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 "provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats."

The National Zoo has two campuses. The first is a 163-acre urban park located at Rock Creek Park in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C.. The second campus is the 3,200-acre Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. This institute focuses on training wildlife professionals in conservation biology and helping rare species through natural means and assisted reproduction.

The zoo is home to about 2,700 animals of 390 different species, including birds, great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, and giant pandas. Many of these animals are endangered or threatened. The National Zoo was one of the first to establish a scientific research program and continues to work on protecting wildlife and their habitats.

History

The National Zoo began as the National Museum's Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1889, an act of Congress created the zoo to help science and give people fun and education. By 1890, it became part of the Smithsonian Institution. Famous people helped plan the zoo, including Samuel Langley, William Temple Hornaday, and Frederick Law Olmsted.

For many years, the zoo showed many different animals from around the world. Over time, the zoo began focusing more on taking care of animals and helping protect species that were in danger. In 1975, the zoo started the Conservation and Research Center, which later became the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. This place helps save rare animals like Mongolian wild horses and maned wolves in a big area in Virginia. The zoo closed for a few months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modern status

The National Zoo has changed a lot to better care for its animals. Today, animals live in groups that mimic their natural habitats, and many rare species, like golden lion tamarins, Sumatran tigers, and sarus cranes, successfully breed and raise their young. The zoo’s researchers study animals in the wild and at the zoo, focusing on topics such as animal health, behavior, and conservation.

The zoo offers educational programs for students, teachers, and families, and it trains wildlife professionals from around the world. It also uses technology to reach a global audience. In recent years, the zoo has added new exhibits like Asia Trail and Elephant Trails, and it plans to continue updating its facilities and expanding its conservation work. The zoo welcomes about 2 million visitors each year.

Exhibits

The National Zoo features many exciting exhibits where visitors can see a wide variety of animals from around the world.

The David M. Rubenstein Giant Panda Habitat is a special area designed to mimic the natural home of giant pandas. It includes three outdoor spaces and an indoor area with a rocky outcrop and a waterfall. The habitat is home to Bao Li and Qing Bao, who arrived in October 2024 and made their public debut in January 2025. Before them, the habitat housed Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, who left for China in November 2023.

The Asia Trail, opened in 2006, showcases animals like sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, and clouded leopards. Elephant Trails, which opened in phases starting in 2010, is a large area for the zoo’s Asian elephants, including a bull named Spike and several females. Lemur Island features ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. The Small Mammal House houses many smaller species, such as golden lion tamarins, black-footed ferrets, and meerats.

The American Trail exhibit includes 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 visitors about animal behavior, and Gibbon Ridge features siamangs. The Great Cats exhibit rotates lions and tigers between three enclosures. The Africa Trail is currently 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 features many reptiles and amphibians, including Aldabra tortoises and Cuban crocodiles. The Bird House, opened in 1928, focuses on migratory birds and closed for renovations in 2017 before reopening in 2023. The Claws & Paws Pathway exhibit includes binturongs and bobcats. The Kids' Farm, opened in 2004, features domesticated animals like alpacas and goats. The American Bison Exhibit opened in 2014 and features 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 became a symbol for preventing forest fires. He lived at the zoo from 1950 until 1976, meeting millions of visitors and receiving thousands of letters each week.

The zoo also was home to Ham, the first great ape launched into space in 1961. After his space travel, Ham lived at the zoo until 1980, when he moved to live with other chimpanzees.

The zoo became very famous for its giant pandas. In 1972, China gave the United States two pandas, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, who became very popular. Later, new pandas named Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived and had several cubs, including Tai Shan, Bei Bei, and Xiao Qi Ji. In 2024, the zoo welcomed new pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, who will make their public debut in January 2025. The zoo carefully cares for its pandas, even growing special bamboo for them to eat.

Special programs and events

The National Zoo offers many fun events throughout the year that help support its important work. These events include ZooFari, Guppy Gala, and Boo at the Zoo, along with free activities like Sunset Serenades and Fiesta Musical.

Some popular events include Woo at the Zoo on Valentine's Day, where animal experts talk about how animals find mates, Earth Day: Party for the Planet to learn about protecting the environment, and Easter Monday with family activities and animal learning opportunities. Other events like Brew at the Zoo let guests try beers from local microbreweries, while 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 filled with beautiful lights and special animal talks. All proceeds from these events help care for 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 supported the National Zoological Park since 1958. FONZ helped with many tasks, like guest services, education, and memberships, and raised money for wildlife conservation. Members received benefits such as free parking, discounts, and a subscription to Wild.Life., a magazine with zoo news and photos.

FONZ had around 60,000 members, including about 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 began operating remotely.

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.