Smithsonian National Zoological Park – Zoo
#42 of 100 things to do in Washington DC
The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and as part of the Smithsonian Institution, does not charge admission. Wikipedia
Area: 163 acres (66 ha)
Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm daily
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 633-4462
Notable animals: Francois (since 2010), Tai Shan (since 2005), Mei Xiang (since 2000), Tian Tian (since 2000), Francois (1991–2003), Hsing Hsing (since 1972), Andromeda, Red Oak, Kibibi, Baraka, Batang, Mandara, Iris, Kojo, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, Ninna, Luke, Flare, Myrto, Gelon, Lucy, Nababiep, Shera, Soyono, Damai, Guntur, Mickey, Muneca, Sydney, Ronnie, Bradley, Mae, Kandula, Reubin, Jolla, Kwame, Kyle, Bonnie, Kigali
Exhibits: David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat, Elephant Trails, Bird House, Gibbon Ridge, Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat, Great Cats, Think Tank, Amazonia, Reptile Discovery Center, American Trail, Invertebrate Exhibit, Lemur Island, Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Cheetah Conservation Station, Asia Trail, Kids’ Farm
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is the nation’s zoo. It is a 163-acre zoological park set amid Rock Creek National Park in the heart of Washington, D.C.
You can visit the Zoo 364 days a year to see 2,000 individual animals of 400 different species.
Something is always happening at the National Zoo. Daily programs include animal training, feeding demonstrations, and keeper talks.
Admission to the National Zoo is FREE. There is a fee for parking in Zoo lots, but FONZ members have the opportunity to park for free! The Zoo is accessible by Metrorail and Metrobus.
Strollers, wheelchairs, and electronic vehicles are available to rent; ask at any information kiosk throughout the park for location. (FONZ members at the Household level and above receive a discount on stroller rentals.)
ATMs are located at the Visitor Center and Mane Restaurant.
Souvenir Zoo maps are available at the Visitor Center and information kiosks throughout the park for $2.
Public restrooms are located in Panda Plaza, next to the Zoo Police Station, inside the Visitor Center, at the Elephant Outpost, and inside Amazonia.
There are no lockers or other storage facilities for visitors at the National Zoo.
The Zoo does not have a kennel where visitors may leave pets during their visit. Pets are not permitted in the Zoo (except for assistance animals) and leaving your pet unattended in your vehicle is strongly discouraged.
On occasion, the National Zoo closes early to host special events.
website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/