Who We Are
ZooRank is led by a dedicated panel of experts: former and current zoo professionals, animal welfare specialists, conservation scientists, and passionate animal advocates. Together, we bring decades of hands-on experience in zoological care, habitat design, and wildlife education to every evaluation we publish.
Our mission is simple: to champion the well-being of animals in human care while celebrating the facilities that do it best.
How We Rank
Animal Welfare Comes First
At the heart of every ZooRank evaluation is a single question: How does the animal experience its life within this habitat?
We assess the quality of enclosures, enrichment programs, veterinary care, and the overall well-being of each species. Our experts look beyond square footage, we consider naturalistic design, social groupings, behavioral enrichment, mental stimulation, and whether animals are given the space and freedom to express their natural behaviors. A habitat that prioritizes the animal’s quality of life will always score higher in our rankings.
The Guest Experience Matters Too
Great zoos don’t just house animals… they transform visitors into advocates. Our evaluations consider how effectively a facility educates its guests and fosters a genuine appreciation for the animals in its care. We ask: Are guests truly engaged? Do they leave with a deeper understanding of these species and a desire to protect their counterparts in the wild?
The best facilities create moments of connection & experiences that inspire guests long after they’ve walked through the gates.
Our Goal
ZooRank exists to inspire the zoological community to continually raise the bar by providing the highest standard of care for their animals alongside the most meaningful experiences for their guests.
We believe every facility has the potential to be exceptional. A lower rating is never a final verdict, it’s an invitation to grow. Our hope is to engage directly with facilities to help improve habitats, making the experience better for the animals who call them home, the caretakers who dedicate their days to their well-being, and the guests who visit seeking inspiration.
Because when a zoo gets it right, everybody wins, the animals, the people who care for them, and the visitors who leave ready to make a difference.