Smithsonian's National Zoo

About

Smithsonian's National Zoo occupies 163 acres of Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington, DC and is one of the oldest and most respected zoological institutions in the country. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the zoo operates as a public trust with an explicit mission that pairs wildlife conservation research with public education — a dual mandate that shapes everything from exhibit design to animal care practices. The zoo is home to more than 2,700 individual animals representing roughly 400 species, with a particular emphasis on species under conservation threat. Its giant panda program has drawn international attention for decades, while its work in small mammal conservation, migratory bird recovery, and reproductive science represents some of the most serious zoological research conducted in an open-to-the-public setting. For families and students, the zoo offers an accessible entry point into ecology, wildlife biology, and conservation science. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, affiliated with the zoo, conducts research that visitors can learn about through exhibits and keeper talks. The zoo's trails through Rock Creek Park also provide incidental lessons in native plant and habitat ecology. Admission to the zoo grounds is always free, though timed-entry passes are required and recommended in advance, particularly on weekends and holidays. AZA membership from participating institutions may provide additional benefits.

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