National Zoological Park (United States)

{{short description|Zoo in Washington, D.C., and Front Royal, Virginia}} {{About|the National Zoological Park in the United States, owned by the Smithsonian Institution||National Zoo (disambiguation){{!}}National Zoo}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}} {{Infobox zoo | zoo_name = Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute | image = Washington Zoo entrance.jpg | image_caption = Front entrance | image_width = 300px | date_opened = {{start date and age|1889|5|6}}<ref name="ghosts_of_dc" /> | area=Zoo: {{Convert|163|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="zoo_about" /> [[Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute|SCBI]]: {{Convert|3200|acre|adj=on}}<ref name="crc_historical" /> | coordinates = {{Coord|38|55|52|N|77|02|59|W|display=it}} | location = 3001 [[Connecticut Avenue|Connecticut Ave.]] NW, [[Rock Creek Park]], [[Washington, D.C.]], U.S. | members = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref name="aza_list" /> | num_animals = Zoo: 2,000<ref name="zoo_about" /> SCBI: 30–40 endangered species<ref name="crc_historical" /> | num_species = 400<ref name="zoo_about" /> | annual_visitors = 1.8 million (2019)<ref name="Visitor stats">{{cite web |title=Visitor Stats |url=https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/about/stats |website=Smithsonian Institution |access-date=29 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | exhibits = Amazonia, American Trail, Asia Trail, Bird House, Giant Panda Habitat, Great Ape House, Kids' Farm, Reptile Discovery Center, Small Mammal House, Think Tank | website = {{URL|http://nationalzoo.si.edu}} | publictransit = {{WMATA link logo}} [[Washington Metro]] {{Rint|washington|red}} at {{station|Cleveland Park}} or {{station|Woodley Park}} }}

The '''Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute''', commonly known as the '''National Zoological Park''' or simply the '''National Zoo''', is one of the oldest [[zoo]]s in the United States. The zoo is part of the [[Smithsonian Institution]] and does not charge admission. Founded in 1889, its mission is to "provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats".<ref name="zoo_mission">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Mission |title=Mission |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526080658/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Mission/ |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The National Zoo has two campuses. The first is a {{Convert|163|acre|adj=on}} urban park located at [[Rock Creek Park]] in the [[Woodley Park (Washington, D.C.)|Woodley Park]] neighborhood of [[Northwest, Washington, D.C.|Northwest]] [[Washington, D.C.]], 20 minutes from the National Mall by MetroRail.<ref name="zoo_getting_there">{{cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/GettingToZoo/metro.cfm |title=By MetroRail |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601195936/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/GettingToZoo/metro.cfm |archive-date=June 1, 2012 }}</ref> The other campus is the {{Convert|3200|acre|adj=on}} [[Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute]] (SCBI; formerly known as the Conservation and Research Center) in [[Front Royal, Virginia]]. On this land, there are 180 species of trees, 850 species of woody shrubs and herbaceous plants, 40 species of grasses, and 36 different species of bamboo.<ref name="nationalzoo.si.edu">{{cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressKit/FactsFigs.cfm|title=National Zoo Facts and Figures|work=si.edu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820231633/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressKit/FactsFigs.cfm|archive-date=August 20, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The SCBI is a non-public facility devoted to training wildlife professionals in [[conservation biology]] and to propagating rare species through natural means and assisted reproduction. The National Zoo is accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).

The two facilities host about 2,700 animals of 390 different species.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/History/|title=History of the National Zoo|work=si.edu|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=October 23, 2006|archive-date=July 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727204622/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/History/|url-status=dead}}</ref> About one-fifth of them are endangered or threatened. Most species are on exhibit at the Rock Creek Park campus.<ref name="zoo_animals">{{cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AnimalIndex|title=National Zoo Species|work=nationalzoo.si.edu|publisher=National Zoological Park|access-date=May 25, 2012|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001202239/https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/AnimalIndex|url-status=dead}}</ref> The zoo is home to [[bird]]s, [[Hominidae|great apes]], [[big cat]]s, [[Asian elephant]]s, [[insect]]s, [[amphibian]]s, [[reptile]]s, [[aquatic animal]]s, small [[mammal]]s and many more, but the best-known residents are [[giant panda]]s. The SCBI facility houses between 30 and 40 endangered species at any given time depending on research needs and recommendations from the zoo and the conservation community.<ref name="crc_historical">{{cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/CRC/default.cfm|title=Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute|work=nationalzoo.si.edu| publisher=National Zoological Park|access-date=July 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611215300/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/CRC/default.cfm|archive-date=June 11, 2007}}</ref> The zoo was one of the first to establish a scientific research program.<ref name="nationalzoo.si.edu" /> Because it is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo receives federal appropriations for operating expenses. A new master plan for the park was introduced in 2008 to upgrade the park's exhibits and layout.

The National Zoo is open every day of the year except for December 25 ([[Christmas Day]]), though it was closed for a long period during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-03-13|title=COVID-19 Update|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/covid-19-update|access-date=2021-01-01|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|language=en}}</ref> The zoo reopened on May 21, 2021.

== History == [[File:View at the National Zoo, Washington, D.C. LCCN92513186.jpg|thumb|left|View at the National Zoo, Washington, D.C., 1909]] The zoo first started as the National Museum's Department of Living Animals in 1886.<ref name="siarchives.si.edu">{{cite web |url=http://siarchives.si.edu/history/exhibits/pictures/national-zoological-park |title=National Zoological Park |work=Smithsonian Institution Archives |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111025911/http://siarchives.si.edu/history/exhibits/pictures/national-zoological-park |archive-date=November 11, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> By an [[act of Congress]] on March 2, 1889,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/965613241325023234|title=National Zoo on Twitter: "Happy #PresidentsDay! On March 2, 1889, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill passed by Congress that officially established the National Zoo! American bison, our #NationalMammal, were among the 1st species in our care. This photo was taken at the @smithsonian b/t 1887 & 1889.…|work=[[Twitter]]|date=2018-02-19|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo/posts/on-march-2-1889-president-grover-cleveland-signed-a-bill-passed-by-both-houses-t/10152236603572902/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/32235087901/10152236603572902 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=On March 2, 1889, President Grover... – Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute – Facebook|work=[[Facebook]]|date=2014-03-02|access-date=2019-01-14}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/american-bison|title=American Bison Exhibit – Smithsonian's National Zoo|work=NationalZoo.si.edu|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref> for "the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people", the National Zoo was created. In 1890, it became a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Three well-known individuals drew up plans for the zoo: [[Samuel Langley]], third Secretary of the Smithsonian; [[William Temple Hornaday]], noted conservationist and head of the Smithsonian's vertebrate division; and [[Frederick Law Olmsted]], the premier landscape architect of his day. William T. Hornaday was the park's first director and curator of all 185 animals when the park was first opened and took office on May 6, 1889.<ref name="siarchives.si.edu" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l-5RAQAAIAAJ&q=National+Zoological+Park+founded+october+1889&pg=PA26|title=Publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts Pg. 26 – Google Books|work=[[Google Books]]|date=1906|access-date=2019-01-14}}</ref> Together, they designed a new zoo to exhibit animals for the public and to serve as a refuge for wildlife, such as bison and beaver, which were rapidly vanishing from North America.<ref name="zoo_history">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/History |title=History |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727204622/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/History/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> For the first several decades, however, the zoo was managed closely by anthropologist Dr. Frank Baker, who navigated the zoo through many challenges and enlisted the zoo in many cultural projects. For a thorough history of the zoo from the 1880s to 1920s, see Daniel Vandersommers's 2023 book ''Entangled Encounters at the National Zoo.''

[[File:Elephant feeding circa 1915 National Zoo Washington DC.jpg|thumb|Elephant fed by a zoo attendant through the bars of a fence at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., {{circa|1915}}|right|alt=Elephant being fed]] For the first 50 years, the National Zoo, like most zoos around the world, focused on exhibiting one or two representative exotic animal species. The number of many species in the wild began to decline drastically because of human activities. In 1899, the [[Kansas]] frontiersman [[Charles "Buffalo" Jones]] captured a [[bighorn sheep]] for the zoo.<ref name="msu" /> The fate of animals and plants became a pressing concern. Many of these species were favorite zoo animals, such as elephants and tigers; hence the staff began to concentrate on the long-term management and conservation of entire species.<ref name="zoo_history" />

Several exotic animals were donated by former US presidents; often they were acquired as gifts from foreign dignitaries. Notable among them are [[Billy (pygmy hippo)|Billy]] the [[pygmy hippopotamus]] who is the common ancestor to almost all pygmy hippos in American zoos<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/africansavanna/factpygmyhippo.cfm |title=Pygmy Hippo fact sheet |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=2007-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114022909/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AfricanSavanna/factpygmyhippo.cfm |archive-date=2007-11-14 }}</ref> and [[Rebecca (raccoon)|Rebecca]] the [[raccoon]], one of many exotic [[United States presidential pets|presidential pets]] of [[Calvin Coolidge]] and First Lady [[Grace Coolidge|Grace]].

In the mid-1950s, the zoo hired its first full-time permanent [[veterinarian]], reflecting a priority placed on professional health care for the animals. In 1958, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) was founded. The citizen group's first accomplishment was to persuade Congress to fund the zoo's budget entirely through the Smithsonian; previously, the zoo's budget was divided between appropriations for the Smithsonian and the District of Columbia. Congressional funding placed the zoo on a firmer financial base, allowing for a period of growth and improvement. In 2006, Congress approved an additional $14.6 million for renovations in both facilities.<ref name="nationalzoo.si.edu" /> FONZ incorporated as a nonprofit organization and turned its attention to developing education and volunteer programs, supporting these efforts from its operation of concessions at the zoo, and expanding community support for the zoo through a growing membership<ref name="zoo_history" /> which annually raises between $4 million and $8 million for the zoo.<ref name="nationalzoo.si.edu" />

In the early 1960s, the zoo turned its attention to breeding and studying threatened and endangered species. Although some zoo animals had been breeding and raising young, it was not understood why some species did so successfully while others did not. In 1965, the zoo created the zoological research division to study the reproduction, behavior, and ecology of zoo species, and to learn how best to meet the needs of the animals.<ref name="zoo_history" />

The Ivy A. Pelzman Memorial Glockenspiel, constructed by the Petit & Fritsen bell foundry, is a 38-foot-tall clock tower standing at the zoo's southeastern entrance consisting of a carillon of 35 bells, four moving figurines of animals, and a 4-faced clock that was dedicated on May 16, 1976. It was designed and donated by the late Dr. Ivy A. Pelzman (1890–1970) as a memorial in honor of his wife Katherine. The glockenspiel's steam-engine powered rotating display of animals malfunctioned a few years after the glockenspiel's installation due to the steam engine becoming Inoperable. A few years later, the glockenspiel was relocated on the zoo grounds from Connecticut Avenue entrance to the southeastern entrance. The glockenspiel's bells became inoperable in 2003 due to a mechanical malfunction with the carillon keyboard console. The Smithsonian lists the glockenspiel as an "attractive, but dysfunctional gift," and it requires expensive funds for restoration and maintenance.

[[File:Photograph of Tours and Classes at the National Zoo - NARA - 36213488.jpg|thumb|Tours and classes at the zoo, 1979]] In 1975, the zoo established the Conservation and Research Center (CRC). In 2010, the complex was renamed the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), a title also used as an umbrella term for the scientific endeavors that take place on both campuses. On {{convert|3200|acre|km2}} in the Virginia countryside, rare species, such as [[Mongolian wild horse]]s, [[scimitar-horned oryx]], [[maned wolf|maned wolves]], [[Crane (bird)|crane]]s, and others live and breed in spacious surroundings. SCBI's modern efforts emphasize reproductive physiology, analysis of habitat and species relationships, genetics, husbandry and the training of conservation scientists.<ref name="zoo_history" />

In June 2003, the zoo's last pair of [[Greater One Horned Rhino|greater one-horned rhinos]], Mohan and Mechi, were moved to the White Oak Conservation Center in Florida, in September 2006, the zoo's last [[giraffe]], Randale, was transferred to the [[ZooTampa at Lowry Park|Lowry Park Zoo]] and in September 2009, the zoo's last [[hippopotamus]], Happy, was transferred to the [[Milwaukee County Zoo]] to make space for Elephant Trails.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/hippo-leaves-national-zoo-for-milwaukee|title = Hippo Leaves the National Zoo for Milwaukee|date = September 27, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111115683.html|title=For Happy the hippo, moving from Washington to Milwaukee has been a pleasure|first=Michael E.|last=Ruane|date=November 12, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2018|website=Washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/a-reader-asks-answer-man-didnt-there-used-to-be-giraffes-at-the-national-zoo/2020/04/25/c250431a-85a0-11ea-a3eb-e9fc93160703_story.html|title = A reader asks Answer Man: Didn't there used to be giraffes at the National Zoo?|first=John|last=Kelly|date=April 25, 2020|website=Washingtonpost.com}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]] during 2020–21, the zoo was closed for several months as a precautionary effort.<ref name=":1" />

==Modern status== [[File:Zoo Waterfall - HDR (15877310895).jpg|thumb|upright|A waterfall in the zoo]] [[File:DCZooOline.JPG|thumb|upright|alt=orangutans crossing lines between towers, high above a promenade|Two orangutans crossing over visitors via the "O Line"]] Expanding knowledge about the needs of zoo animals and commitment to their well-being has changed the look of the National Zoo. Today, animals live in natural groupings rather than individually. Rare and endangered species, such as [[golden lion tamarin]]s, [[Sumatran tiger]]s, and [[sarus crane]]s, breed and raise their young – showing the success of the zoo's conservation and research programs.<ref name="zoo_history" /> The zoo's research team studies animals both in the wild and at the zoo. Its research encompasses reproductive biology, conservation biology, biodiversity monitoring, veterinary medicine, nutrition, behavior, ecology, and bird migration.<ref name="nationalzoo.si.edu" />

The National Zoo has developed public-education programs to help students, teachers and families explore the intricacies of the animal world. The zoo also designed specialized programs to train wildlife professionals from around the world and to form a network to provide crucial support for international conservation. The National Zoo is at the forefront of the use of web technology and programming to expand its programs to an international virtual audience.<ref name="zoo_history" />

Plans for the future include modernizing the zoo's aging facilities and expanding its education, research and conservation efforts in Washington, Virginia and in the wild. As part of a 10-year renewal program, Asia Trail – a series of habitats for seven Asian species including [[sloth bear]]s, [[red panda]]s, and [[clouded leopard]]s – was created. Kids' Farm exhibit, opened in 2004, was slated for closure in 2011 but is to remain open for another 10 years following a donation to the exhibit.<ref name="zoo_history" /><ref name="Pandas2020">{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/news/city-desk/blog/13070157/pandas-will-live-in-d-c-until-at-least-2020|title=Pandas Will Live in D.C. Until (At Least) 2020|newspaper=Washington City Paper|access-date=2016-11-09}}</ref> Elephant Trails, opened in 2013, provides a new home for the zoo's elephants.

The zoo, which is supported by tax revenues and open to everyone, attracts 2 million visitors per year, according to ''[[The Washington Post]]'' in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |title=At National Zoo, sequester could threaten exhibits but not animal care |date=2013-02-21 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414211432/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/at-national-zoo-sequester-could-threaten-exhibits-but-not-animal-care/2013/02/21/2daad4ba-7b7a-11e2-a044-676856536b40_story.html |archive-date=2021-04-14 |url-status=live |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/at-national-zoo-sequester-could-threaten-exhibits-but-not-animal-care/2013/02/21/2daad4ba-7b7a-11e2-a044-676856536b40_story.html}}</ref>

The National Zoo has a Federal Law Enforcement Agency deployed on its grounds: the [[Smithsonian Police|National Zoological Park Police]] (NZPP), which consists of full-time Law Enforcement Officers. The NZPP is an agency that has been recognized by the United States Congress and is one of five original police agencies within the District of Columbia with full police powers. They work very closely with the Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Park Police, Department of State, Capital Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Defense. The agency is considered the first line of defense in the event of any crisis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago/3018552390|title = National Zoological Park Police|date = November 8, 2008}}</ref>

Dennis W. Kelly was named director of the zoo on February 15, 2010, overseeing both campuses. Kelly succeeded [[John Berry (administrator)|John Berry]], who was the National Zoo director for three years until February 2009, when he resigned to become the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management under the Obama Administration. Steven Monfort, the zoo's associate director for conservation and science, served as the acting director between February 2009 and February 2010. Kelly retired as the zoo's director in November 2017, and Steven Monfort was named acting director.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/leadership-change-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute|title=Leadership Change at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref> In November, 2021, Brandie Smith was appointed director. Smith is the second woman to serve as director in the zoo's 132-year history.<ref>{{cite news | last=Ruane | first=Michael E. | title=Smithsonian's National Zoo names veteran curator Brandie Smith as its new director | newspaper=Washington Post | date=November 9, 2021 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/09/smithsonian-zoo-director-brandie-smith/ | access-date=November 9, 2021}}</ref>

===National Zoological Park Police=== [[File:National Zoological Park Police (3018552390).jpg|thumb|The National Zoo maintains its own Police Department, which consists of 50 full-time and part-time officers]] '''US National Zoological Park Police officers''' are specifically assigned to the National Zoo and the [[Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute]] in [[Front Royal, Virginia]]. The National Zoological Park Police is one of the oldest police forces in the District of Columbia. According to the official National Zoo Website, the Zoological Police was one of the original five police agencies in D.C. created in 1889. The {{convert|163|acre|km2|adj=on}} National Zoo is a Smithsonian facility in the District of Columbia and is staffed 24 hours a day by full-time US National Zoological Park police officers.

The National Zoo also maintains a 3,200-acre Research facility (Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute; SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia; which is staffed by members of the National Zoological Park Police. NZPP officers are Federal law enforcement officers and carry full law enforcement jurisdiction within the District of Columbia and Virginia that work closely with the Metropolitan Police Department and the US Park Police, as well as other federal law enforcement agencies to include Virginia law enforcement authorities.<ref>[http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Zoo-Police-Security-Director-Spar-Over-Safety-Needs.html "Zoo Police, Security Director Spar Over Safety Needs"], NBC 4, Kimberly Suiters/ASHA BEH, Apr. 28, 2009</ref>

== Exhibits == === David M. Rubenstein Giant Panda Habitat === {{see also|Giant pandas around the world#United States}} [[File:Bao Li.jpg|thumb|Bao Li at the National Zoo in 2026]] [[File:Qing Bao Panda.jpg|thumb|Qing Bao at the National Zoo in 2026]] The zoo's state-of-the-art giant panda habitat features three outdoor areas with [[animal enrichment]], an indoor area with a rocky outcrop, a waterfall, and viewing areas. The exhibit is designed to replicate the rocky, lush terrain of the pandas' natural habitat.<ref name="nationalzoo.si.edu" />

The habitat's current residents are a pair of giant pandas named [[Bao Li]] and [[Qing Bao]]. The pandas arrived at the zoo on October 15, 2024, and after several months acclimating to their new environment, made their public debut on January 24, 2025. They are the newest residents at the habitat after an almost year long gap since the habitat's previous pandas, [[Mei Xiang]], [[Tian Tian (male giant panda)|Tian Tian]], and their cub [[Xiao Qi Ji]], left the zoo for China in November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=3 giant pandas at Washington DC's National Zoo head back to China, ending more than 50 year program |url=https://6abc.com/giant-pandas-smithsonian-national-zoo-washington-china/14026148/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=6abc Philadelphia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/pandas-national-zoo-go-to-china-end-of-2023/65-b1a3dbca-0644-4e6e-bbe6-47cebe0a9a51|title=Giant pandas to stay at National Zoo through 2023, then return to China|publisher=WUSA9 |date=2020-12-07|access-date=2021-02-05}}</ref><ref name="bao">{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-pandas-arrive-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute-china|title=Giant Pandas Arrive at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute From China|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=October 15, 2024|access-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref> The pandas are the focus of a research, conservation, and breeding program which aims to preserve their species.

[[Mei Xiang]] and [[Tian Tian (male giant panda)|Tian Tian]], who were on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association, had four surviving cubs together, all by artificial insemination. The first was a male cub, named [[Tai Shan (giant panda)|Tai Shan]] in 2005. On September 16, 2012, Mei Xiang gave birth to another cub, but the cub died six days after its birth. On August 23, 2013, Mei Xiang gave birth to two cubs; one, a female cub, later named [[Bao Bao]], while the other was stillborn.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-08-23/local/41439243_1_tai-shan-mei-xiang-healthy-cub | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828075326/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-08-23/local/41439243_1_tai-shan-mei-xiang-healthy-cub | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 28, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first1=Stefanie E. | last1=Dazio | first2=Michael E. | last2=Ruane | title=Panda cub born to Mei Xiang at National Zoo | date=August 28, 2013}}</ref> Mei Xiang delivered two cubs in August 2015, but only one survived, as the other one died a few days later.<ref name=Mei_births_Aug2015>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/giant-panda-preparing-to-give-birth-national-zoo-says/2015/08/22/bba0fd2c-4804-11e5-8ab4-c73967a143d3_story.html |title=National Zoo's giant panda Mei Xiang gives birth to two cubs hours apart |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 23, 2015 |author1=Ruane, Michael E. |author2=Koh, Elizabeth |author3=Weil, Martin |access-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref> The surviving male was given the name [[Bei Bei]] on September 25, 2015, and was on public exhibit in January 2016 until November 2019. On August 21, 2020, Mei Xiang gave birth to a single male cub, [[Xiao Qi Ji]], becoming the oldest giant panda to give birth in the US at 22 years old.

=== Asia Trail === [[File:FishingCatDC.jpg|thumb|Fishing Cat at the Smithsonian National Zoo]] A group of Asia-themed exhibits opened in October 2006. Aside from displaying [[giant panda]]s, the area displays [[sloth bear]]s, [[fishing cat]]s, [[red panda]]s, [[Northern snakehead|northern snakeheads]], [[clouded leopard]]s and [[Asian small-clawed otter]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/asia-trail|title=Asia Trail|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|access-date=November 8, 2023}}</ref> Many species on the Asia Trail are listed as endangered.

=== Elephant Trails === [[File:Asian Elephant, United States imported from iNaturalist photo 448828825.jpg|thumb|Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Smithsonian National Zoo]] In spring 2008, the National Zoo began construction on Elephant Trails, a new home for its [[Asian elephant]]s. The first part of the $52 million project opened in September 2010, expanding the zoo's former elephant area with a {{Convert|5700|sqft|adj=on}} barn, two new yards (one with a pool), and a quarter-mile (400 m) walkway through woods,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/02/AR2010090205526.html|title=National Zoo debuts new, larger home for elephants|first=Michael E.|last=Ruane|newspaper=Washington Post|date=September 3, 2010|access-date=May 26, 2012}}</ref> a total of {{Convert|1.9|acre}} of outdoor space, bringing the total size of Elephant Trails to 2 acres (0.81 ha).<ref name="elephant_trails" /> Elephant Trails: A Campaign to Save Elephants is a comprehensive breeding, education, and scientific research program. It is designed to help scientists care for elephants in zoos and in the wild. The Elephant House (built in 1937) was closed to the public from September 14, 2009, until late March 2013 for construction of the second phase of Elephant Trails. This includes the Elephant Community Center, an indoor exhibit with many interpretive signs and graphics.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/elephants-move-into-new-community-center-at-the-national-zoo/2013/03/26/557ddf8c-925e-11e2-9abd-e4c5c9dc5e90_story.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200337/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-26/lifestyle/38032180_1_elephants-marie-galloway-national-zoo | url-status=live | archive-date=October 29, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Christina | last=Barron | title=Elephants move into new community center at the National Zoo | date=March 26, 2013}}</ref> The seven Asian elephants that live in Elephant Trails are one bull named Spike and five cows named Bozie, Swarna, Maharani, Trong Nhi, and Nhi Linh and a female calf Linh Mai born to Nhi Linh on February 2, 2026.

=== Lemur Island === [[File:Uncle Beazley - Paint job - Stierch.jpg|thumb|alt=a ''Triceratops'' statue on outdoor display|''Uncle Beazley'' near Lemur Island]] Lemur Island is a [[moat]]ed island that is home to a bachelor group of [[ring-tailed lemur]]s and [[black-and-white ruffed lemur]]s. The island, formerly Monkey Island, used to hold [[Barbary macaque]]s when it opened in 1983.

Near the island is ''[[Uncle Beazley]]'', a fiberglass ''[[Triceratops]]'' that [[Louis Paul Jonas]] created for the DinoLand pavilion at the [[1964 New York World's Fair]]. The life-size statue, which had been located on the [[National Mall]] near the [[National Museum of Natural History]] until 1994, is named for a [[dinosaur]] in the 1956 children's book, ''The Enormous Egg'', by [[Oliver Butterworth (writer)|Oliver Butterworth]] and in the book's 1968 television movie adaptation, in which the statue appeared.<ref>(1) {{cite book|first=James M.|last=Goode|title=The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C.: A Comprehensive Historical Guide|location=Washington, D.C.|publisher=Smithsonian Institution Press|year=1974|page=260|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nXLqAAAAMAAJ|isbn=9780881032338|oclc=2610663|access-date=2016-07-04|quote=This 25-foot long replica of a ''[[Triceratops]]'' ... was placed on the [[National Mall|Mall]] in 1967. ... The full-size ''Triceratops'' replica and eight other types of dinosaurs were designed by two prominent paleontologists, Dr. [[Barnum Brown]] of the [[American Museum of Natural History]], in New York City, and Dr. [[John Ostrom]] of the Peabody Museum, in Peabody, Massachusetts. The sculptor, [[Louis Paul Jonas]], executed these prehistoric animals in fiberglass, after the designs of Barnum and Ostrom, for the Sinclair Refining Company's Pavilion at the [[1964 New York World's Fair|New York World's Fair of 1964]]. After the Fair closed, the nine dinosaurs, which weighed between 2 and 4 tons each, were placed on trucks and taken on a tour of the eastern United States. The [[Sinclair Oil Corporation|Sinclair Refining Company]] promoted the tour for public relations and advertising purposes, since their trademark was the dinosaur. In 1967, the nine dinosaurs were given to various American museums. This particular replica was used for the filming of ''The Enormous Egg'', a movie made by the [[NBC|National Broadcasting Company]] for television, based on a children's book of the same name by [[Oliver Butterworth (writer)|Oliver Butterworth]]. The movie features an enormous egg, out of which hatches a baby ''Tricerotops'' ; the boy consults with the Smithsonian Institution which accepts ''Uncle Beasley'' for the National Zoo.}} (2) {{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612081739/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ZooArt/UncleBeazley/|archive-date=June 12, 2007|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ZooArt/UncleBeazley/|title=A Dinosaur at the Zoo|work=Art at the National Zoo|publisher=Smithsonian National Zoological Park|location=Washington, D.C.|access-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref>

=== The Small Mammal House === [[File:Dwarf Mongoose.jpg|thumb|alt=a small animal centered between rocks|Dwarf mongoose at the National Zoo's Small Mammal House]] The majority of the zoo's smaller mammal species live in the Small Mammal House. The species on display include [[golden lion tamarin]]s, [[golden-headed lion tamarin]]s, [[emperor tamarin]]s, [[Goeldi's marmoset]]s, [[red ruffed lemur]]s, [[lesser hedgehog tenrec]]s, [[Mohol bushbaby|southern lesser galagos]], [[black-footed ferret]]s, [[common dwarf mongoose|dwarf mongooses]], [[long-tailed chinchilla]]s, [[Brazilian porcupine|prehensile-tailed porcupine]]s, [[Linnaeus's two-toed sloth|two-toed sloths]], [[red-rumped agouti]]s, [[Woylie|brush-tailed bettongs]], [[northern treeshrew]]s, [[southern three-banded armadillo|La Plata three-banded armadillo]]s, [[screaming hairy armadillo]]s, [[sand cat]]s, [[fennec fox]]es, [[meerkat]]s, [[naked mole-rat]]s, [[rock hyrax]]es, [[striped skunk]]s and several others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/small-mammal-house|title=Small Mammal House|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=April 15, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

Despite not being a mammal, a [[green aracari]] can be found in the building. A sister pair of [[white-nosed coati]]s are found behind the building.{{Citation needed |date=March 2026}}

=== American Trail === The American Trail exhibit houses a variety of species found in North America. These include [[California sea lion]]s, [[grey seal]]s, [[brown pelican]]s, [[North American beaver]]s, [[North American river otter]]s, [[Red wolf|red wolves]], [[bald eagle]]s, [[common raven]]s and [[eastern screech owl]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/american-trail|title=American Trail|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

The exhibit also features a cafe called Seal Rock Cafe, which offers dishes crafted from local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Menu items include [[Best Aquaculture Practices]] (BAP) certified shrimp and [[Marine Stewardship Council]] (MSC) certified fish.<ref name="American Trail">{{cite web|title=The Newest Exhibit Area at the Smithsonian's National Zoo|url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AmericanTrail/exhibit.cfm|publisher=Smithsonian's National Zoo|access-date=25 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225014853/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AmericanTrail/exhibit.cfm|archive-date=February 25, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Great Ape House === [[File:National zoological park, Washington DC, USA (4863334490).jpg|thumb|[[Gorilla]]s at the National Zoo]] The Great [[Ape]] House opened in 1981 and is separated into two sets of enclosures. One houses six [[western lowland gorilla]]s (two males named Baraka Ya Mwelu and Moke; three females named Calaya, Mandara and Kibibi; and a female infant named Zahra, born in 2023). The other houses six [[orangutan]]s (two males named Kiko and Redd; and four females named Batang, Lucy, Iris and Bonnie). The orangutans are allowed access to the Think Tank (see below) by traveling along the "O-Line", a series of high cables supported by metal towers that enable the orangutans to move between the two buildings. Batang and Redd are [[Bornean orangutan]]s while Kiko, Lucy, Iris and Bonnie are all [[hybrid orangutan]]s.

=== Think Tank === The Think Tank is an area designed to educate visitors about how animals think and learn about their surroundings. Think Tank opened in 1995 and features several interactive displays that teach visitors how zoologists conduct their studies. The zoo's orangutans (which are sometimes used in keeper demonstrations) are allowed to move from the Great Ape House to Think Tank, and the building includes suitable enclosures for the [[ape]]s should they choose to stay there. Other animals kept and studied in the Think Tank include [[Caribbean hermit crab|land hermit crab]]s, [[brown rat]]s, and [[Allen's swamp monkey]]s.

=== Gibbon Ridge === Gibbon Ridge is an enclosure housing four [[siamang]]s (two males named Bradley and Guntur and two females named Ronnie and Adinda).

=== Great Cats === [[File:Luke and his sons cuddling in the heated cave.webm|thumb|Video of lions [[Social grooming|grooming]] in a heated cave at the zoo]] The Great Cats exhibit opened in the mid-1970s and is separated into three enclosures with a [[moat]]. The zoo rotates two [[lion]]s (two males named Shaka and Jumbe) and three [[tiger]]s (a [[Sumatran tiger|Sumatran tigress]] named Damai and two [[Siberian tiger]]s, a male named Vostok and a female named Coba) between the three exhibits.

In between the main lion and tiger yards and the Think Tank exhibit are two habitats, one features a pair of [[Bat-Eared Fox]]es named Lando and Ziggy,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/meet-bat-eared-fox-unusual-animal-can-hear-insects-burrowing-underground|title=Meet the Bat-Eared Fox, an Unusual Animal That Can Hear Insects Burrowing Underground|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=May 14, 2025|access-date=June 6, 2025}}</ref> and the other is currently empty but will feature [[Canada Lynx]] in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smithsonian National Zoo Lynx Exhibit |url=https://galvanizeit.org/project-gallery/smithsonian-zoo-lynx-exhibit |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=American Galvanizers Association |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Engler |first=Isabella |title=Welcome to the jungle: Two new exhibits are coming to National Zoo |url=https://lhslance.org/2024/news/welcome-to-the-jungle-two-new-exhibits-are-coming-to-national-zoo/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=The Lance}}</ref>

=== Africa Trail === [[File:National Zoological Park The Cheetah Conservation Station.jpg|thumb|alt=cheetah atop a platform, facing camera|A [[cheetah]] (''Acinonyx jubatus'') at the National Zoo]] Formerly called the Cheetah Conservation Station, this outdoor exhibit is designed to mimic the African savanna, to educate visitors about [[cheetah]]s, and what is being done to preserve them in the wild. The area is currently closed for a multi-year renovation process, with a scheduled completion by the end of 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/cheetah-conservation-station|title=Africa Trail|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=April 15, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref> Other animals on display in the area prior to the renovations include a [[Hartmann's mountain zebra]], [[addax]]es, an [[common ostrich|ostrich]], [[Grévy's zebra]]s, [[Maned wolf|maned wolves]], [[Rüppell's vulture|Rüppell's griffon vultures]], [[sitatunga]]s, [[Scimitar oryx|scimitar-horned oryx]], [[dama gazelle]]s, [[red river hog]]s, [[Abyssinian ground hornbill]]s and [[lesser kudu]].

=== Amazonia === Opened in 1992, this South America-themed walk-through exhibit contains animal and plant species native to the [[Amazon basin]]. Animals on display include multiple species of [[Potamotrygonidae|freshwater stingray]]s, [[silver arowana]]s, [[yellow-spotted river turtle]]s, [[red-footed tortoise]]s, [[Arapaima gigas|arapaimas]], [[Tambaqui|black pacu]]s, a [[Linnaeus's two-toed sloth|two-toed sloth]], green aracaris, [[roseate spoonbill]]s, [[hawk-headed parrot]]s, [[guinea pig]]s and many more.

The Amazonia Science Gallery is located on the lower level. Here visitors can learn about the zoo's efforts to protect species around the globe. Some of the species on display include [[Panamanian golden frog]]s, [[smooth-sided toad]]s, [[Agalychnis lemur|lemur leaf frogs]], [[African clawed frog]]s, [[Typhlonectes natans|aquatic caecilian]]s, [[barred tiger salamander]]s and many species of [[poison dart frog]]s. Located within the science gallery is the Coral Lab. Many [[coral]]s are on display along with [[clownfish]], [[sea anemone]]s and other species.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/amazonia|title=Amazonia|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

The Electric Fishes Demonstration Lab features a five-foot-long [[electric eel]]. [[Hypopomidae|Bluntnose knifefish]], [[Sternarchorhynchus|elephantnose knifefish]], [[black ghost knifefish]] and [[South American lungfish]] are also featured.

=== The Reptile Discovery Center === The zoo's reptile house opened in 1931 and exhibits seventy species of reptiles and amphibians. These include [[Aldabra giant tortoise|Aldabra tortoise]]s, [[radiated tortoise]]s, [[spider tortoise]]s, [[Home's hinge-back tortoise]]s, [[Cuban crocodile]]s, a [[false gharial]], [[Japanese giant salamander]]s, [[eastern indigo snake]]s, [[Gila monster]]s, [[blue iguana]]s, [[Eublepharis angramainyu|Iranian fat-tailed geckos]], a [[green anaconda]], [[green tree python]]s, [[Timor python]]s, [[king cobra]]s, [[Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen|northern copperhead]]s, [[Crotalus lepidus klauberi|banded rock rattlesnakes]], [[hellbender]]s, [[red-backed salamander|eastern red-backed salamander]]s, [[Eurycea longicauda|long-tailed salamander]]s, [[alligator snapping turtle]]s and many more.

Behind the building are exhibits for the [[Komodo dragon]], and [[Chinese alligator]]s. In the front of the building is an exhibit for an [[American alligator]] named Wally.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/reptile-discovery-center|title=Reptile Discovery Center|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=April 15, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

=== The Bird House === [[File:National Zoo.jpg|thumb|[[American flamingo]]s (''Phoenicopterus ruber'') outside of The Bird House]] Opened in 1928, the zoo's Bird House focuses on the biological phenomenon of migration in the eastern hemisphere and features three distinct aviaries, each focusing on a different habitat that is crucial to the bird's annual migrations. The habitats include: Delaware Bay, a marsh environment that displays [[shorebird]]s including [[red knot]]s and [[semipalmated plover]]s, as well as cold-blooded species such as [[Atlantic horseshoe crab|horseshoe crab]]s and native fish, Prairie Pothole, a wetlands environment that displays [[waterfowl]] including [[canvasback]]s, [[redhead (duck)|redheads]] and [[American avocet]]s, and Costa Rican Coffee Farm, a two-story tropical environment that displays [[bird migration|migratory]] [[songbirds]] such as [[Baltimore oriole]]s, [[indigo bunting]]s and [[wood thrush]]es as well as [[barred parakeet]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/bird-house-0|website=Nationalzoo.si.edu|title = Bird House|date = May 2, 2017}}</ref> Exhibits surrounding the exterior of the Bird House hold [[kori bustard]]s, [[sandhill crane]]s, [[whooping crane]]s, [[greater rhea]]s, [[barred owls]], [[bronze turkey]]s, [[Southern cassowary|southern cassowaries]], [[American flamingo]]s and other larger birds. The birdhouse closed for renovations in 2017, and reopened in 2023.

=== Claws & Paws Pathway === The Claws & Paws Pathway exhibit is the most recent exhibit added in the zoo. It is a small circular path that includes exhibits for [[binturong]]s, [[bobcat]]s, [[Pallas's cat]]s and a [[North American porcupine]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/claws-paws-pathway|title = Claws & Paws Pathway|website=Nationalzoo.si.edu| date=May 19, 2022 |access-date = July 11, 2022}}</ref>

=== The Kids' Farm === The Kids' Farm opened in 2004 and is aimed primarily at children and housing domesticated livestock. Animals kept in the Kids' Farm include [[alpaca]]s, [[chicken|hens]], [[Miniature donkey|miniature Mediterranean donkeys]], [[Hereford (cattle)|Hereford]] and [[Holstein cattle|Holstein]] cows, [[Kunekune]] pigs and [[Nigerian Dwarf]] goats. The exhibit also has a small pond containing [[koi]] and [[channel catfish]]. In 2011, the zoo announced plans to close The Kids' Farm due to budgetary constraints. However, a $1.4 million donation from [[State Farm Insurance]] allowed the exhibit to remain open.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/state-farm-supports-kids-farm-national-zoo|title = State Farm Supports Kids' Farm at the National Zoo|website=Nationalzoo.si.edu|date = July 27, 2011}}</ref>

=== American Bison Exhibit === [[File:Bison at the zoo.jpg|thumb|alt=large bison facing right with head lowered|An American bison at the National Zoo]] {{See also|Conservation of American bison}} The zoo opened a new [[American bison]] exhibit on August 30, 2014, as part of their 125th-anniversary celebration. The exhibit features two female bison, named Lucy and Gally, that were transported to the zoo in 2020 from the [[American Prairie (nature reserve)|American Prairie]] in northeastern [[Montana]].<ref name="Bison_2">{{cite web |url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/smithsonians-national-zoo-welcomes-two-new-bison |title=Smithsonian's National Zoo Welcomes Two New Bison |newspaper=Smithsonian's National Zoo |date=July 16, 2020 |access-date= November 26, 2020}}</ref> The bison is not on display as of summer 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American bison |url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/american-bison |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute |language=en}}</ref> In early 2026, plans were unveiled for an [[Arabian leopard]] complex that would replace the existing bison exhibit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/smithsonian-national-zoo-leopard-exhibit-suadi-arabia-donald-trump-conservation/65-90ea39cc-0947-46be-b117-db7ff088f21a|title=Sneak peek at National Zoo's new Arabian Leopard Habitat|date=January 12, 2026|website=Wusa9.com|access-date=May 28, 2026}}</ref>

=== Other animals === Other animals in the zoo's collection include [[spectacled bear]]s (near the Amazonia exhibit), [[black-tailed prairie dog]]s (near the Claws and Paws Pathway exhibit), [[Przewalski's horse]]s (near the Small Mammal House), [[Patagonian mara]]s (near the American Trail), and [[Bennett's wallaby|Bennett's wallabies]] (also near the Small Mammal House).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/list|title=Meet the Animals|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|date=August 25, 2016|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

== Gallery == <gallery mode="packed" heights="125"> Lemur variegatus 1zz.jpg|[[Red ruffed lemur]] (''Varecia rubra'') Golden-lion-tamarin.JPG|[[Golden lion tamarin]] (''Leontopithecus rosalia'') Komododragon2.jpg|A [[Komodo dragon]] at the zoo's Reptile Discovery Center Lesser kudus (51336367265).jpg|[[Lesser kudu]]s at the National Zoo SeaLionUnderwater.jpg|A California sea lion underwater Pond Sliders at Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington.jpg|[[Pond slider]]s on a tree log at the zoo Chambered Nautilus at the Smithsonian National Zoo (8678543390).jpg|[[Chambered nautilus]] (''Nautilus pompilius'') at the zoo's former Invertebrate Exhibit. Black-crowned night heron - Smithsonian National Zoological Park (4856741214).jpg|[[Black-crowned night heron]] (''Nycticorax nycticorax'') Ramphastos sulfuratus -Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington DC, USA -head-8a.jpg|[[Keel-billed toucan]] (''Ramphastos sulfuratus'') Smithsonian National Zoological Park-elephant house.jpg|Inside the zoo's Elephant House before transformation into Elephant Community Center </gallery>

== Notable animals == === Smokey Bear === {{Main|Smokey Bear#Living symbol}}

[[File:SmokeyBear1.jpg|thumb|right|alt=bear reclined in pool|Smokey Bear playing in his pool, sometime in the 1950s]]

One of the most famous animals to have spent much of his life at the zoo was [[Smokey Bear#Living symbol|Smokey Bear]], the "living symbol" of the cartoon icon created as part of a campaign to prevent [[forest fire]]s. A [[American black bear|black bear]] cub rescued from a fire, he lived at the zoo from 1950 until his death in 1976. During his time at the zoo, he had millions of visitors and an abundance of personal mail addressed to him – up to 13,000 letters a week – such that the [[United States Post Office Department|U.S. Post Office]] designated a special zip code for correspondence addressed to him.<ref name="BP">{{cite web |url=http://blog.photography.si.edu/2010/05/27/bearly-survived-to-become-an-icon |title=Bearly Survived to become an Icon |first=Tad |last=Bennicoff |work=blog.photography.si.edu |publisher=Smithsonian Institution Archives |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |archive-date=June 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608015101/http://blog.photography.si.edu/2010/05/27/bearly-survived-to-become-an-icon |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During his time at the zoo, he was "married" to Goldie Bear, with the hope that one of his offspring would continue to hold the title of Smokey Bear. When the pair produced no offspring, an orphaned bear cub was added to their cage. It was named "Little Smokey", with the announcement that the bear couple had "adopted" the new cub. In 1975, an official ceremony was held to recognize the retirement of Smokey Bear and the new title of "Smokey Bear II" for Little Smokey.<ref name="BP" /> Upon the death of the original Smokey Bear, ''The Washington Post'' printed an obituary, recognizing him as a "New Mexico native" who had resided in Washington, D.C., for many years, working for the government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/24/AR2010042402441.html |title=The biography of Smokey Bear: the cartoon came first |first=John |last=Kelly |newspaper=Washington Post |date=April 25, 2010 }}</ref>

=== Ham === {{Main|Ham (chimpanzee)}}

Ham was the first [[great ape]] ever launched into space in 1961. The [[chimpanzee]] would later retire to the National Zoo in 1963, residing for 17 years as a lone chimp until he was transferred to the [[North Carolina Zoo]], where he lived among other chimpanzees for the remaining years of his life, passing in 1983.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/animal-magic/2013/dec/16/ham-chimpanzee-hero-or-victim | title=Ham the astrochimp: Hero or victim? | newspaper=The Guardian | date=December 16, 2013 | last1=Nicholls | first1=Henry }}</ref>

=== Giant pandas === ====Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing==== [[File:Panda National Zoo.jpg|thumb|alt=a panda feeding on shoots|Tai Shan at the National Zoo]] During President [[Richard Nixon]]'s historic [[1972 visit by Richard Nixon to China|1972 visit to China]], the Chinese government donated two [[giant panda]]s, [[Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing|Ling-Ling (female) and Hsing-Hsing (male)]], to the official United States delegation. First Lady [[Pat Nixon]] donated the pandas to the zoo, where she welcomed them in an April 1972 ceremony. The first giant pandas in America, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing were among the most popular animals at the zoo.<ref name="nixon">{{cite web |url=http://blog.nixonfoundation.org/2011/02/pat-nixon-and-panda-diplomacy |title=Pat Nixon and Panda Diplomacy |first=Jimmy |last=Byron |work=nixonfoundation.org |publisher=Richard Nixon Foundation |date=February 1, 2011 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306041408/http://blog.nixonfoundation.org/2011/02/pat-nixon-and-panda-diplomacy/ |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ling-Ling died in 1992 and Hsing-Hsing in 1999. Although Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing had five cubs between 1983 and 1989, all died as infants.<ref name="discovery1">{{cite web |url=http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/pandas/meet/ling_hsing.html |title=Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing : Meet the Pandas : Animal Planet |first=Robin M. |last=Bennefield |work=animal.discovery.com |publisher=Discovery Communications, LLC. |date=April 16, 1972 |access-date=May 26, 2012 }}</ref> ====Mei Xiang and Tian Tian==== [[File:Giant Panda 2004-03-1.jpeg|thumb|Tian Tian at the National Zoo in 2004]] [[File:Female panda and cub.webm|thumb|Video of Mei Xiang (adult female) and Bei Bei (male cub)]] A new pair of pandas, female [[Mei Xiang]] ("Beautiful Fragrance") and male [[Tian Tian (male giant panda)|Tian Tian]] ("More and More"), arrived on loan from the Chinese government in late 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/01/0109panda.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010426021956/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/01/0109panda.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 26, 2001 |title=Panda "Ambassadors" Introduced to Washington, D.C. |first=Brian |last=Handwerk |work=nationalgeographic.com |publisher= National Geographic News |date=January 9, 2001 |access-date=May 26, 2012 }}</ref> The zoo paid an estimated 10 million dollars for the 10-year loan. On July 9, 2005, a male panda cub was born at the zoo. It was the first surviving panda birth at the zoo and the product of [[artificial insemination]] by the zoo's reproductive research team. The cub was named [[Tai Shan (panda)|Tai Shan]] ("[[Mount Tai|Peaceful Mountain]]") on October 17, 100 days after his birth; the panda went without a name for its first hundred days, in observance of a Chinese [[convention (norm)|custom]]. Tai Shan is property of the Chinese government and was scheduled to be sent to China after his second birthday, although that deadline was extended in 2007 by two years. Tai Shan left Washington, D.C., on February 4, 2010, and was taken to the Ya'an [[Bifengxia Panda Base]], part of the Wolong nature reserve's panda conservation center.

On September 16, 2012, Mei Xiang gave birth to another cub, believed by zoo officials to have been a female, which died after about a week. Initial results from a [[necropsy]] (animal autopsy) revealed the abnormal presence of fluid in the abdomen and also discoloration of the liver (hepatic) tissue of unknown etiology; the cub had managed to nurse before death because milk was found in its system. Zoo officials said that, while upsetting, they (and, by extension, the public) can hope to learn more about giant panda breeding, reproduction, and health as a result, and will work closely and cooperatively with their Chinese colleagues during the inquiry.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gonzalez |first1=John |title=National Zoo panda cub dies: Abnormalities found in initial necropsy |url=https://wjla.com/news/local/national-zoo-panda-cub-dies-80189 |access-date=6 June 2020 |agency=ABC7 WJLA |date=September 23, 2012}}</ref>

In January 2011, Dennis Kelly, director of the National Zoo, and Zang Chunlin, secretary general of the China Wildlife Conservation Association, signed a new Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement, extending the zoo's giant panda program for five more years, further cementing the two countries' commitment to the conservation of the species. The agreement, effective through December 5, 2015, stipulates that the zoo will conduct research in the areas of breeding and cub behavior. A new agreement was put in place December 7, 2015, and was in effect until December 7, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dcist.com/story/15/11/19/five-more-years-of-pandas-at-the-zo/ |title=The Zoo Signs Agreement for Five More Years of Pandas | DCist |access-date=January 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119024837/https://dcist.com/story/15/11/19/five-more-years-of-pandas-at-the-zo/ |archive-date=November 19, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2020, the deal got extended until 2023.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/pandas-national-zoo-go-to-china-end-of-2023/65-b1a3dbca-0644-4e6e-bbe6-47cebe0a9a51|title=Giant pandas to stay at National Zoo through 2023, then return to China|publisher=WUSA9 |date=2020-12-07|access-date=2024-02-18}}</ref>

Mei Xiang gave birth in August 2015 to two live cubs; the smaller one died a few days later (keepers had to care for it after Mei decided to focus on the larger cub). Sperm from both Tian Tian and another male giant panda based in a China preserve was used. It was determined on August 28, 2015,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/pressreleases/press-release.cfm?id=2714 |title=Press Release - National Zoo| FONZ |access-date=2015-11-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023081826/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/pressreleases/press-release.cfm?id=2714 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> that both cubs were male and sired by Tian Tian. The larger, surviving cub was named Bei Bei<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/pressreleases/press-release.cfm?id=2718 |title=Press Release - National Zoo| FONZ |access-date=2015-11-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119082303/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/pressreleases/press-release.cfm?id=2718 |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ("precious treasure") on September 25, 2015. In celebration of a state visit, the name was selected by First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and First Lady of the People's Republic of China, Peng Liyuan.

Bao Bao was healthy at that time, eating bamboo and special fruitsicle treats, having been separated from Mei at 18 months of age. She celebrated her second birthday in August 2015, shortly after the cubs were born. Her contract extended to August 2017. Bao Bao left the National Zoo on February 22, 2017, for the Dujiangyan base of the China Panda Conservation and Research Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-12/27/c_136854836.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227061546/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-12/27/c_136854836.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 27, 2017|title=Keeper's diary: Bao Bao's challenge after her return from America |website=Xinhuanet.com|access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref>

In March 2020 shortly after the National Zoo closed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated using only frozen sperm to avoid too much close contact.<ref name=Khalil>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/article245157180.html|title='The whole world celebrates' birth of panda cub|last=Khalil|first=Ashraf|work=[[News & Observer]]|via=[[Associated Press]]|date=2020-08-23}}</ref> In August 2020, the National Zoo announced that Mei Xiang was pregnant. A few days after announcing that they had detected fetal tissue, the zoo tweeted a short video of an ultrasound showing a panda fetus. On August 21, Mei Xiang gave birth to a live male cub named [[Xiao Qi Ji]], making her the oldest panda in the United States to give birth, at 22 years old.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Baby Panda Seen "Kicking and Swimming" on Mei Xiang's Ultrasound, National Zoo Says|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/baby-panda-seen-kicking-and-swimming-on-mei-xiangs-ultrasound-national-zoo-says/2392878/|access-date=2020-08-18|website=NBC4 Washington|date=August 17, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-21|title=Giant Panda Cub Born at Smithsonian's National Zoo|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/giant-panda-cub-born-smithsonians-national-zoo-0|access-date=2020-08-22|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-08-21|title=National Zoo welcomes panda cub, an unexpected arrival from aging Mei Xiang|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/national-zoo-welcomes-panda-cub-an-unexpected-arrival-from-aging-mei-xiang/2020/08/21/a9b91494-e40a-11ea-b69b-64f7b0477ed4_story.html|access-date=2020-08-22|newspaper=Washington Post|publisher=Associated Press|language=en}}</ref> This meant the first success for this type of procedure.<ref name=Khalil/>

On November 8, 2023, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji left the zoo and were transported in a Boeing 777F aircraft to the [[Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding]] in China, ending their 23-year era at the zoo.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-11-08|title=Giant pandas leave National Zoo after 50 years in DC|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/national-zoo-giant-pandas-dc-return-to-china/65-8b2e1dad-72e6-43e6-acff-5411b8a2b87e|access-date=2023-11-08|website=wusa9.com|language=en}}</ref>

====Bao Li and Qing Bao==== On May 29, 2024, the zoo announced the acquirement of male Bao Li and female Qing Bao from the Shenshuping Base and Dujiangyan Base in China respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-05-29|title=Two New Giant Pandas Coming to Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute From China by End of the Year|url=https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/two-new-giant-pandas-coming-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute-china|access-date=2024-07-04|website=Smithsonian's National Zoo|language=en}}</ref> The pair arrived at the zoo on October 15, 2024, following a 19-hour flight from China.<ref name="bao" /> The Giant Pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut on January 24, 2025, and zoo members can see Bao Li and Qing Bao early from January 10, 2025 - January 19, 2025. To feed the two pandas, the Zoo uses a "[[farm-to-table]] approach". Throughout the week, Zoo staff harvest bamboo from "undisclosed locations" in the Washington, D.C. area by hand, transport it to the Zoo, rinse and maintain its freshness with automatic water misters, and leave the bamboo at the pandas' preferred resting locations. The pandas sometimes prefer certain types of bamboo over others, so the staff always pick multiple species. Leftover bamboo is used to feed other herbivores at the Zoo. The pandas also receive "panda bread", a steamed mixture of "soybean, rice, and corn flours" developed in China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bock |first1=Mike |title=To Keep the National Zoo's Pandas Satisfied, Staff Prepare an Endless Supply of Bamboo |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-zoo-conservation-biology-institute/2024/12/10/to-keep-the-national-zoos-pandas-satisfied-staff-prepare-an-endless-supply-of-bamboo/ |work=Smithsonian Magazine |date=December 10, 2024}}</ref>

== Special programs and events == The zoo holds annual fund raisers (ZooFari, Guppy Gala, and Boo at the Zoo) and free events (Sunset Serenades, Fiesta Musical). Proceeds support animal care, conservation science, education and sustainability at the National Zoo.<ref name="zoo_events">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/events/default.cfm |title=Upcoming Events |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826043434/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/events/default.cfm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="zoo_activities">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Activities/default.cfm |title=Activities |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601114809/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Activities/default.cfm |archive-date=June 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

* Woo at the Zoo – A [[Valentine's Day]] (February 14) talk by some of the zoo's animal experts discussing animal dating, mating, and reproductive habits. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program. * Earth Day: Party for the Planet – Celebrating [[Earth Day]] at the National Zoo. Guests can learn simple daily actions they can take to enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. * Easter Monday – [[Easter Monday]] has been a Washington-area multicultural tradition for many years. There is a variety of family activities, entertainment and special opportunities to learn more about the animals. Admission is free, and this event traditionally welcomes thousands of area families. The celebration began in response to the inability of African Americans to participate in the annual [[Egg rolling#United States|Easter Egg Roll]] held at the [[White House]], until the [[Dwight D. Eisenhower|Dwight Eisenhower]] presidency. * Zoofari – A casual evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, entertainment and dancing under the stars. Each year, thousands of attendees enjoy delicacies prepared by master chefs from 100 of the D.C. area's finest restaurants. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program.{{clarify|date=July 2017|Is it always exactly 100 restaurants participating?}} * Brew at the Zoo – Guests can sample beer from a variety of [[microbreweries]] at the zoo. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program. * ZooFiesta – The zoo celebrates [[Hispanic Heritage Month]] with an annual fiesta at the National Zoo. Animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts and Latin American foods are offered. [[File:National Zoological Park Zoolights.jpg|thumb|alt=a walkway at night with trees colorfully lit|Zoolights event at the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.]] * Rock-N-Roar – An event featuring live music, food and drink, and viewings of lion and tiger enrichment.{{clarify|date=July 2017|reason=What is meant by 'enrichment'? What is being viewed?}} * Autumn Conservation Festival at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) – Visitors can talk with scientists one-on-one and learn about their research, and the tools and technology they use to understand animals and their environments. Guests can get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the SCBI's endangered animals. * Boo at the Zoo – Families with children ages 2 to 12 trick-or-treat at the zoo and receive special treats from more than 40 treat stations. There are animal encounters, keeper talks and festive decorations. All proceeds benefit the zoo's animal care program. * Zoolights – The National Zoo's annual winter celebration. Guests can walk through the zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling environmentally-friendly lights and animated exhibits, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment.

== Friends of the National Zoo == Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) was a non-profit organization working in partnership with the National Zoological Park providing support to wildlife conservation programs at the zoo and around the world since 1958. Starting with Park Operations (guest services, retail and more), Education/Volunteer Services, as well as Membership Services, every area of FONZ works to raise money for the zoo, with $5 Zoo Guidebooks, rentals, souvenir purchases and memberships, with each being a tax write off. FONZ memberships offer free parking, discounts at the zoo's stores and restaurants, ride tickets, and a subscription to the ''Wild.Life.'', a magazine with the latest zoo news, research and photos.<ref name="fonz_fact_sheet">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressKit/FONZfactsheet.cfm |title=FONZ Fact Sheet |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415094642/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressKit/FONZfactsheet.cfm |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="fonz_zoogoer">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/default.cfm |title=''Smithsonian Zoogoer'' |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513103908/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/default.cfm |archive-date=May 13, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

FONZ has 60,000 members including about 30,000 families, largely in the Washington metropolitan area, and more than 1,000 volunteers. FONZ also offers weekend birthdays to members and seasonal day-camps through Education/Volunteer services, and a residential nature camp is offered at SCBI in Front Royal.<ref name="fonz_fact_sheet" />

On February 4, 2021, the National Zoo announced that it was ending its 63-year partnership with FONZ.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ruane |first1=Michael E. |title=National Zoo to split with longtime partner FONZ |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/zoo--ends-fonz-partnership/2021/02/04/99331cf0-6637-11eb-8c64-9595888caa15_story.html |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=February 4, 2021 |date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> After the partnership ended, FONZ was relaunched as Conservation Nation, which is smaller and remotely-operated.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kashino |first1=Marisa M. |title=Beloved Zoo Group FONZ Is Becoming Conservation Nation |url=https://washingtonian.com/2021/10/21/beloved-zoo-group-fonz-is-becoming-conservation-nation/ |newspaper=Washingtonian |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>

== Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute == {{Main|Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute}}

[[File:Kim Terrell (SCBI), Andy Loudon and Dr. Reid Harris (James Madison University) investigate the role of skin microbes and immune function under different climate scenarios (8440042236).jpg|thumb|Kim Terrell (SCBI), Andy Loudon and Dr. Reid Harris ([[James Madison University]]) investigate the role of skin microbes and immune function under different climate scenarios]] The Smithsonian established its Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in 2010 to serve as an umbrella for its global effort to conserve species and train future generations of conservationists. Headquartered in [[Front Royal, Virginia]], the facility was previously known as the National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center.<ref name="scbi_main">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI |title=Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826131754/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The SCBI facilitates and promotes research programs based at Front Royal, at the National Zoo in Washington and at field research and training sites around the world. Its efforts support one of the four main goals of the Smithsonian's new strategic plan, which advances "understanding and sustaining a biodiverse planet."<ref name="scbi_main" />

[[Conservation biology]] is a field of science based on the premise that the conservation of biological diversity is important and benefits current and future human societies.<ref name="scbi_main" />

The Institute consists of six centers:<ref name="scbi_main" />

* Conservation Ecology Center (CEC): focuses on recovering and sustaining at-risk wildlife species and their supporting ecosystems in key marine and terrestrial regions throughout the globe. * [[Migratory Bird Center]]: studies neotropical songbirds and wetland birds, the role of disease in bird population declines, and the environmental challenges facing urban and suburban birds. They also train professionals in environmental coffee certification throughout Latin America. * Center for Species Survival (CSS): researches issues in reproductive physiology, endocrinology, cryobiology, embryo biology, animal behavior, wildlife toxicology and assisted reproduction. They strive to create knowledge that ensures self-sustaining populations in zoos and in the wild. * Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics (CCEG): works to understand and conserve biodiversity through genetic research, specializing in the genetic management of wild and captive animal populations, non-invasive and ancient DNA analyses, systematics, disease diagnosis and dynamics, genetic services to the zoo community, and application of genetic methods to animal behavior and ecology. * Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability (CBES): teaches conservation principles and practices, finding ways to help scientists, managers, companies and industries become more environmentally responsible. * Center for Wildlife Health and Husbandry Sciences: provides for the mental and physical well-being of every animal at the zoo through the complex endeavor of animal care.

== Incidents == * In 1983, a 16-year-old boy broke into the zoo and stole a venomous [[Gaboon viper]]. The boy "who was carrying the snakes in a plastic garbage bag, was bitten when he slung the sack over his shoulder as he stepped off a city bus." The zoo's [[antivenin]] supply was insufficient for treatment and more had to be rushed in from other zoos across the East Coast, including doses flown from the [[Bronx Zoo]] by the [[Civil Air Patrol]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 April 1983|newspaper=New York Times|title=Zoos Come To Aid Of Teen-Ager Bitten By Viper Stolen From Cage In Washington|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/06/us/zoos-come-to-aid-of-teen-ager-bitten-by-viper-stolen-from-cage-in-washington.html|access-date=2025-05-13|language=en-US}}</ref> * In March 1995, a homeless and mentally ill mother of three, Margaret Davis King, climbed into the lion's protected habitat and was discovered mauled to death early one Saturday morning.<ref>{{Cite web|last=ghostsofdc|date=2012-03-19|title=Lion Eats Woman At National Zoo {{!}} Ghosts of DC|url=https://ghostsofdc.org/2012/03/19/woman-fatally-mauled-at-national-zoo/|access-date=2021-01-12|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Woman Found Dead in Lion's Pen Identified |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-07-mn-39664-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=AP |date=7 March 1995}}</ref> *In 2002, the zoo's head veterinarian at the time, Dr. Suzan Murray, was accused of altering medical records.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/daily/graphics/records_120703.htm?%20records_120703.htm?%20referrer=emaillinkpg |title=Changed Veterinary Records |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=May 26, 2012}}</ref> Murray responded that the software used "was not designed as a legal document, but rather as a user-friendly way of maintaining and sharing important information."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/specials/zoo/murray_response.htm |newspaper=Washington Post |title=Response From Chief Veterinarian Suzan Murray About Changes to Veterinary Notes |access-date=May 26, 2012}}</ref> The [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] (AVMA) specifically states "Without the express permission of the practice owner, it is unethical for a veterinarian to remove, copy, or use the medical records or any part of any record."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/ethics.asp |title=Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA |work=avma.org |publisher=American Veterinary Medical Association |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510030752/http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/ethics.asp |archive-date=May 10, 2012 }}</ref> * In January 2003, [[red pandas]] died after eating [[rat poison]] that had been buried in their yard by a pest control contractor. The incident led the city of Washington, D.C., to seek to fine the zoo over its claim of federally granted [[Sovereign immunity in the United States|immunity]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2004/2004-02-26-10.html |title=Experts Blast National Zoo Management, Director Resigns |first=J.R. |last=Pegg |work=cbsnews.com |publisher=CBS News |date=February 26, 2004 |access-date=May 25, 2012}}</ref> * In July 2003, a predator entered an exhibit and killed a bald eagle.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/355102071.html?dids=355102071:355102071&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&fmac=&date=Jul+6%2C+2003&author=Valerie+Strauss&desc=Bald+Eagle+Killed+in+Attack+at+National+Zoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313142839/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/355102071.html?dids=355102071:355102071&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&fmac=&date=Jul+6%2C+2003&author=Valerie+Strauss&desc=Bald+Eagle+Killed+in+Attack+at+National+Zoo |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 13, 2007 |title=Bald Eagle Killed in Attack at National Zoo: Nation's Emblem of Freedom Dies on Independence Day After Fight With Unknown Animal |first=Valerie |last=Strauss |work=pqasb.pqarchiver.com |publisher=The Washington Post |date=July 6, 2003 |access-date=March 29, 2007}}</ref> Zoo officials later stated that the animal was likely killed by a red fox.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A13541-2003Jul18&notFound=true |title=Crafty Fox No Surprise, But Attack Is a Stumper |first=Griff |last=Witte |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 19, 2003 |access-date=March 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050719233013/http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article |archive-date=July 19, 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * In 2005, a three-year-old [[Sulawesi macaque]] named Ripley died in the Think Tank exhibit when two keepers closed a hydraulic door without realizing the monkey was in the doorway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=328443 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209231657/http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=328443 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |title=Third death this month at National Zoo |work=wtopnews.com |publisher=WTOP News |date=March 31, 2005 |access-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref> * In January 2005, the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|National Academy of Sciences]] released its final report on a two-year investigation into animal care and management at the National Zoo. The committee found that most animals were well cared-for, and there was little to question regarding large mammal deaths from 1999 to 2003. Their evaluation suggested "that the publicized animal deaths were not indicative of a wider, undiscovered problem with animal care".<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.nap.edu/execsumm_pdf/11212.pdf |quote=In total, the committee evaluated 74% of all megavertebrate deaths that occurred at the National Zoo from 1999 to 2003. The committee concluded that in a majority of cases, the animal received appropriate care throughout its lifetime. In particular, the committee’s evaluation of randomly sampled megavertebrate deaths at the Rock Creek Park facility revealed few questions about the appropriateness of these animals’ care, suggesting that the publicized animal deaths were not indicative of a wider, undiscovered problem with animal care at the Rock Creek Park facility. |title=Animal Care and Management at the National Zoo: Final Report |isbn=0-309-09583-2 |author=Committee on the Review of the Smithsonian |date=January 2005 |publisher=National Academies Press |access-date=12 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050516010532/http://www.nap.edu/execsumm_pdf/11212.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2005 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The problems at the zoo, which culminated with Director Lucy Spelman's resignation, included facility and budget shortcomings, although the animal care problems were prominently highlighted. The zoo added a new head [[pathologist]] and other veterinarians.<ref name="chief_quits">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/national-zoo-faulted-chief-quits/ |title=National Zoo Faulted; Chief Quits |work=cbsnews.com |publisher=CBS News |date=February 25, 2004 |access-date=June 10, 2008}}</ref> * In January 2006, the National Zoo euthanized an [[Asian elephant]] named Toni. The elephant had been suffering from arthritis and poor body conditions. [[Animal rights groups]] alleged that inadequate care led to her death.<ref name=wp20061223/> * In December 2006, a [[clouded leopard]] escaped from its exhibit at the Asia Trail due to faulty fencing. It was recaptured.<ref name=wp20061223>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/22/AR2006122200317_pf.html |title=What's New at the National Zoo? |first=Debbi |last=Wilgoren |newspaper=Washington Post |date=December 23, 2006 |access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> * During the night of May 3, 2022, a wild red fox from [[Rock Creek Park]] entered an enclosure through a baseball-sized hole and killed 25 [[flamingo]]s and a [[Northern pintail]] duck, and injured 3 other flamingos.<ref>{{Cite news |title=25 National Zoo flamingos killed by wild fox: 'Heartbreaking' |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/05/03/fox-killed-flamingos-national-zoo-dc/ |access-date=2022-05-03 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal|United States|Animals}} * [[Perry Lions]] – the lion statues on the Taft Bridge

== References == {{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="zoo_about">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs |title=About Us |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=National Zoological Park |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-date=July 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110731094937/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="aza_list">{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|access-date=May 25, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="elephant_trails">{{cite web |url=http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AsianElephants/ElephantTrails.cfm |title=Elephant Trails |work=nationalzoo.si.edu |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |access-date=6 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307021628/http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AsianElephants/ElephantTrails.cfm |archive-date=March 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="ghosts_of_dc">{{cite web|url=http://ghostsofdc.org/2012/04/12/proposed-location-for-a-zoological-park-along-rock-creek/ |title=Proposed Location for a Zoological Park Along Rock Creek |publisher=Ghosts of D.C. |work=ghostsofdc.org |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="msu">{{cite web |url = http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=vx&list=h-shgape&month=0008&week=c&msg=4ZaC2nPza053qdx7jtInAg&user=&pw= |title = Buffalo Jones |first = H. Allen |last = Anderson |work = h-net.msu.edu |publisher = H-net Online |date = August 2000 |access-date = May 25, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120306074551/http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/logbrowse.pl?trx=vx&list=h-shgape&month=0008&week=c&msg=4ZaC2nPza053qdx7jtInAg&user=&pw= |archive-date = March 6, 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

}}

==Further reading== * {{cite book |last1=Arundel |first1=Kara |title=Raising America's Zoo: How Two Wild Gorillas Helped Transform the National Zoo |date=2017 |publisher=Mascot Books |location=Herndon, Virginia |isbn=9781684011704 |oclc=1000583555}} * {{cite book |last1=Meyer |first1=Alfred |last2=Crosby |first2=Thomas |last3=Kamen |first3=Gloria |title=A Zoo For All Seasons: The Smithsonian Animal World |date=July 17, 1989 |publisher=Smithsonian Exposition Books |isbn=9780895990037 |oclc=5537769}} * {{cite book |last1=Page |first1=Jake |title=Smithsonian's New Zoo |date=April 17, 1990 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution Press |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=9780874747348 |oclc=20671857}} * {{cite book |last1=Vandersommers |first1=Daniel |title=Entangled Encounters at the National Zoo: Stories from the Animal Archive |date=2023 |publisher=University Press of Kansas |location=Lawrence, Kansas |isbn=9780700635689 |oclc=1376003490}}

== External links == {{Commons category|Smithsonian National Zoological Park|National Zoological Park}} * {{Official website|http://nationalzoo.si.edu}} *[https://zooinstitutes.com/zooinstitutes/smithsonian-national-zoological-park-57.html National Zoological Park] on [http://Zooinstitutes.com zooinstitutes.com]

{{DEFAULTSORT:National Zoological Park}} [[Category:National Zoological Park (United States)| ]] [[Category:1889 establishments in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Buildings of the United States government in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway]] [[Category:Smithsonian Institution|Zoological Park]] [[Category:Zoos in Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Educational organizations established in 1889]] [[Category:Zoos established in the 19th century]]