*Photos only

Washington Zoo
Torisha

What you need to Know before you go
to the  Washington Zoo

     The National Zoo covers a large area.  It takes several hours to see all of our animals and exhibits-more if you stop for lunch or a snack, spend extra time in an area of special interest, or talk with a keeper or interpreter.

    Where Are Some Highlights?

     We hope all visitors see all of our animals, but if you are short on time, some highlights include the giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, at the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat; our Asian elephant calf, Kandula;  the cheetah cubs, the Sumatran tiger cubs; and many exhibits, including Amazonia, Small Mammals, and Invertebrates.

     Dress for the Weather and Terrain

     While many of the animals are always or usually in indoor exhibits, many others, including giant pandas, other bears, seals, and sea lions, and great cats, are usually outdoors.  To make your walk around the Zoo more enjoyable, comfortable shoes are recommended.  The Zoo is set on hilly terrain and some paths are steep.

     Avoid the Crowds

Arriving early in the day, about 10 a.m. earlier, or after 2 p.m., when the Zoo is usually less crowded.  Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, and fall and winter are less crowded than spring and summer.

     Reasons to Visit

1.Discovery

The Zoo is a great place to discover and appreciate diverse and unusual creatures from tiny leaf-cutter ants to giant giraffes.  Learning about other species by watching their behavior can offer us new insight into ourselves.  

2.Imagination

Finding out about the strategies that different animals have for survival stretches the imagination.  Check out how orangutans, walk along the suspended O line,watch how giant pandas use their 'thumbs', and how naked mole-rats are like honeybees.  

3.Young Animals 

Seeing young animals learning to adjust to their new environment and interacting with their mothers can be a life-affirming experience.  The animal youngsters are irresistible and entertaining. Check out the young western lowland gorilla, Sumatran tiger cubs, Asian elephant, and other recent births at the Zoo.

4.Ice Cream and Souvenirs

Being at the National Zoo is a great excuse to eat ice cream and bring home stuffed animals.  

5.Watching Local Wildlife

Walking down paths to less popular areas of the park or taking a break on a bench puts you among thousands of plants, trees, and animals like chipmunks, squirrels, ducks and many other bird species. 

6.A World of Animals

You can watch and learn about wild animals from all over the world in one place.  

7.Great Exercise

Walking along the paths visiting animals is good for you!  Many local residents walk and jog through the Zoo daily, keeping fit while enjoying lions, tigers, lemurs, giraffes, elephants, gibbons, pandas, sloth bears, and other animals that spend most of their time outdoors.

8.Supporting Great Causes

Visiting helps support the Zoo's mission to study, celebrate, and help protect animals at and outside of the Zoo.  Money raised through your visit goes to many worthwhile causes, including species and habitat conservation and improving Zoo facilities for animals and visitors.  

9.FUN

There's something about the Zoo that brings out the kids in all of us.  Having fun is important at every age!

10.Admission is Free!    

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Photos

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Going to the National Zoo has help me understand more about animals, and their lives. Also, I have seen some new, and interesting animals. I had a great time there, even though a had to walk a lot! If you ever go to the Zoo, you will get to know more about the animals there.  I recommend you go to the Zoo, because you will learn new and interesting facts!! 

Citations

National Zoological Park

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm