Let’s journey through the world’s 12 largest zoos—places where size, species diversity, and visionary scope redefine what it means to protect and celebrate wildlife.

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WSNN) — IguanaLand is home to over 250 reptile species, making it the largest reptile zoo in the world.

The Columbus Zoo spans 580 acres and houses over 10,000 animals from 600 species. Located in Ohio, it also features a water park, aquarium, and golf course, perfect for a fun-filled family day.

This photo provided by the Los Angeles Zoo shows one of two newly born perentie lizards at the zoo, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Jamie Pham/Los Angeles Zoo via AP) Show Caption ...

This photo provided by the Los Angeles Zoo shows a perentie lizard hatching Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, as the zoo celebrates the successful hatching of two, healthy perentie lizards (Varanus giganteus).

Adult perentie lizards can reach more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length and can weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms), the zoo said. They have brown skin with cream or yellow markings.