The Washington National Zoo, officially known as the Smithsonian
National Zoological Park, is a 163 acre zoo located in
the Woodley Park section of Washington D.C. Unlike most
zoos, visiting the National Zoo is free of charge, though
there is a hefty parking fee for those who drive ($20.00
for us on a Sunday in summer).
My wife and
I recently drove to the zoo from our home Loudoun County,
Virginia. Founded in 1889, by an act of Congress (at
the urging of naturalist William T. Hornaday), the National
Zoo was first envisioned as an institute to breed endangered
American animals (particularly the American Bison) and
to educate Americans about such animals and their demise.
Hornaday and Smithsonian Secretary Samuel Pierpont Langley
disagreed over the design of the zoo, resulting in Hornaday's
resignation. He would eventually go on to help found
another of America's most treasured animal parks, the
Bronx Zoo.
Prairie Dog
At first, the zoo grew slowly and nearly closed. In the
1930's, executives at the zoo began to import more rare
and exotic non-Americans animals such as giraffes, tigers,
leopards, lions, and even gorillas. In addition, the zoo's
focus shifted from simply showing animals to establishing
programs to help ensure their futures. It wasn't until
the late 1950's when the zoo's first full-time veterinarian
was hired! In 1958, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ)
was founded in an effort to shift the financial burden
of supporting the zoo entirely to the Smithsonian Institute.
This enabled the zoo to obtain the funding it needed to
grow and develop. Today, FONZ has 40,000 contributing members.
Barred Owls
Soon, the National Zoo became more than just a popular
tourist destination - it became a center of research, education,
science, and breeding biology. In 1972, the National Zoo
exhibited its flagship species, the Giant Panda, for the
first time. In 1975, the zoo bought 3,200 acres near Front
Royal, Virginia where rare animals such as the Maned Wolf
and Mongolian Wild Horses are free to roam in endless enclosures
where biologists carefully study their habits, behaviors,
biological needs, and breeding success.
Galapagos Tortoise
Today, the National Zoo is an incredible experience for
people of all ages. It features amazing animal exhibitions
such as the Invertebrates house, where visitors can view
Giant Octopi, huge lobsters, hundreds of brightly colored
butterflies, and scores of angelic Comb Jellyfish. Visitors
can experience the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest and
view Giant Anteaters, Sloths, Poison Dart Frogs, and Spectacled
Bears. Numerous endangered species are exhibited such as
the Golden Lion Tamarin, Giant and Red Pandas, Cheetahs,
Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears, Silver-backed Gorillas (with
a baby) and many more. Check out the avian exhibits to
see Kookaburras, Keel-billed Toucans, American Flamingos,
Cassowaries, and even a wild Black-crowned Night Heron
rookery.
MrsNussbaum.com at National Zoo
