7 of the Oldest National Parks in the World

With dozens of national parks and protected areas, located all over the world, wildlife enthusiasts have a lot of opportunities to pursue their interest. Below we have listed some of the world’s most oldest and interesting national parks where you can do a lot more than just spot all sorts of animals and birds.

Yellowstone National Park, USA – 1872

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Home to a large population of birds and animals, Yellowstone is one of the oldest national parks in the world. Be it reptiles or mammals or even species of plant, you’ll find a lot of variety here. The Yellowstone bison herd is famed to be the largest in the country. Gray wolf, coyote, grizzly bear, mule deer, pronghorn and white tailored deer are some of the animals you can spot here. A natural geyser, Old Faithful is yet another major attraction in the park.

Royal National Park, Australia – 1879

Located in Sydney, Royal National Park is among the oldest national parks in the world. Whether it’s the native birds, endangered animals or rare plants, the park has a lot to offer to the visitors. Honeybees, wallaroos, koala, dingo, marsupial and spotted quoll are few of the animals you can spot here. The park also boasts several beautiful hiking trails, camp sites, picnic areas and pristine beaches. Mountain biking and cycling are popular among the visitors.

Banff National Park, Canada – 1885

Featuring glaciers, magnificent caves, dense forests, beautiful valleys, meandering rivers, and glacier-fed lakes, Banff National Park is one of the most famous natural attractions in Canada. Home to a diverse species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, it is one of the best places to spot animals in their natural habitat. Cougar, red fox, Canada lynx, coyote, wolverine, weasel, river otter, timber wolf, red-tailed hawk and mountain bluebird are spotted here regularly. Along with safari tours and wildlife excursions, hiking and camping are big hits with the visitors here.

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand – 1887

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Surrounded by several ancient Māori religious sites, Tongariro National Park is the fourth largest national park in the world and a prominent attraction in New Zealand. Famed for being home to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this place is home to a large population of birds. Double-banded plover, New Zealand falcon/kārearea, North Island brown kiwi, kākā and blue duck are among the bird species found here. Besides, hiking, snowboarding and skiing are popular activities here at the park. Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, rafting and horse riding can also be enjoyed.

Yosemite National Park, USA – 1890

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Famed for its beautiful waterfalls, granite cliffs, and rich wildlife, Yosemite National Park is a key Californian attraction. Home to a wide population of birds and animals including several endangered ones, this place is a perfect holiday destination in the region. Black bear, white-headed woodpecker, raccoon, mountain kingsnake, Gilbert’s skink, bobcat, gray fox, brown creeper and spotted owl are few of the commonly found animals and birds here. Also, you can enjoy exciting activities like hiking, downhill skiing and bicycle riding in the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park, USA – 1915

Famed for its beautiful surroundings and fascinating natural wonders, Rocky Mountain National Park is one prominent wildlife attraction in Colorado, USA. Home to around 300 species of birds and a wide population of animals including mammals, reptiles and amphibians, this place is perfect for wildlife spotting. Canadian lynx, wolverine, mule deer, fox, bobcat, cougar, black bear, bighorn sheep, American bison, beavers, moose, coyotes, wolves and grizzly bear can be spotted here. Rock climbing, mountaineering, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are the other popular activities.

Sequoia National Park, USA – 1890

Famed for its beautiful sequoia trees and terrific wildlife, Sequoia National Park is one of the must visit destinations in California. A natural habitat to several species of birds and animals including many native ones, this place is a perfect destination to enjoy wildlife safaris. Coyote, black bear, badger, bighorn sheep, cougar, deer, fox, woodpecker, owl, turtle, opossum, snakes, wolverine, roadrunner and beaver can all be spotted at this national park. Tunnel log (a huge fallen Sequoia tree dating back to the early 1940s), crescent meadow, Tokopah Falls, Moro rock, and giant forest museum are the top attractions in the park.