National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, better known as the National Zoo, is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and one of the oldest zoos in the country. Founded in 1889, and free and open to the public 364 days a year, the National Zoo is one of Washington, D.C.’s most popular destinations. Devoted to research, conservation, and education, especially of rare and endangered species, it features almost 2,000 different animals representing 400 different species over 163 acres of parkland in the heart of the city.

• Visit the famed giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub Tai Shan
• Meet the lowland gorillas, including three adult males who were successfully born at the zoo
• Learn about the bizarre and intelligent octopus
• See the endangered kiwi, the small flightless bird native to New Zealand
• Discover nature closer to home with Backyard Biology, focusing on native North American species including birds, squirrels, deer, and foxes
• Revisit the zoo at any time with the live webcams showing featured animals

For more information, visit the official website at www.nationalzoo.si.edu.