NAICS 712130 Quarterly Industry Report
Zoos and Botanical Gardens
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 712130Sector: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
Fair Market Value compiles this NAICS 712130 industry report using data from the U.S. Census Bureau[8], the Bureau of Labor Statistics[7], and the Small Business Administration[9]. Our research team analyzes attendance per capita, earned revenue ratios, and membership retention rates to build valuation benchmarks for zoo and garden operations. This report on NAICS 712130 is updated quarterly to reflect visitation trends and conservation funding patterns.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the zoos and botanical gardens industry.
NAICS Sector
71
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Industry Definition & Overview
Zoos and Botanical Gardens (NAICS 712130) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in the preservation and exhibition of live plant and animal collections for public viewing, education, and conservation research. Zoological parks house animal collections representing species from around the world, while botanical gardens maintain curated plant collections, display gardens, and conservatories. Aquariums that exhibit marine and freshwater organisms also fall within this classification.
Most facilities operate as nonprofit organizations or municipal agencies funded by admissions, membership programs, gift shop and food service revenue, government appropriations, foundation grants, and donor contributions. Major zoos and aquariums generate annual revenues exceeding $100 million and attract millions of visitors per year. Conservation breeding programs, species survival plans, and field research represent mission-critical activities that distinguish accredited institutions from smaller roadside animal exhibits. Capital investment in immersive habitats and guest amenities drives attendance growth.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums[5] accredits facilities meeting animal care and conservation standards. Market Census Bureau[6] tracks revenue for this code within the recreation sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics[7] reports employment for zookeepers, horticulturists, veterinarians, and education staff. Facilities exist in most major metropolitan areas, with the largest zoos in San Diego, New York (Bronx), Chicago, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Botanical gardens concentrate in regions with favorable growing climates, though indoor conservatories extend plant exhibitions into northern latitudes.
What's Included in This Industry
- Zoological park animal collection and exhibit management
- Botanical garden plant collection and display cultivation
- Public aquarium marine and freshwater exhibit operations
- Conservation breeding and species survival programs
- Educational programming for schools and families
- Membership and annual pass sales management
- Gift shop, food service, and concession operations
- Special event hosting and facility rental
- Field research and conservation project support
- Horticultural display garden design and maintenance
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 71 |
| Subsector | Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | 712 |
| Industry Group | Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | 7121 |
| NAICS Industry | Zoos and Botanical Gardens | 71213 |
| National Industry | Zoos and Botanical Gardens | 712130 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 712110 | Museums | Museums share the educational mission and nonprofit operating model, competing for the same visitor audiences, grants, and donor contributions |
| 712120 | Historical Sites | Historical sites share heritage tourism audiences and operate under similar nonprofit and government funding structures in many markets |
| 712190 | Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions | Nature parks offer outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing that overlaps with zoo and garden visitor experiences in destination travel |
| 713110 | Amusement and Theme Parks | Amusement parks compete for family leisure spending and have adopted animal exhibits and botanical attractions as guest experience additions |
| 541690 | Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | Scientific consulting firms support zoo conservation research and botanical garden plant science with specialized technical expertise |
| 541940 | Veterinary Services | Veterinary services provide the animal healthcare, surgical, and diagnostic support that zoos require for collection health management |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 10.9% | 89 |
| 2 | Florida | 10.5% | 86 |
| 3 | Texas | 8.3% | 68 |
| 4 | New York | 7.5% | 61 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4.2% | 34 |
| 6 | Michigan | 2.9% | 24 |
| 7 | Ohio | 2.9% | 24 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 2.9% | 24 |
| 9 | Georgia | 2.9% | 24 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 2.6% | 21 |
% Of Establishments
0%
11%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
8
Total SBA Loans
$4.0M
Total Loan Volume
$500K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.50%
Average Interest Rate
96
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA size standard[10] for NAICS 712130 is $34 million in average annual receipts, classifying institutions below this revenue threshold as small businesses for federal programs. Private zoos and gardens can access SBA 7(a) loans[11] for exhibit construction, infrastructure, and working capital, while SBA 504 loans[12] support facility expansion and property acquisition. Many smaller and mid-sized facilities operate below the threshold.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bank of America, National Association | 8 | $4.0M | $500K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of establishments fall under NAICS 712130?
NAICS 712130 covers facilities exhibiting live collections for public viewing. This includes zoological parks, public aquariums, botanical gardens, arboretums, conservatories, and nature centers with captive animal or curated plant displays.
How is NAICS 712130 different from 712190?
NAICS 712130 covers facilities with curated collections of captive animals or cultivated plants, while 712190 covers nature parks preserving natural habitats. Zoos exhibit collected specimens; nature parks protect wild ecosystems, per Census Bureau classifications[13].
What is the SBA size standard for zoos and gardens?
The SBA sets the size standard for NAICS 712130 at $34 million in average annual receipts. Institutions below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal programs, per the SBA size standards table[10].
What NAICS codes are related to zoos and gardens?
Related codes include 712110 (museums), 712120 (historical sites), 712190 (nature parks), 713110 (amusement parks), 541690 (scientific consulting), and 541940 (veterinary services). Each connects through conservation, competition, or operational support.
What industries are closely related to zoos?
Closely related industries include museums (712110), nature parks (712190), theme parks (713110), conservation consulting (541690), and veterinary medicine (541940) for animal care.
What activities are included in zoo and garden operations?
Activities include animal and plant exhibit management, conservation breeding, educational programs, membership sales, food service, gift shop retail, event hosting, and field research. The AZA[5] accredits facilities meeting professional standards.
Can zoos and gardens get SBA loans?
Where are zoos and gardens concentrated?
Major zoos operate in San Diego, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Botanical gardens concentrate in temperate and subtropical regions including the Southeast and Pacific Coast. Most metropolitan areas with over 500,000 residents support at least one accredited zoo, per Census Bureau County Business Patterns[14].
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Association of Zoos and Aquariums aza.org
- [6]Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [7]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [8]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [9]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [10]SBA size standard sba.gov
- [11]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [12]SBA 504 loans sba.gov
- [13]Census Bureau classifications census.gov
- [14]Census Bureau County Business Patterns census.gov
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