Visit the Zoo Day

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Appreciation Family Wildlife
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every December 27
Holiday emoji:: 🦒

Visit the Zoo Day arrives every December 27, inviting everyone to explore the wonders of zoological parks. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with wildlife, learn about conservation efforts, and create lasting family memories. Plan your trip, discover new species, and support these vital institutions.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Related

Expected Visit the Zoo Day Deals

While specific 2027 promotions for Visit the Zoo Day are still developing, history shows many zoos offer special holiday programming and winter discounts. Look for deals at local institutions like the San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, or Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Family-friendly brands such as LEGO, Animal Planet, and Melissa & Doug may feature animal-themed toys or educational kits. Keep an eye out for special exhibits or reduced admission at regional zoos, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 27 approaches.

Platform Guide for Visit the Zoo Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #VisitTheZooDay. Share your favorite animal photos or videos from your zoo adventures.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #VisitTheZooDay. Create short, engaging videos showcasing unique animal behaviors or behind-the-scenes moments.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VisitTheZooDay. Share your family’s favorite zoo memories and encourage others to visit their local parks.

Visit the Zoo Day Hero

Carl Hagenbeck

Carl Hagenbeck (1844–1913) was a German animal dealer who revolutionized zoo design by introducing barless enclosures and naturalistic habitats, first at his Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg. His innovative approach, starting in the late 19th century, greatly influenced modern zoological parks, moving away from caged exhibits towards more humane and educational displays.

History of Visit the Zoo Day

An early form of the zoo or zoological garden was called a ‘menagerie’. It is said to have been much smaller than the more modern zoo. The first iterations of zoos were private collections and acted as a show of power. Excavators discovered remnants of a menagerie in Egypt, which they believe dates back to around 3500 B.C. Famous kings such as Alexander the Great of Greece, King Solomon of Israel, and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia were known animal collectors from their respective times. Evidence of such zoos or collections of animals has also been found in places like China and Rome.

The first ‘modern’ zoo was built in 1793 in Paris, France. This idea of the modern and public zoo appears to have become popular in the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, when science became more of a central pillar to society. Individuals wished to study animals, to better understand their anatomy and behavior, among other things. The city of London also saw its first modern zoo being opened in 1828. Animals from the Tower of London menagerie were added to its collection in due course, with the zoo eventually opening to the public in 1847.

The focus of early modern zoos was not on functioning as natural habitats for the species housed in them. Instead, they were more like museums of living animals kept in small display areas. Zoos today work towards educating and entertaining members of the public, while also furthering scientific research and promoting the conservation of species.

Visit the Zoo Day timeline

3,500 years ago

The Earliest Zoo

The earliest form of the zoo is the menagerie, which can be traced back to Ancient Egypt through excavations.

1793

The World’s First ‘Modern’ Zoo

The first modern zoo is built in the city of Paris.

1828

The Oldest Scientific Zoo is Opened

The world’s oldest scientific zoo, the London Zoo, opens its doors to scientific research.

1864

America’s First Official Zoo

With the Philadelphia Zoo unable to open until 1874 because of the Civil War, Central Park Zoo becomes the first official zoo to open in the United States.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Visit the Zoo Day

Local businesses, especially those near zoological parks, can celebrate Visit the Zoo Day by offering discounts to zoo ticket holders or running animal-themed promotions. Pet stores could host adoption events or educational talks about exotic animals. Restaurants might feature ‘wildlife’ themed menu items, while gift shops could highlight animal-centric products. Partnering with a local zoo for a joint promotion or a portion-of-sales donation can also boost community engagement and support conservation.

Visit the Zoo Day FAQs

When is Visit the Zoo Day?

In 2026, Visit the Zoo Day falls on Sunday, December 27. It’s a prime opportunity for families to enjoy a relaxing weekend outing and connect with nature before the new year.

How many zoos are in the United States?

The United States is home to over 2,800 animal exhibitors, including approximately 230 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). These AZA-accredited institutions welcome over 200 million visitors annually.

What is the purpose of modern zoos?

Modern zoos serve four primary purposes: conservation, education, research, and recreation. They actively participate in breeding programs for endangered species, educate the public about wildlife, conduct scientific studies, and offer engaging experiences for visitors.

What is the difference between a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary?

A zoo typically exhibits animals for public viewing, often with a focus on conservation and education, and may engage in breeding programs. A wildlife sanctuary, however, primarily provides a safe haven for rescued, injured, or orphaned animals, with less emphasis on public display and more on rehabilitation and natural living conditions.

How To Celebrate Visit the Zoo Day

Locate your local zoo
Get on the internet and search for your local zoo. Be sure to find the name of the organization that runs it and learn more about the safety measures they have in place for your and the animals’ benefit.
Visit the zoo
Make the most of the holidays and visit the nearest zoo with your family. Spend a day appreciating the beautiful creatures that call the zoo home.
Raise awareness
Zoos are in constant need of support, financial and otherwise. Encourage your friends and family to visit the zoo and help support the animals near you.

5 Interesting Facts About Zoos

Zoos were not always public attractions
Early collectors of animals used menageries as shows of power and even traveled far and wide to bring back exotic animals.
The Aztecs maintained an animal collection
Emperor Montezuma II maintained one of the earliest collections of animals in the whole of the western hemisphere.
The largest zoo in the world
India’s Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is the world’s largest zoo.
Africa’s Big Five
Lions, rhinoceroses, leopards, elephants, and the African buffalo are considered to be Africa’s Big Five and can be found together at a zoo at the Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa.
London Zoo and Winnie the Pooh
A.A. Milne named Winnie after his son’s teddy bear, which was itself named after a Canadian black bear that Milne’s son often saw at London Zoo.

Why We Love Visit the Zoo Day

It highlights the importance of animal conservation
This day reminds us of how vulnerable animals are to the harmful effects of human development. It is important to be mindful and inclusive of animal life at all times.
We get to reconnect with animals
With time, humans have seen the divide between themselves and the wildlife growing. This is an important day to reconnect with nature.
We learn about animals and their habitats
We all read about animals and their habitats in class. But seeing and observing them in real life is perhaps the right way to cap off all those lessons.