Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle (must see)

Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo is a zoological garden that spans the western half of Woodland Park. Originally a modest menagerie situated on the estate of Guy C. Phinney, a Canadian-born lumber mill owner and real estate developer, the zoo has evolved since its inception in 1899. At that time, Woodland Park, spanning 188 acres (76 hectares), was acquired by the city from Phinney's wife, following his passing six years earlier in 1893. In 1902, the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm of Boston was enlisted to design the city's parks, including Woodland Park. The following year, the menagerie from the private Leschi Park was relocated to Phinney Ridge.

Fast forward to the summer of 2010, the zoo boasts 92 acres (37 hectares) of captivating exhibits and inviting public spaces. It warmly welcomes visitors every day and, in 2006 alone, hosted approximately 1.05 million individuals. The zoo's impressive collection comprises 1,090 animal specimens, representing 300 diverse species, including 35 endangered and 5 threatened animals. Moreover, Woodland Park Zoo showcases an abundance of nature, with over 7,000 trees, 50,000+ shrubs and herbs, and a rich variety of 1,000+ plant species. The grounds are thoughtfully divided into bioclimatic zones, each dedicated to housing and showcasing different species such as gorillas, birds, reptiles, orangutans, penguins, elephants, and many more.

Why You Should Visit:
Animal enclosures are natural-looking and look roomy for the animals to live in.
The overall landscaping is very pretty, with shade everywhere, and it's pleasant just to walk around.
Park staff is kind, available to answer questions and tell interesting little stories about some of the animals.

Tip:
If you want to see all of the zoo's various sections, you will need at least 5-6 h, so plan to spend most of a day here and plan your walking route using their map so as to not miss a thing.
Also, consider going in the morning as most animals are a bit more active.
If you don't want to buy food (it's not exactly cheap) bring packed lunch for a picnic!