Google Street View takes viewers to world's zoos

The Asahiyama Zoo located in Asahikawa, Japan is pictured in this Google Street View image.

In addition to allowing users to explore the depths of the oceans and the summits of the highest mountains, Google Street View now invites users to explore the world's most notable zoos and animal parks.

Thanks to Google Maps and Street View, there's no need to leave home to discover the world's most renowned zoos and walk amongst the animals.

Among the first zoos to arrive on Google Maps are those of San Diego, Houston, Atlanta and Chicago (United States), Toronto (Canada), Chapultepec (Mexico), Buin (Chili), Bauru (Brazil) and Doué la Fontaine (France).

Google introduces users to exotic species, including the tigers and kangaroos of Shou Shan (Taiwan), the polar bears and penguins of Asahiyama (Japan), Singapore's impressive orangutan habitat, and even Sydney's Asian elephants (Australia).

Finally, panda fans can visit the Asian bears in the Chengdu research center in China, which is devoted to protecting the species and promoting their reproduction in captivity.