In order to improve the function of species protection and popular science education of modern zoos, and to improve the comprehensive service level of modern zoos, this paper summarizes and analyzes the current situation and existing problems of animal exhibition areas in urban zoos at the present stage, and discusses the modern city from three aspects of animal welfare, exhibition area design and tourist experience, taking the transformation of two animal exhibition areas of Shanghai zoo as an example. Methods and paths of ecological design and display of zoo animal exhibition area. The research shows that, while emphasizing the ecological display of sight free visit, we should promote animals to show more natural behaviors, and pay more attention to the sensory experience of tourists, and pay attention to the safety of tourists.