San Antonio Zoo seeks top national ranking in USA Today reader poll; voting ends March 9

National reader poll puts San Antonio Zoo in contention for top U.S. honor

San Antonio Zoo is seeking a first-place finish in a national “Best Zoo” reader vote that remains open through Monday, March 9, 2026. The contest is part of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, which uses daily public voting to determine winners among a slate of nominated institutions.

As of Tuesday, March 3, the zoo reported it was ranked seventh in the “Best Zoo” category. The ranking reflects vote totals to date and can shift as voting continues until the deadline.

Multiple categories include an animal encounter and zoo membership program

In addition to the overall “Best Zoo” category, San Antonio Zoo is also competing in at least two related categories tied to visitor experiences and support programs:

• Best Zoo Exhibit: The zoo’s “Flamingo Mingle,” an on-site experience that allows participants to feed Caribbean flamingos while learning about their behavior and feeding habits.

• Best Zoo Membership: A category recognizing membership programs, which typically include benefits such as free parking, discounts, and access to select events.

The “Flamingo Mingle” experience is currently listed as temporarily closed on the zoo’s website, with availability subject to change based on weather conditions and animal health considerations.

How the contest works and why accreditation matters

USA Today’s 10Best program typically combines expert nominations with public voting. In similar 10Best zoo competitions, nominated facilities have been drawn from institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a nonprofit organization that evaluates zoos and aquariums through an application process and on-site inspections. AZA accreditation is widely used within the industry as a benchmark for animal welfare, veterinary care, safety, and operational standards.

AZA-accredited institutions undergo a multi-day inspection and periodic reviews to maintain accreditation.

San Antonio Zoo’s recent national recognition

The current push follows recent national visibility for the zoo. In May 2025, San Antonio Zoo placed second in a separate national reader poll conducted by Newsweek, a result that reflected year-over-year movement in that contest’s rankings.

While the USA Today and Newsweek rankings are determined by different nomination processes and voting audiences, both contests are structured to measure public engagement and visibility as much as on-site experience.

What happens next

Voting in the USA Today 10Best “Best Zoo” contest is scheduled to close on March 9, 2026. Final results are expected to be published after voting ends, with standings determined by total reader votes across the competition period.