The Washington D.C. Zoo

History

The Washington D.C. Zoo was established in 1889 by an Act of Congress to advance scientific knowledge, provide refuge and sanctuary for animal life, and to offer recreation to the American people. Then-secretary of the Smithsonian Samuel Langley was one of the zoo’s original planners. The Washington D.C. Zoo led a trend during the mid-20^th century, when the focus of the exhibits emphasized the health and well-being of the animals above the mere spectacles that zoo exhibits were previously known for. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is the name of the 3,200-acre campus in Virginia where animals are studied.

Exhibits

The animals at the Washington D.C. Zoo are organized in natural habitats that include several different species based on region rather than individually. The Asian Trail is home to six different Asian species, including the world-famous giant pandas.

The African Savannah and Cheetah Conservation Station mimics the feel of the grasslands with zebras and gazelles in the open, along with cheetahs separated by barrier. Exhibits at Amazonia span from under the water to land. The Washington D.C. Zoo is comprehensive with over 400 species. Other exhibits include different species of lions, tigers, invertebrates, birds, sea lions, seals, reptiles, small mammals, primates, elephants,  and separate farm animal and North America exhibits that feature both domesticated and local species.

Visiting the Zoo

The Washington D.C. Zoo is open every day with the sole exception of Christmas Day. Admission is free for those 364 days each year. The zoo recommends that visitors take advantage of the Metro during peak times for the zoo, such as summer, as parking is limited and is charged at an hourly rate.

Special Events

The Washington D.C. Zoo hosts special events throughout the year. On Valentine’s Day, visitors can listen to a talk about animal reproduction called “Woo at the Zoo”. During “Zoolights”, zoo-goers explore the zoo under a canopy of sparking lights in the wintertime.

“Boo at the Zoo” welcomes trick-or-treaters to collect goodies from stations located around the zoo. On the Monday following Easter, the Washington D.C. Zoo hosts live entertainment and family activities. Other special events include overnight stays at the zoo, gourmet food nights, wine and microbrew tastings, and an Earth Day celebration. 

Nearby Hotels

While the Washington D.C. Zoo can be reached by the Metro, there are no shortage of accommodations surrounding the zoo. The Adams Inn and Woodley Park Guest House both offer quaint bed-and-breakfast lodging within walking distance of the zoo. The nearby Omni Shoreham Hotel at Washington D.C. is an 836-guest room luxury hotel with resort-like amenities and gourmet dining. Several luxury hotels are located within the Dupont Circle area just half a mile south of the zoo.

Check out other fun things to do in Washington DC that don’t involve cheetahs, pandas, or bears.