"Founded in 1889, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s oldest cultural destinations and one of the great zoos in the country under continuous operation. The 40 acres it occupies in the Grand Park neighborhood are home to more than 1,000 animal residents representing over 200 species, so there’s a draw whether you’re into being outdoors or seeing a particular kind of animal, whether passing through on a solo trip or here with your family. While you’ll find unique habitats and the typical zoo inhabitants (elephants, lions, giraffes, bears, alpacas, tortoises, and flamingos), it’s known for being one of only three U.S. zoos to have giant pandas and for having one of the largest populations of great apes in North America." - Lia Picard, Jennifer Bradley Franklin