SAN ANTONIO — After taking second place in a Newsweek competition last year, the San Antonio Zoo is going for gold in this year’s USA Today 10Best rankings.
The zoo is one of 20 across the country that 10Best experts nominated for its Reader’s Choice Awards. Fans must now cast their votes online to determine which facility will take home the title of best zoo for 2026.
The San Antonio Zoo is currently in seventh place and calling upon the community to keep the votes coming.
“We are so proud to currently be ranked in the top 10 zoos in the country,” Tim Morrow, San Antonio Zoo president and CEO, said in a press release. “But we know San Antonio has what it takes to help push us to #1. This recognition belongs to our entire community — our guests, members, staff, and the city we love.”
The San Antonio Zoo’s competitors include Louisiana’s Audubon Zoo, New York’s Bronx Zoo, Hawaii’s Honolulu Zoo and California’s San Diego Zoo. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska won last year’s ranking and is in the running again this year.
The San Antonio Zoo also received nominations in the Best Zoo Membership category and Best Zoo Exhibit category for its Flamingo Mingle experience, which allows guests to walk among the iconic pink birds.
Voting ends on March 9, and fans can vote once a day per device in each category. USA Today 10Best will announce winners on March 18.