Updated on December 11th, 2018 at 10:05 pm
The National Zoo was founded in 1889, it is one of the oldest in the U.S. and its mission is to share knowledge about wildlife, help protect species and natural habitats, as well as to provide excellent and engaging experiences to its visitors. The National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. You can get in free of charge as there is no admission that has to be paid, and you can visit it 364 days a year. The only day when it is not working is Christmas Day, December 25th.
You can find all sorts of animals here. It is an excellent choice if you want to engage with wildlife or have a great time with your family. Don’t hesitate to visit the National Zoo on your day off, as your children will remember it for a long time. It is not a secret that most kids love Zoos. The National Zoo provides excellent and unique experiences. Give your children a chance to see animals that they have never seen before, except in movies. They will find it very exciting. If you don’t have kids, visiting this place will help you relax and take your mind off of daily obligations and worries.
The National Zoo sits on 163 acres, and it is located at Rock Creek Park, in the heart of Washington. It is a home to more than 2,000 animals across 400 different species. Almost 25% of them are threatened or endangered. It is a home to pandas, great apes, birds, insects, big cats, reptiles, small mammals, aquatic animals, elephants, and more.
The National Zoo was one of the first in establishing a research program. Additionally, it demonstrates leadership in animal care, education, science, and sustainability. All of the animals are cared for by the world’s best veterinarians and zoologists. They live in natural groupings instead of individually. Endangered and rare species breed and raise their young, which is a sign of how successful research programs of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are. The research includes conservation biology, reproductive biology, veterinary medicine, ecology, behavior, nutrition, and biodiversity monitoring. The zoo also has education programs for the public, and their purpose is to help families, students, and teachers explore the animal world. It also has training programs to train wildlife experts from all over the world, and form a network to support the international conservation.
Some of the exhibits of the National Zoo include:
– Giant Panda Habitat
– Elephant Trails
– Asia Trail
– The Small Mammal House
– Lemur Island
– The Great Ape House
– The American Trail
– Gibbon Ridge
– The Think Tank
– The Bird House
– Amazonia
– The Cheetah Conservation Station
– The Reptile Discovery Center
– Great Cats on Lion and Tiger Hill
– American Bison Exhibit
– The Kids’ Farm
When it comes to attractions, your child can try the National Zoo Choo Choo, which accommodates children ages 2 through 11 years old, and costs $3. Together, you and your child can try Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel, ZooTube, and the Tide Pool. Be sure to check out some of the other great attractions while visiting the Capitol of the US.