Perhaps because the continent is relatively mild on the "Native Animals That Can Kill You" scale, North America has developed a fascination with zoos. Be it the traditional beasts-behind-bars, aquariums, safari parks, nature habitats, petting zoos, and so forth, zoological attractions are big business in North America, generating well over a billion dollars in annual ticket sales.

Here we'll discuss eight popular zoos, aquariums, and animal parks chosen not so much for their size or national impact but rather their personality. Hotel recommendations will be offered for each location.

The Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, Arizona

The largest non-profit zoo in the United States, the Phoenix Zoo is a must for family vacations in Phoenix or pretty much anyone who likes to enjoy a laidback afternoon. This massive 125-acre complex differs from most modern zoos in how it structures its 1,200+ animals into four long trails covering the native wildlife of Arizona, Africa, and others. There's also a large "touch" tank called Stingray Bay. You can guess what they've got there. Also unusual, the wide sprawl of the park allows for rollerblades and bicycles. It's not just a place to see amazing sights; it's a great place to work out! (website)

For a relaxing Phoenix hotel, consider the Embassy Suites Phoenix - Scottsdale hotel.

The Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas

Another fairly large zoo, and certainly one of North America's most-attended, the Houston Zoo stands out for its surprisingly modern facilities (many of the exhibits have been at least renovated in the past five years) and some interesting choices in how to see the park. Of course you can set off on you own as you might expect, but with an advance reservation the Houston Zoo offers you to set-up a private tour that will take you beyond the normal visitation parameters. Get a glimpse of all the behind-the-scenes action at the zoo, watch special feedings, see the animal hospital, and even look in on an animal training session. It costs a little more, but for true zoo-lovers it's the experience of a lifetime. (website)

For Houston hotels, consider the Crowne Plaza Houston Hotel - West.

Lion Country Safari - Singer Island, Florida

Moving into the altogether different realm of Safari parks, Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach, Florida is the nation's original open-road animal attraction, and arguably it's still the best. At Lion Country Safari, you enter in your own vehicle and drive through the zoo over 5 miles of road, more or less at your own pace. While certain animals such as lions and chimpanzees must be contained in fences for their safety and yours, others including zebras and giraffes roam freely and may even hold you up if they decide to take a rest on the road. The open-road zoo is followed up by Safari World, which hosts traditional zoological attractions as well as carnival rides. (website)

For a West Palm Beach, FL hotel, consider the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort.

Carolina Raptor Center - Charlotte, North Carolina

Another unusual choice, the Carolina Raptor Center forgoes the touted variety of other parks in favor of specialization. Obviously, the specialty of the house is raptors, or birds of prey, the wide category of birds noted for the hooked shape of their powerful beaks and their proclivity to hunting live prey. The Carolina Raptor Center is home to several habitats for hawks, condors, and even bald eagles, and on occasion the center will put on a bird show featuring anything from falcons to owls. (website)

For convenient accommodations near Charlotte, NC, consider the Doubletree Charlotte Airport Hotel.

Canada

The Vancouver Aquarium - Vancouver, British Columbia

The Vancouver Aquarium stands apart from modern aquarium and even zoos for the presence of professional naturalists throughout the halls. Essentially, what docents and curators are to art and history museums, these naturalists are to the Vancouver Aquarium. Rather than get all of your information from little plaques below the tank (though they have those too), you can get the information straight from the experts as they guide you through the more interesting behaviors of the creatures on display. Popular exhibits at the Vancouver Aquarium include Beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and otters. (website)

For British Columbia travel, consider these Vancouver hotels by Holiday Inn.

The Toronto Zoo - Toronto, Ontario

The third-largest zoo in the world, the Toronto Zoo and Aquarium has got just about everything covered. Then again, with over 16,000 animals including fish and birds, how could it not? The Toronto Zoo is more traditional than other options on this list, but the sheer scale of the park makes it no less noteworthy. This is an especially good place to see native Canadian fauna including the arctic wolf, grizzly bear, musk ox, trumpeter swan, and the wood bison. With dozens of births each year, this is also one of the top-rated zoos when it comes to conservation and restoration efforts. (website)

Check out these hotels in Toronto, Ontario by Holiday Inn.

Montreal Biodome - Montreal, Quebec

It's not everyday you find yourself immersed in a South American rainforest located in a former Olympic stadium, but an unexpected twist like that is what the Montreal Biodome is all about. Far and away one of the most popular attractions in Montreal, and located in a velodrome originally constructed for the 1976 Olympic Games, the Montreal Biodome splits this incredible stadium plot into four unique ecosystems complete with live plants and wildlife. The habitats include a tropical rainforest, Laurentian forest, an estuary, and an Antarctic environment. Live animals include macaws, lynx, penguins, and many more. (website)

Find a great choice in Montreal hotels by Holiday Inn.

Magnetic Hill Zoo - Moncton, New Brunswick

Magnetic Hill Zoo doesn't have the name recognition of the Toronto of Phoenix Zoos, but with over 400 animals it's far and away the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada and is nationally-recognized for its conservation and animal-care efforts. Plus, it's located in Magnetic Hill, a fabulous Moncton attraction in its own right. Principal exhibits at the Magnetic Hill Zoo include an impressive habitat for African Lions, Barbary sheep, black bears, the Flemish giant rabbit, Marabou stork, a large river otter habitat, and the rare white-handed Gibbon. (website)

Consider these cozy Moncton hotels by Holiday Inn.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com