"Spanning 100 acres and home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals (about 600 species) set among some 700,000 plants, the zoo feels like a lush jungle; recent highlights include the renovated Panda Ridge exhibit—where two giant pandas returned in 2024—and new arrivals like Tasmanian devils in 2025, while the former Children’s Zoo has been reimagined as Wildlife Explorers Basecamp with interactive displays, play areas, a giant treehouse, splash zone, and climbing stations." - Archana Ram