SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—AUGUST 17, 2026—San Antonio Zoo has earned international recognition after being named one of the Best Zoos in the World by Condé Nast Traveler, placing the zoo among a select group of leading zoological institutions from across the globe.
In its newly updated list, The Best Zoos in the World for Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!, Condé Nast Traveler highlights zoos making an impact far beyond their gates through conservation, restoration, and fieldwork. The publication specifically recognized San Antonio Zoo for its local and global conservation efforts, including the Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project and Project Selva, a collaborative conservation initiative working alongside Indigenous communities in the Amazon River basin.
This latest honor marks another major milestone for San Antonio Zoo, adding to a growing list of national and international accolades. This summer, local accolades have included Best Family Attraction and Best Tourist Attraction. Earlier this year, it ranked #7 Best Zoo in America in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards — marking two consecutive years of USA TODAY national recognition. In 2025, the zoo was named one of Condé Nast Traveler's Top 10 Best Zoos in the U.S. and Newsweek named San Antonio Zoo Number 2 in the United States. San Antonio Zoo has brought home over two dozen honors over the last several years, some of which include:
- Five “Best Zoo in Texas” Awards by three different organizations
- Five “Top 10 Zoo” in the U.S.
- #1 Local Tourist Attraction
- Top 10 Sightseeing Tickets Sold in the World – Tripadvisor
“To be recognized as one of the best zoos in the world is an incredible honor, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the focus on conservation,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Our vision has always been to secure a future for wildlife, whether that work is happening right here in Texas or alongside communities thousands of miles away. This recognition belongs to our entire Zoo Crew and the conservation partners, supporters, and guests who make that work possible every day.”
Condé Nast Traveler selected zoos from across the United States and around the world for the list, including institutions in Australia, Austria, Canada, Singapore, Spain, and the United States. The publication notes that the institutions selected are helping advance animal population and habitat restoration through conservation programs, fieldwork, research, and long-term partnerships.
This global recognition comes amid a transformative era for San Antonio Zoo. Beginning with a new state-of-the-art front entrance designed to support the Zoo’s continued growth, San Antonio Zoo has continued its transformation with major additions including Naylor Savanna, an immersive African savanna habitat; Spekboom Lodge, an overnight lodging experience; The Ralston, a premier event venue; and Congo Falls, a world class gorilla habitat.
"These expansions and projects move us closer to becoming the zoo our city deserves — and that's nothing short of the best in the country," said Morrow. “Alongside the zoo's expanding conservation work in Texas and around the world, these efforts reflect its continued commitment to world-class animal care, conservation, education, and unforgettable guest experiences.”
About San Antonio Zoological Society
San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park.
Website www.sazoo.org
About San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo's mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature-based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.
Website www.sazoo.org
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About Condé Nast
Condé Nast is one of the world’s most renowned media companies, creating and distributing content across print, digital, video, audio, and social platforms. Founded in 1909, the company is home to some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Vanity Fair, Wired, and Architectural Digest. Since its first publication in 1987, Condé Nast Traveler has become a global authority on luxury travel, offering inspiration, expert recommendations, and insights into destinations and experiences around the world.