Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. by Renee Sklarew

Author:Renee Sklarew
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781628091052
Publisher: Unofficial Guides
Published: 2020-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

THE NATIONAL ZOO is one of my favorite D.C. spots. I love the orangutans, who climb on the O-Line, a suspended cable track high above visitors’ heads; and the seals, who look so cool even on the hottest summer day. Oh, and the elephants of course. . . . You won’t want to miss Zoo Lights, a magical festival of lights in December. It’s a place that never fails to inspire me.

—Julie Langsdorf, best-selling author of

White Elephant and practically a lifelong D.C.-area resident

National Zoo (a Smithsonian museum) ★★★★★

PRESCHOOL ★★★★★ GRADE SCHOOL ★★★★★ TEENS ★★★★

YOUNG ADULTS ★★★★ OVER 30 ★★★★ SENIORS ★★★★

Location 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Nearest Metro stations Cleveland Park or Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams Morgan. Contact 202-633-4888, nationalzoo.si.edu. Admission Free. Hours April–October: Grounds open 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (last entrance at 6), buildings open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; October–March: Grounds open 8 a.m.–5 p.m., buildings open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed December 25.

DESCRIPTION AND COMMENTS This expansive zoo strives to showcase the animals’ natural environments so that many roam in large enclosures instead of pacing in cages. Two main paths link the many buildings and exhibits: Olmsted Walk, which passes all the animal houses, and the steeper Valley Trail, which includes all the aquatic exhibits. They add up to about 2 miles of trail. The zoo’s nonlinear layout and lack of sight lines make a map invaluable; pick one up at the Education Building near the entrance. The most popular exhibits include the Asian elephant house; the great apes; a collection of rare tigers; the cheetahs; and the giant pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub Bei Bei in their 12,000-square-foot habitat, complete with Chinese-style mist and rocky landscapes. The panda habitat is part of the Asia Trail, also stocked with sloth bears, red pandas, otters, fishing cats, and the endangered clouded leopards.

National Zoological Park

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