If you are looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day in the nation’s capital, look no further than the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This zoo is not only home to more than 2,000 animals of 400 different species, but also a world-class research center dedicated to saving wildlife and habitats around the globe. In this blog post, I will give you a brief overview of the zoo’s history, its cultural and conservation importance, some of the points of interest you can explore, and some advice for visitors.

History

The National Zoo was founded in 1889 by an act of Congress as part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. The zoo’s original mission was to provide a refuge for native and exotic animals that were no longer wanted by circuses, zoos, and private owners. The zoo also served as a place for scientific study and public education.

Over the years, the zoo expanded its collection and facilities, adding new exhibits, habitats, and programs. In 1975, the zoo established the Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Virginia, as a branch campus for breeding endangered species and conducting wildlife research. In 2010, the CRC was renamed the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) to reflect its broader scope and impact.

Today, the zoo and SCBI are collectively known as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and they lead the Smithsonian’s global effort to save species, better understand ecosystems, and train future generations of conservationists.

Conservation

The National Zoo is more than just a place to see animals. It is also a cultural icon and a conservation leader in Washington DC and beyond. The zoo attracts more than 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in the city. The zoo is also free of charge, making it accessible to everyone.

The zoo is also a pioneer in animal care, welfare, and breeding. It was one of the first zoos to create naturalistic habitats for its animals, such as the Elephant Trails, the Cheetah Conservation Station, and the Amazonia exhibit. It was also one of the first zoos to successfully breed giant pandas outside of China, thanks to its long-term partnership with Chinese wildlife organizations. The zoo’s current panda family consists of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, who celebrated his third birthday on Aug. 21.

The zoo is also a hub for conservation science and education. Its scientists and animal care experts conduct veterinary and reproductive research to save wildlife and habitats for some of the world’s most endangered animals on the sprawling 3,200-acre campus of SCBI. They also work in field stations around the world, collaborating with local communities and governments to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. The zoo also offers various educational programs for students, teachers, and families to learn about wildlife conservation and inspire them to take action.

Points of Interest

The National Zoo has many attractions and exhibits that showcase the diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom. Some of the most popular ones are:

The David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat, where you can see giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji, who celebrated his third birthday in August 2023 .
The Cheetah Conservation Station, where you can watch cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, and other African animals run and play.
The Great Ape House, where you can observe gorillas, orangutans, siamangs, and gibbons interact with each other and their environment.
The Amazonia Exhibit, where you can explore a tropical rainforest with monkeys, sloths, birds, fish, and plants.
The Kids’ Farm, where you can meet and pet Nigerian dwarf goats, alpacas, cows, donkeys, and other farm animals .

Advice for Visitors

If you want to make the most of your visit to the National Zoo, here are some tips and recommendations:

Plan your visit ahead of time by checking the zoo’s website for hours, directions, parking, accessibility, and events .
Reserve your free timed-entry pass online before you go . Passes are required for all visitors during peak season (March 1 through October 31).
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at one of the many water fountains throughout the zoo. You can also bring your own food or buy snacks and meals at one of the zoo’s restaurants or kiosks.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking and exploring. The zoo is hilly and spread out, so be prepared for some exercise.
Follow the zoo’s rules and guidelines for safety and respect. Do not feed or touch the animals, do not litter or smoke, and keep a safe distance from other visitors.

Driving directions from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to the Lincoln Memorial

Via Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW. 5,1 miles in 12 minutes.

Start by heading southwest on North Rd towards Connecticut Ave NW for 6 seconds (56 ft).
Turn left onto Connecticut Ave NW and continue for 57 seconds (0.2 mi).
Turn left onto Cathedral Ave NW and continue for 2 minutes (0.6 mi).
Take Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW and Arlington Memorial Bridge/Memorial Brg to Lincoln Memorial Cir NW for 9 minutes (4.3 mi).
1. Turn left onto Shoreham Dr NW and continue for 341 ft.
2. Shoreham Dr NW turns slightly right and becomes Rock Creek Pkwy NW. Continue for 0.1 mi. Please note that this road is closed Mon–Fri from 3:45 PM to 6:30 PM.
3. Continue onto Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW for 2.5 mi. Parts of this road are closed Mon–Fri from 3:45 PM to 6:30 PM.
4. Turn right onto Pkwy Dr NW and continue for 0.3 mi. Parts of this road are closed Mon–Fri from 3:45 PM to 6:30 PM.
5. Continue onto Arlington Memorial Bridge/Memorial Brg for 0.4 mi.
6. Continue onto Memorial Cir for 203 ft.
7. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit and stay on Memorial Cir for 0.2 mi.
8. Continue onto Arlington Memorial Bridge/Memorial Brg and follow it for 0.4 mi.
9. Slight left toward Lincoln Memorial Cir and continue for 213 ft.
10. Continue onto Lincoln Memorial Cir for 0.1 mi.
11. Continue straight onto Lincoln Memorial Cir NW for 108 ft.

Public transportation directions from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to Lincoln Memorial

Public transportation and walking. 57 minutes, aprox.

Start at Smithsonian National Zoological Park (3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States).
Walk for about 1 minute (279 ft) towards Connecticut Ave NW & Zoo Park Entrance. Use caution as the route may involve errors or sections not suited for walking.
Take the L2 bus towards Farragut Square at 11:15 AM. The ride will take approximately 6 minutes and make 7 stops (Stop ID: 1002051).
Arrive at Columbia Rd NW & Biltmore St NW at 11:32 AM.
Take the 42 bus towards Kennedy Center. The ride will take approximately 22 minutes and make 15 stops (Stop ID: 1001810).
Arrive at E St NW & 21st St NW at 11:54 AM.
Walk for about 11 minutes (0.5 mi) towards Lincoln Memorial (2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States). Use caution as the route may involve errors or sections not suited for walking.
Arrive at Lincoln Memorial at approximately 12:05 PM

Driving directions from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to SENS Psychology

Via Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW. 6,0 miles in 15 minutes.

Head southwest on North Rd toward Connecticut Ave NW
Turn left onto Connecticut Ave NW
Turn left onto Cathedral Ave NW
Take Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW, I-66 W and US-50 W/Arlington Blvd to Fairfax Dr in Arlington. Take the 10th St N exit from US-50 W/Arlington Blvd
Continue on Fairfax Dr to Wilson Blvd
Turn left onto Wilson Blvd Pass by United Bank (on the left in 0.3 mi)
Destination will be on the right

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: A Must-See Attraction in Washington DC