Zoos and Aquariums Set to Promote a Busy Year

The United States has 229 accredited wildlife facilities that include zoos, aquariums, aviaries, butterfly houses, and safari and theme parks.

A giant Pacific octopus swims at the Darnell W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. Photo courtesy of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

As Americans thaw out from frigid temperatures and heavy winter storms, top zoos and aquariums across the country are gearing up to provide another year of wildlife exhibits that help conserve nature and uplift the human spirit.

An estimated 183 million visitors venture out each year to see exotic animals and marine life at the nation’s accredited zoos and aquariums. That’s more than the total annual attendance at professional sports leagues combined.