld Orlando: 8.2
4. Monterey Bay Aquarium 8.2
5. Los Angeles Zoo: 8.1
6. Zoo Duisburg: 7.9
7. Antwerp Zoo: 7.8
8. Dolfinarium Harderwijk: 7.8
9. Diergaarde Blijdorp 7.7
10. Oregon Coast Aquarium 7.7
11. Toronto Zoo: 7.7
12. Zooparc Overloon: 7.4
13. Bournemouth Aquarium: 7.3
14. Zoo Krefeld: 7.2
15. Dierenpark Emmen 7.1

Zoo Register

We already have a list with over 70 zoos that we will rate for this blog. Are you searching for a rating? The ones that we’ve added will be avaiable in this list, and if you’d like to see a rating from us for a zoo that’s in this list, feel free to say so!

Dutch Zoos
Apenheul
Aqua Zoo Friesland
Artis Amsterdam
Avifauna
BestZoo
Burgers’ Zoo
Dierenpark Amersfoort
Dierenpark Emmen
Dierenpark Wissel
Dierenrijk
Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo)
Dolfinarium Harderwijk
Gaia Zoo
Natuurpark Insectenwereld
Dierenpark de Oliemeulen
Ouwehands Dierenpark
Papegaaienpark Veldhoven
Safaripark de Beekse Bergen
SeaLife Scheveningen
Zooparc Overloon

German Zoos
Berlin Zoological Garden
Dortmund Zoo
Duisburg Zoo
Euregiozoo Aachen
Greifvögelpark Saarburg
Kaiserslautern Zoo
Köln Zoo
Krefeld Zoo
Naturwildpark Freisen
Saarbrücken Zoo
Tierpark Berlin
Tierpark Hagenbeck Hamburg
Tierpark Merzig
Tierpark Schönewald
Weltvogelpark Walsrode
Wilhelma Stuttgart
Wolspark Merzig
ZOOM Erlebniswelt

Belgian Zoos
Antwerpen Zoo
Olmen Zoo
Planckendael


French Zoos
Aquarium Nausicaa
Aquarium de Noirmoutier
La Maison des Loups d’Orlu
Zoo Mulhouse
Zoo de Palmyre Royan
Zoo des Sables D’Olonne

UK Zoos

Blue Planet Aquarium Cheshire
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Chester Zoo
Colchester Zoo
Drusillas Park
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo
London Zoo
Marwell Zoo

Other European Zoos
Zoo de Barcelona (Spain)
Rio Safari Elche (Spain)

American Zoos
Aquarium of the Bay (California)
Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation (California)
Birch Aquarium at Scripps University of Oceanography (California)
Busch Gardens Tampa (Florida)
Discovery Cove Orlando (Florida)
Gatorland Orlando (Florida)
Honolulu Zoo (Hawai’i)
Los Angeles Zoo (California)
Maui Ocean Center (Hawai’i)
Monterey Bay Aquarium (California)
Ocean World (California)
Oregon Coast Aquarium (Oregon)
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (Hawai’i)
Sacramento Zoo (California)
San Diego Zoo (California)
San Diego Zoo Safari Park (California)
Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens (California)
Sea Life Park (Hawai’i)
Sea World Orlando (Florida)
Sea World San Diego (California)
Sea Life Park (Hawai’i)
Sequoia Park Zoo (California)
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay (Nevada)
Sierra Nevada Zoo (Nevada)
Sixflags Discovery Kingdom (California)
Turtle Bay Exploration Park (California)
Ty Warner Sea Center (California)
Washington Zoo (Washington D.C.)
West Coast Game Park (Oregon)
Wildlife Images Rehabilitation Center (Oregon)
Wildlife Safari (Oregon)

Canadian Zoos
Aquarium du Québec
Ferme 5 Etoiles
Toronto Zoo

African Zoos
Friguia Park Hammamet (Tunesia)

Yet to visit
Kruger National Park (autumn)
Zoo Prague (summer)

What this blog is about

About Zoo Ratings

 

What exactly is Zoo Ratings?

Zoo Ratings is a new blog that rates zoos from all over the world. We’ve been to all the zoos we’ve rated, and there are much more to come.
The zoos are rated on their Species, Animal welfare, Construction, Accommodations, Education and Interaction. In the end of the review, each zoo will receive a grade and we’ll explain why we think they deserve that grade. Each zoo is rated on European expectations.

Why this blog?

Most people are not sure if a zoo is worth visiting, and that’s exactly why we made this blog. Simply, so you know what to expect.

About the future

We’ve just started on this blog, but it will definitly expand and we’ll get more and more ratings for you. If you want to see a rating about a zoo, please check out on our Zoo Register and if it isn’t there already, you can leave a reaction behind. In some days we’ll have a Twitter and a Facebook page too, where you can follow us so you’ll know when there’s an update.

1 jun 2014

Zoo Rating: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography


Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography
La Jolla, California, USA
 

 

About the Zoo

 

Birch Aquarium, as explained above, is owned and operated by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, one of the prestige colleges for marine science in the US. The aquarium, while standing as an attraction for the public, it also allows for up-close research on many species of Pacific species and gives extreme experience in the field of animal management.
 


 

1. Species


The Aquarium’s limiting factor in species is its size. As seen by the map above, all species kept are from the Pacific, from a wide variety of environments. While most are typical reef, kelp forest, and other creatures, the high amount of endemic animals makes this collection resemble a miniature Monterey Bay. In addition, very special species including Chambered Nautilus, several species of seahorses and kin, and a coral breeding center.

Score: 7


2. Animal Welfare


Literally in the care of experts, it is obvious that the animals at Birch Aquarium could not get any better care. All of the facility’s animals are vibrantly coloured and well fed. It is obvious that all the animals are well cared for due to their near constant-breeding of wolf eels, seahorses, and other, tough-to-breed species.

Score: 9


3. Construction


Birch Aquarium’s construction is fairly simple, with one half of the facility being devoted to the Hall of Fishes, a winding path that first starts in the cold north Pacific reefs, then moves on to its kelp forests, down to the subtropical reefs of Western Mexico, and finally, the tropical reefs of the south Pacific. Everything from sardines to wolf eels to golden trevally and chambered nautilus can be seen. The other half is filled with a plethora of educational exhibits, the stars of course being seahorses and their kin. More than a dozen are exhibited, and bred, at the facility. Also in this area is a hall devoted to whales, the giants of the ocean. Perhaps the most important exhibition in this area is one for global warming, featuring everything from a comparison between a bleached coral reef and a healthy one, to simple ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Outside exhibitions include ElasmoBeach, for sharks and their relatives, and a touch-tidepool. Despite all of this, the aquarium tour can be completed in forty minutes or even less.

Score: 7


 

4. Accommodations


For its small size, Birch Aquarium has a lot to offer guests. A large giftshop and ample restroom facilities satisfy those needs, while water fountains and a deli satisfy others.

Score: 8


 

5. Education


Literally situated on the grounds of a university, Birch provides students with easy-to-access marine life, for easy studying. Birch Aquarium’s wide variety of exhibitions hold a huge diversity of marine life, meaning everything from a kelp forest to tropical reef. With this, effects of global warming and human intrusion in habitats can be closely monitored and kept track of. Aside from these future scientists, Birch and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography open up the aquarium to K-12 students, allowing them to learn more about the nearby Pacific Ocean. There are even halls devoted to animals that cannot be kept at the aquarium, such as the massive Gray Whale. Overall, Birch, for its size, provides an immense educational opportunity.

Score: 9.5


 

6. Interaction


Birch’s entire existence is bent on interaction between humans and the sea. With such, its exhibitions bring forth a touch pool, several sea-themed playgrounds, and computer screens. Everything from whales to seahorses to global warming are touched on.

Score: 7

Total: 7.9

 

Despite its small stature, Birch Aquarium is superb and clearly well thought out. The Scripps Institute of Oceanography keeps the aquarium in the best possible condition, with the best possible combination of species in each habitat. It’s important to remember that it is small, but being in the San Diego/La Jolla area, there is a lot more to do. Birch Aquarium shouldn’t be missed, and is a true jewel among Pacific Coast aquaria, standing up to giants like Monterey, which it appears to be a dwarf of. A visit to Birch would definitely leave a positive impression on anyone.

 

24 mei 2014

Zoo Rating: Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo

Colchester, United Kingdom


About the zoo

Colchester Zoo is a 60 acres big zoo that houses over 260 species of animals. The zoo opened in 1963 as the Stanway Hall Zoo Park. Later, it became Colchester Zoo, now one of the most well-known zoos in the United Kingdom.

 
 
 

 1. Species

Colchester Zoo houses many rare species, including gelada baboons, smooth-coated otters, pileated gibbons, southern tamandua, red-backed beared sakis, lesser Malayan chevrotain and more. Next to that, there are also the well-known zoo animals. This all together makes Colchester Zoo a nice species list.

Score: 8


2. Animal Welfare

Most of the rare kept animals have been breeding in Colchester Zoo. Besides, all animals have enclosures which are perfectly adapted to their needs, and they're big enough aswell. Not many bad things to say about Colchesters animal welfare.

Score: 8


3. Construction

The whole zoo is themed very nice, bringing you home in the habitat of the animals. Colchester isn't like the regular zoo that has animals in (nice) cages, but the zoo really did its best to make it look beautiful outside the enclosures as well.

Score: 8.5


4. Accommodations

Around almost each corner you will find yourself a place to buy a drink or a snack. There is a big difference in the food you can buy at the stands, so you'll most definitely find something you'll like.

Score: 8.5 


 5. Education

Colchester zoo has been on TV for some weeks, but in the zoo itself you can't find much about that. There are a lot signs around the zoo, and there are some feeding presentations which are educative aswell.

Score: 7.5


6. Interaction

Apart from some walkthrough enclosures, there isn't that much interaction with the animals.

Score: 7

 
 

Total Score: 7.9

Colchester zoo is one zoo you should definitely visit. It has a big variety of animals, has a great atmosphere and makes a great daytrip.



Gerben, 24/05/2014.

 

23 mei 2014

Zoo Rating: Dierenpark Emmen

Dierenpark Emmen


Emmen, The Netherlands
 
 

About the zoo

Dierenpark Emmen, formerly known as Noorderdierenpark Emmen, is a Dutch zoo that opened it’s doors in  1935. In 2011, it’s voted as best zoo in the BeNeLux (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg). The zoo will move from the centre of the city to the edge. The new zoo will open in 2015. It will be called WILDLANDS, Adventure Zoo Emmen.



1. Species


Dierenpark Emmen houses about 160 species of animals. Most of these are quite common in zoos, and there aren’t any special species at all why you should definitly visit the zoo. They attract visitors with their Asian Elephants group, and the zoos has the biggest Humboldt Penguin group in the world. In the past the zoo housed Kodiak bears, which were quite special in The Netherlands. In 2011, the last bear died and Spectacled bears joined the zoo instead.

Score: 6.5


2. Animal welfare


There are hardly any negative sounds about the animal welfare in Dierenpark Emmen. This is with the exception of the South American Sea Lions group, which all got killed by a virus in 2006, and the death of Elephant Annabel which fell into the ditch of the exhibit in 2009. The enclosures in the zoo are spacious and not too crowed by animals.

Score: 7.5


3. Construction


For the visitors, Dierenpark Emmen is a feast for the eyes. There are hardly any (disturbing) fences in view and the animals are very well visable. Next to that, there are some walkthrough enclosures and a glass house that contains various species.

Score: 8



4. Accommodations


Dierenpark Emmen has got 2 big restaurants and two smaller facilities. The entrance is in a building called the Biochron, which is also used  as museum, aquarium and butterly house. Next to the entrance is a zooshop. The new part of Dierenpark Emmen, which was opened before with 3 enclosures and a building, called Yukatan, is now unavaiable to public due to operations, but will open again with the new zoo in 2015. Yukaten is a big indoor playground which also houses some reptiles and a bat cave. There are some more indoor facilities, e.a. an African and an Asian House, as well as the big glass house called the AmeriCasa.

Score: 7.5


5. Education


With the Biochron and a smaller water plant in the newer part (also closed) Dierenpark Emmen definitly does something with education. Next to that, each animal has got it’s own ‘passport’ next to the enclosures with information.

Score: 7


6. Interaction


With the exception of some feeding presentations there isn’t much about interaction in Dierenpark Emmen. There are some events now and then, but in most cases they don’t have anything to zoo with the animals.

Score: 6

 

7. Total Score: 7.1


Dierenpark Emmen isn’t very special compared to other Dutch zoos, but you’ll definitly enjoy yourself there for a day. If you just like to see animals in a nice and spacious environment, Dierenpark Emmen definitely fits you. If you’re more searching for special species, it might not be the best zoo around. But, then still, Dierenpark Emmen is worth visiting once.


Gerben, 03/05/2014.

Zoo Rating: Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo


Antwerp, Belgium
 
 

About the zoo

Antwerp Zoo (Dutch: ZOO Antwerpen) is a zoo in the centre of Antwerp, Belgium, located right next to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is the oldest animal park in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843. It houses a wide variety of species from all over the world.



1. Species


Antwerp Zoo houses about 350 species of animals. Alot of these are quite rare in zoos. Slender lorises, a Black-and-rufous elephant shrew, Eastern lowland gorillas and Dusky pademelons are prime examples of those of those. Besides those, Antwerp also has a lot of the regular zoo animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, hippos and elephants.

Score: 9,5


2. Animal welfare


The animals at the Antwerp Zoo are well cared for, they get top-notch care and the Zoo has good breeding results with several endangered species such as okapis and congo peafowl. However, some of the enclosures are quite small which doesn’t allow the animals to get a lot of exersize.

Score: 7


3. Construction


The enclosures at the zoo of Antwerp are often quite old and thus rather small. There are still quite a lot of iron bars and some of the primates don’t have access to outdoor enclosures. They will try to improve a lot of these enclosures in the future though, and a lot are improved already.

Score: 7




4. Accommodations


There are several restaurants spread over the park, as well as playgrounds for the children. There are also plenty of benches to sit on and enough toilet facilities.

Score: 8


5. Education


There are signs at every enclosure and from experience I can tell, visitors can ask the keepers anything they want. With special species like the okapis (for which Antwerp coordinates the SSP) they offer extra signs with more info than just the general information about the species.

Score: 8


6. Interaction


There is a bit of interaction between the visitors and the animals at Zoo Antwerp, beside the feeding presentations and several events in holidays, there are a couple of walkthrough enclosures where visitors can get quite close to the animals.

Score: 7




7. Total Score: 7.8


Zoo Antwerp is definately a must see zoo. It has a ton of rare species and the atmosphere is splendid (thanks to all the old buildings and all the care for the flowers). The only downside are the small old enclosures on site, however these are being improved.


Jasper, 05/05/2014.