Lion Country Safari on 'best zoos' list months after ranking in USA TODAY readers choice awards

Lion Country Safari, we hear you roar.

Months after Lion Country Safari ranked No. 8 on USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers Choice Awards, the attraction made U.S. News and World Report's list of "26 Best Zoos in the U.S" for 2023. Here are some things to know about Lion Country Safari, what it offers and why it's getting national attention.

U.S. News and World Report picks Lion Country Safari for 'Best Zoos in the U.S.' list

In honor of summer vacation, travel and family-friendly things to do, U.S. News and World Report picked their favorite zoos for summer 2023: "While not all zoos are created equal, the editors at U.S. News used an extensive research process to create this list of the top zoos in the country. All the destinations receive favorable traveler reviews on multiple websites, are accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums — an organization focused on the well-being and care of animals — and have been evaluated by experienced veterinarians and animal care specialists."

Here's what U.S. News and World Report said about Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee: "Set on 320 acres and providing the opportunity to see creatures from six continents while riding in your air-conditioned vehicle, Lion Country Safari is the largest park in Florida with this safari-style experience. Recent travelers raved about the opportunity to see ostriches, lions, zebras and rhinos, with many noting the VIP tour is worth it. In addition to providing a greater understanding of these animals, the facility is involved in Special Survival Plan programs for threatened species like rhinos. Visitors can go on a safari experience, meander through the adventure park and spend the night at the on-site KOA campground. If you prefer a hotel option, West Palm Beach is located about 20 miles east with a variety of options."

What other zoos made the '26 Best Zoos in the U.S.' list?

The editors at U.S. News and World Report also selected the St. Louis Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, for its list of "26 Best Zoos in the U.S." feature.

Here's what the publication said about the other Florida zoo on this list: "The Brevard Zoo, which sits roughly 60 miles southeast of Orlando's theme parks and about 30 miles southwest of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, offers fun and educational activities in a manageable setting. Families can peruse the open-air exhibits to see alligators, giraffes and zebras. Recent visitors say the habitats were impressive, there was ample shade, and the zip lining experience was a must try. For a unique zoo adventure, join a guided kayak tour to see the rhinos and lemurs of Expedition Africa from the water or board the train to see camels, antelope and African cattle. What's more, the zoo is focused on conservation efforts to protect the local ecosystem with a sea turtle healing center and the building of living shorelines."

Here's the full list, in no particular order:

• Oakland Zoo in Oakland, California

• Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C.

• Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska

• St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, Missouri

• Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Texas

• San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in San Diego, California (two separate parks)

• Bronx Zoo in New York City, New York

• Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida

• Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota

• Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska

• Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana

• Denver Zoo in Denver, Colorado

• Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California

• Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia

• Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona

• Indianapolis Zoo in Indianapolis, Indiana

• Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois

• Memphis Zoo in Memphis, Tennessee

• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio

• Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia

• Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas

• Lion Country Safari in Loxohatchee, Florida

Lion Country Safari ranks No. 8 in USA TODAY 10 Best poll

In March, Lion Country Safari was voted among the Top 10 safari parks in North America, according to USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023.

Here's what USA TODAY's 10 Best editors said about Lion Country Safari: "Palm Beach may be far away from the wilds of Africa, but it’s also home to Florida’s first and largest drive-through safari, the AZA-accredited Lion Country Safari. Established in 1967, this safari park invites visitors to observe and interact with nearly 1,000 animals divided between seven sections. Guests might spot storks, wildebeest and impalas on the Serengeti Plains, observe a pride of lions in Gorongosa Reserve or see giraffes and endangered rhinos in Hwange National Park."

What animals will I see at Lion Country Safari? What are the hours, cost of admission?

Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, located along Southern Boulevard, is home to more than 810 animals. It opened 56 years ago, becoming the first "cageless zoo" in the country.

Visitors can see over 89 species from boa constrictors, endangered white rhinoceros and even a zebu, a horned cattle species with a hump and drooping ears.

What makes this Florida animal attraction unique is that it allow guests to see wild animals from around the world roaming free, such as zebras, giraffes and lions, from the comfort of their vehicles. Visitors can park next to a herd of rhinos sunbathing, watch buffalos submerge in a lake to cool off from the summer heat, and can expect ostriches to peck at their windows.

Lion Country Safari's hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends. Guests can arrive at any time during open hours. Admission is $45 for adults ages 10 and older, $34 for children ages 3 to 9, and free for kids younger than 2. Call (561) 793-1084 or visit the lioncountrysafari.com.

Jennifer Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Loxahatchee and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on Twitter at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: US News & World names 26 best zoos for 2023: Loxahatchee zoo on list