Smithsonian National Zoological Park

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. Founded in 1889, its mission is to provide leadership in animal care, science, education, sustainability, and visitor experience.

The National Zoo has two campuses,the two facilities contain 1,800 animals of 300 different species.About one-fifth of them are endangered or threatened. Most species are on exhibit at the zoo's Rock Creek Park campus.The best known residents are the giant pandas, but the zoo is also home to birds, great apes, big cats, Asian elephants,insects, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic animals, small mammals and many more. 


Ticket

Free.


Business Hour

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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User Comments

Gustavo Chavez 2016-12-15

Impressive zoo. However, most were not in their exhibit due to the weather. Probably best in warmer weather. However, it's still a great zoo. The zoo staff are friendly and willing to answer questions on the animals. Of course, the best is the panda exhibit and you can see them from different angles. I enjoyed the maze-like trail leading you around the exhibits. I spent close to five hours here and some of the exhibits were closed because of the cold weather. Great place for families.
Josh Pullin 2016-12-09

Review of both the zoo and Date Night: Out of all of the Smithsonian institutions, for me the zoo has the best "re-visit value." I love the different exhibits at the museums, but for some reason the zoo keeps me coming back more often and I've never had a bad time (I avoid the pandas at peak tourist season). My SO bought us tickets to Date Night at Zoo Lights last night, and it was an absolute blast! The lights were beautiful, and the events were more fun than we expected. Along the main path, there were drinks and gifts being handed out, and some of the indoor exhibits were open. The small mammals were definitely way more active at night than during the day. We also got a free carousel ride and rode tubes down a big hill. It was like being a kid again! Best night ever.
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