Formally known as the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, the National Zoo in Washington, DC is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. Spanning over more than 163 acres, the zoological park sits in the midst of Rock Creek Park and is home to more than 2,000 animals that fall into 400 individual species.

The National Zoo receives more than 2,000,000 visitors each year and because the zoo is part of the Smithsonian collection it is free of charge to the public. The zoo itself is part of the American Public Gardens Association, is a major hub for animal and conservation research, and is home to one of the largest veterinary hospitals in the country.

The History of the Smithsonian National Zoo

The National Zoo was first founded in 1889. The creation of the zoo was formally mandated by an Act of Congress in an effort to advance the public’s understanding of science. When originally constructed, the main goal of the zoo was to capture and preserve some of the nation’s fastest disappearing species, including beavers and bison. For the first half of its existence visitors to the zoo would find only one or two examples of many of the world’s most exotic animal species.

In the early days of zoo creation, zoologists knew that they could easily replace an animal with others from the wild if one were to pass away. Scientists quickly realized that if they did not take better care of the animals they had in their possession they would soon have nothing to replace them with. As such, the focus of most zoos turned towards preservation of endangered species instead of merely displaying them.

During the mid 1950’s the National Zoo hired its first full-time veterinarian. In the late 1950’s the Friends of the National Zoo Foundation was formed and took it upon themselves to begin lobbying Congress for full funding through the Smithsonian institution whereas, in the past, it had only received 50% of its funding from the Smithsonian Institution. The changes in funding put the zoo in a financially sound position, allowing it to focus less on fundraising and more on expansion and animal care.

Future Plans for the National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has huge plans for the future. The goal of the zoo is to shed public light on the vast array of wildlife that exists around the globe. The staff aims to train future zoologists and scientists so that they can care for and preserve the lives of some of our planet’s endangered and nearly extinct species for years to come – in both zoos and in their natural habitats.

The National Zoo has a comprehensive plan for becoming the absolute best zoo in the world by the year 2016. The zoo and its board hopes to make huge advancements in medical care for animals, public education about wildlife, and ecological sustainability.

What You’ll See at the National Zoo

The National Zoo, as noted, features more than 2,000 different creatures contained within 400 species. While most people are familiar with the zoo’s famous panda family, there are dozens of other incredible animals on site as well.

Name a category of wildlife and you’re bound to find some incredible examples at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. There are cheetahs and naked mole rats from the African savanna, Asian elephants, sloth bears and fishing cats from Asia, and a wide variety of astounding creatures from around the globe.

You’ll find not only mammals but a huge collection of ocean wildlife and invertebrates as well. There’s even a giant Kid’s Farm where children can get an up close look at some of their favorite animals while participating in entertaining, educational, and engaging activities.

The Smithsonian National Zoological park is open 364 days per year, closed only on Christmas Day and admission is, as noted, free of charge. With so much do to and see, you could easily make a full day out of a trip to the National Zoo. Book a Washington, DC hotel, pack your bags, and prepare to explore the United State’s fastest growing, friendliest, and most reputable zoo!