While zoos have the potential to educate and preserve endangered animals, we understand why it's preferable to see animals in their natural habitat. For animal lovers planning their next trip, here are 15 destinations to see incredible animals in the wild.

Also known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," Churchill is not only great for seeing polar bears, but also marine mammals such as the beluga whale.

It's one of the seven wonders of the world for a reason-observe marine life up close and personal in a grand snorkeling adventure.

This mountainous national park is home to 18 different groups of mountain gorilla-300 of the estimated 850 left in the world live here, in fact.

With a lack of predators, the penguins, giant tortoises, seals, iguanas and blue-foot boobies that inhabit the Galapagos Islands continue to flourish.

Who needs a zoo when you have the Serengeti? Here, tourists can see an array of animals including lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests and giraffes in their natural habitat.

True to its name, Kangaroo Island is one of the best places to see Australia's national icon in the bushland. Seals, penguins, koalas, echidnas and whales can also be found here.

One of the best places in the world to observe marine life, the Sea of Cortez houses ten species of whale in addition to whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and sea lions.

The eastern side of Madagascar is made up of rainforests and six national parks, giving it the status of a World Heritage Site. This rich environment is home to a diverse range of species, including ten different types of lemur.

Over 27 percent of the entire country is made up of nature conservation areas, making it the perfect place to see monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, lizards, frogs, birds and much, much more.

70 percent of the world's remaining tiger population lives in India. The country sports 50 tiger reserves, including the Jim Corbett National Park.

Despite its subzero temperatures, Antarctica is teeming with life such as numerous species of penguins, seal colonies, whales and albatrosses.

As the world's third largest island, Borneo is home to 10 different species of primate. In addition to the endangered orangutan, the island is inhabited with amazing animals like Asian elephants and Sumatran rhinoceros.

With its strict anti-poaching laws, Botswana is a big eco-tourism hotspot. Tourists can take a safari by car or boat; either way, they are guaranteed to observe some great wildlife.

As the largest state in the U.S., it should be no surprise that Alaska holds eight national parks, two national forests and 23 national wildlife refuges. Here, tourists should be on the lookout for whales, otters, caribou, dall sheep, moose, wolves and, of course, grizzly bears.

South Africa is not just home to Cape Town, but the Madikwe Game Reserve. Considered one of the country's best malaria-free reserves, a trip to the Madikwe Game Reserve would make for a perfect family safari.