The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo Has Reopened!

Here is a break down of a few changes they have made to try to keep everyone safe.

While they are still open to the public for free, they now require you to get a free timed entry pass for entry. You can reserve them online or by phone at 1.800.514.3849, ext. 1.
You will be required to wear a face-covering at all times.
To promote safe social distancing, they now have one-way paths with directional guidance.
You will notice new hand-sanitizing stations for visitors throughout the zoo.
They have installed protective safety shields at bag-check screening stations and registers.
If you plan on visiting the National Zoo check out this link for more detailed instructions.

https://www.si.edu/visit/passes

Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo was founded in 1889 and sits on 163 acres in Rock Creek Park. 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species call the National Zoo home.

The zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.
For its first 50 years, the National Zoo, like most zoos around the world, focused mainly on exhibiting one or two representatives of as many exotic species as possible.

The National Zoo has been the home to giant pandas since Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling arrived to the zoo in 1972 from China. Since 2000, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, also lived there. On July 9, 2005, Mei Xiang gave birth to Tai Shan, who went to China in February 2010. On August 23, 2013, Mei Xiang gave birth to Bao Bao, who still resides at the zoo. When Tai Shan was born in 2005 the zoo’s Panda Cam was introduced and new cub suddenly had a TV following as he grew up on (hidden) camera.

They are open to the public for free 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last admittance 3 p.m.) but do require a timed entry pass. You can reserve them online or by phone at 1.800.514.3849, ext. 1.

If you are taking the Metro it is a short work from the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro Stations.

Insider Tip !!

Cleveland Park is above the Zoo, so if you exit that you will be walking downhill to the Zoo.

Woodley Park is below the Zoo, you can walk downhill again to that when leaving the Zoo.

Pedestrians may access the Zoo via the Connecticut Avenue entrance, or the Harvard Street Bridge entrance. The gates at the Connecticut Ave Entrance of the National Zoo has two lion statues, one of the lions is currently wearing a mask.

They are open to the public for free 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last admittance 3 p.m.) but do require a timed entry pass. You can reserve them online or by phone at 1.800.514.3849, ext. 1.

Paid parking passes include entry passes, $30 per car.

Face coverings Required Ages 6+ (recommended ages 2-6)

Be prepared to do lots of walking! The Zoo is a large park with 18 distinct areas to explore.

If you are taking the Metro it is a short work from the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro Stations.

Insider Tip !!

Cleveland Park is above the Zoo, so if you exit that you will be walking downhill to the Zoo.

Woodley Park is below the Zoo, you can walk downhill again to that when leaving the Zoo.

The National Zoo is in Woodley Park. It is about 3 miles northwest of the White House. Other Attractions Nearby are National Cathedral, Embassy Row.