Smithsonian National Zoological Park – Virtual Tour

The National Zoological Park is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The Zoo host about 2,700 animals of 390 different species, of which about one-fifth are endangered or threatened.

The National Zoo has two campuses. The first is a 163-acre (66 ha) urban park located in Northwest Washington, D.C. The other campus is the 3,200-acre (1,300 ha) Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia.

The Zoo’s mission is to:

“provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats.”

The Zoo supports 180 species of trees, 850 species of woody shrubs and herbaceous plants, 40 species of grasses, and 36 different species of bamboo.

The Zoo first started as the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals in 1886, and the National Zoo was created in 1889. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution.

Highlights of the National Zoological Park

The American Bison Exhibit
The Great Cats on Lion and Tiger Hill
The Great Ape House houses orangutans and gorillas in separate enclosures
The American Trail exhibit houses North American species that include sea lions, grey seals, harbor seals, beavers, river otters, bald eagles, ravens, pelicans, and wolves
Amazonia is a South America-themed walk-through exhibit that contains animal and plant species native to the Amazon basin
The Cheetah Conservation Station is an outdoor exhibit designed to mimic the African savanna which houses the cheetahs
The Giant Panda Habitat features three outdoor areas, as well as an indoor space with a rocky outcrop, and a waterfall
The Asia Trail displays sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, a clouded leopard, Asian small-clawed otters, and Asian elephants.
Elephant Trails designed to help scientists care for elephants in zoos and save them in the wild.
Lemur Island is a moated island that is home to lemurs
The Small Mammal House display includes tamarins, monkeys, and many smaller mammal species

National Zoological Park

Museum: National Zoological Park
City: Washington, D.C.
Country: United States
Established: 1889
Category: National Museum of the United States
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C., U.S.

National Zoological Park Map

National Zoological Park – 360 views

Virtual Tour of the National Museums of the United States

National Zoological Park

Virtual Tour of American Museums

National Zoological Park

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“The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo.”
– Desmond Morris

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Photo Credit: Ahbeall / CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0); Stevehdc from Washington DC, USA / CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0); Steve from washington, dc, usa / CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0); Bridget Samuels from College Park, MD / CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)