(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) has been ranked second best zoo in the country in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025.

According to CMZoo, the ranking was chosen by popular vote and the 10Best Readers’ Choice editors, who nominated 20 zoos for Best Zoo consideration, with the top ten zoos in the nation chosen as:

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha, Nebraska)

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Powell, Ohio)

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville, Florida)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Brevard Zoo (Melbourne, Florida)

North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro, North Carolina)

Audubon Zoo (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (Columbia, South Carolina)

Saint Louis Zoo (St. Louis, Missouri)

CMZoo’s placement in second place earned the zoo a “Second Place Triple Crown.” The zoo was also voted Second Best Zoo Membership and Second Best Zoo Exhibit.

“We could not have done this without our supporters, who spent their own time promoting the Zoo through the voting period,” said Bob Chastain, president & CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “Honors like this are earned through the dedication of people who know, trust, and believe in our organization. Thank you for your effort.”