National Zoological Park (United States)

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, commonly known as the National Zoological Park or simply the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution and does not charge admission. Founded in 1889, its mission is to give people fun experiences with animals and help save wildlife and habitats.

The National Zoo has two campuses. The first is a big urban park located at Rock Creek Park in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C.. The second campus is the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. This institute helps train people who work with wildlife and supports rare animals.

The zoo is home to many animals of different species, including birds, great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, and giant pandas. Many of these animals are endangered or threatened. The National Zoo works on research to protect wildlife and their homes.

History

The National Zoo started in 1886 as part of the National Museum. In 1889, an act of Congress made it official to help science and give people fun learning. By 1890, it joined the Smithsonian Institution. Famous people helped plan it, like Samuel Langley, William Temple Hornaday, and Frederick Law Olmsted.

For many years, the zoo showed animals from all over the world. Later, it focused more on caring for animals and protecting those in danger. In 1975, the zoo began the Conservation and Research Center, now called the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. This place helps save rare animals like Mongolian wild horses and maned wolves in Virginia. The zoo closed for a few months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modern status

The National Zoo has improved a lot to care better for its animals. Today, animals live in groups that look like their homes in nature. Many rare animals, like golden lion tamarins, Sumatran tigers, and sarus cranes, have babies and raise them at the zoo. The zoo’s scientists study animals in the wild and at the zoo. They learn about animal health, behavior, and how to protect animals.

The zoo has programs to teach students, teachers, and families. It also trains people who work with wildlife all over the world. The zoo uses technology to share its work with people everywhere. In recent years, the zoo added new exhibits like Asia Trail and Elephant Trails. It plans to keep updating its buildings and growing its conservation work. The zoo welcomes about 2 million visitors each year.

Exhibits

The National Zoo has many fun exhibits where you can see animals from all over the world.

The David M. Rubenstein Giant Panda Habitat is a special area that looks like the home of giant pandas. It has three outdoor spaces and an indoor area with rocks and a waterfall. The habitat is home to Bao Li and Qing Bao, who arrived in October 2024 and were shown to the public in January 2025.

The Asia Trail, opened in 2006, shows animals like sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, and clouded leopards. Elephant Trails is a big area for the zoo’s Asian elephants, including a bull named Spike. Lemur Island has ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. The Small Mammal House has many smaller animals, such as golden lion tamarins, black-footed ferrets, and meerkats.

The American Trail exhibit has California sea lions, grey seals, and bald eagles. The Great Ape House, opened in 1981, is home to western lowland gorillas and orangutans. The Think Tank area teaches about animal behavior, and Gibbon Ridge has siamangs. The Great Cats exhibit has lions and tigers. The Africa Trail is closed for renovations. Amazonia, opened in 1992, is a walk-through exhibit with animals from the Amazon basin. The Reptile Discovery Center opened in 1931 and has many reptiles and amphibians, including Aldabra tortoises and Cuban crocodiles. The Bird House, opened in 1928, focuses on migratory birds. The Claws & Paws Pathway exhibit has binturongs and bobcats. The Kids' Farm, opened in 2004, has farm animals like alpacas and goats. The American Bison Exhibit opened in 2014 and has two female bison, Lucy and Gally.

Notable animals

Main article: Smokey Bear § Living symbol

Main article: Ham (chimpanzee)

One of the most famous animals at the National Zoo was Smokey Bear, a rescued black bear cub who helped teach people about forest fires. He lived at the zoo from 1950 until 1976 and met many visitors.

The zoo was also home to Ham, the first great ape to travel into space in 1961. After his space trip, Ham lived at the zoo until 1980.

The zoo became well known for its giant pandas. In 1972, China gave the United States two pandas, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing. Later, new pandas named Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived and had several cubs. In 2024, the zoo welcomed new pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, who will meet the public in January 2025. The zoo takes good care of its pandas, even growing special bamboo for them to eat.

Special programs and events

The National Zoo has many fun events each year to help its work. These events include ZooFari, Guppy Gala, and Boo at the Zoo, plus free activities like Sunset Serenades and Fiesta Musical.

Popular events include Woo at the Zoo on Valentine's Day, where animal experts talk about how animals find mates. There is also Earth Day: Party for the Planet to learn about protecting the environment, and Easter Monday with family activities and chances to learn about animals. Other events like Brew at the Zoo let guests try beers from local microbreweries. ZooFiesta celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, dancing, and food. The zoo also hosts Rock-N-Roar with live music and animal viewings, and Zoolights, a winter celebration with beautiful lights and special animal talks. All money from these events helps take care of the zoo's animals and support conservation efforts.

Friends of the National Zoo

The Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) was a non-profit group that helped the National Zoological Park since 1958. FONZ assisted with guest services, education, and memberships. They also raised money for wildlife conservation. Members got benefits like free parking, discounts, and a subscription to Wild.Life., a magazine with zoo news and photos.

FONZ had about 60,000 members, including around 30,000 families, and more than 1,000 volunteers. In February 2021, the National Zoo ended its partnership with FONZ after 63 years. After this, FONZ became a smaller group called Conservation Nation and started working from a distance.

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Main article: Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The Smithsonian started the Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in 2010 to help protect animals and teach future conservationists. It is based in Front Royal, Virginia and used to be called the National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center.

The SCBI has six centers that work on different ways to protect animals and nature. These centers study wildlife, bird health, animal breeding, genetics, teaching about conservation, and animal care. Together, they help make sure animals and their homes stay safe for the future.