National Zoo
Written by Sarah Worthy
The National Zoological Park is a 163-acre paradise located less than 30 minutes from our nation’s Capitol. The National Zoo opened its gates in 1889 by an act of Congress for “the advancement of science and instruction and recreation of the people”. It joined the Smithsonian Institution in 1890 and has since served as a sanctuary for animals, particularly the endangered or displaced. It currently boasts a population of over 2400 individual animals from about 400 different species. The National Zoo’s mission is to pursue a leadership in the preservation and understanding of our wild kingdom.
The National Zoo is entirely funded by Congress and admission to the zoo is free of charge. It is open 364 days of the year, (closed only on Christmas Day), and Washington D.C. offers many superb days to visit with its typically warm weather. The Zoo offers daily educational programs and behind the scenes tours. On any given day you can learn about how elephants are trained or watch a giant octopus during feeding time. Local residents utilize the extensive paths and trails throughout the lush landscaping for daily walks or runs making for an exciting workout past lion, tiger, and bear enclosures.
The National Zoo offers visitors the chance to experience an African Safari, a walk through an Asian forest, and see and hear the sites of a Brazilian rainforest all in one afternoon. You will see animals you would probably never be able to view in the wild such as the Giant Pandas or the Western lowland Gorillas. You will also discover many animals you have never heard of. The National Zoo in Washington D.C. is a must-see on your vacation to our nation’s capitol city.