City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (515) 285-4722

Address: 7401 SW 9th St.

Description: A midsize, respectable zoo, the only one accredited in Iowa, with numerous animals divided into geographical areas like Wilds of Africa and the Australian Outback, which has giant kingfisher, plumed whistling duck, and wallabies hopping around. The Great Cats area features a rare snow leopard alongside the lions and tigers. New animals are brought in regularly—check out some of the newer arrivals, like red pandas and golden-headed tamarins. There’s a wide variety of birds, too, including a large parakeet enclosure where the winged creatures will hop on your hand and nibble on food purchased for a small additional charge. A train ride winds halfway around the zoo’s perimeter, and a petting zoo area offers kids the opportunity to feed animals including goats and llamas. Hours and days open vary by season.