The Washington, D.C. National Zoo

National Zoo. The National Zoological Park is a part of the historic Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Set on 163 acres amid Rock Creek Park in the heart of Washington, D.C., the zoo is home to more than 2,400 individual animals of 400 different species. The best known residents are the giant pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and their cub, Tai Shan. For more information, visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu

National Zoo Hours. The National Zoo is open every day of the year except December 25th and admission is free.

April 2 to October 28, 2006:
• Grounds: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Buildings: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

October 29, 2006, to March 10, 2007
• Grounds: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Buildings: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  [Top]

National Zoo Daily Programs

Cheetah Chat

• Where: Ed-Zoo-Cation Station
• What: Learn all about the Zoo’s cheetahs.
• When: Friday @ 2:00 p.m.

Elephant Training Demo

• Where: Outside elephant exhibit (inside during inclement weather)
• What: Learn how to get a four-ton animal to cooperate.
• When: Daily @ 11:00 a.m.

Giant Panda Interpreters

• Where: Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat
• What: Learn about the zoo’s giant pandas and pandas in the wild.
• When: Daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meet a Reptile

• Where: Reptile Discovery Center
• What: Learn all about reptiles, which live on every continent except Antarctica.
• When: Saturday-Sunday @ 3:00 p.m.

Small Mammal Interpreters

• Where: Small Mammal House
• What: Learn about a wide variety of animals, including the three-banded armadillo, naked mole-rat, golden lion tamarin and banded mongoose.
• When: Friday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu  [Top]