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National Zoological Park
All images courtesy of the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park

Hours:

  • April 1 to Oct. 31: Buildings are open 10 to 6. Nov. 1 to March 31: Buildings are open 10 to 4:30. Closed December 25. Admission is free.

Location:

  • 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC

Phone/Website:

Metro:

Red Line
  • Woodley Park Zoo / Adams Morgan Station or Cleveland Park Station (Parking available)

 

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    Shop at the National Zoological Park

    The National Zoo store carries a large selection of animals, toys, hats, books and DVD's. The store also carries CDs, tapes, artist-crafted jewelry, design items and toys. We also carry a large selection of Panda and Tiger Cup Trio items.

    View all Smithsonian stores

    Eat at the National Zoological Park

    National Zoo cafes:

    • Mane Restaurant on Lion/Tiger Hill
    • Panda Cafe near the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat
    • Express Grill at Panda Plaza
    • Popstop across the Small Mammal House (seasonal)
    • Snack stands are scattered throughout the park (seasonal)

    View all Smithsonian cafes

    The National Zoo—home to more than 2,000 animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, kiwi and a Komodo dragon—is an international leader in wildlife conservation and education. A 163-acre urban oasis, the Zoo is located in Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park.

    Highlight Exhibits

    Giant Panda Habitat The playful pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian live in an enclosure that mimics the animals' natural habitat in China. To tell them apart, look at their eyes; Mei's eye patches are oval, while Tian Tian's are shaped like kidney beans.

    Great Cats Exhibit See African lions and Sumatran tigers, and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of some of the seven new African lion cubs born in 2010 to mothers Shera and Nababiep.

    Invertebrate House Don't miss the daily feeding of the octopus, which takes place at 11 and 3.

    Elephant Trails At the Homer and Martha Gudelsky Elephant Outpost, check out the new yards, pool and exercise trek. Learn about the conservation work Zoo scientists do for Asian elephants both at zoos and in the wild.

    Reptile Discovery Center Come face-to-face with lizards, snakes and African pancake tortoises.

    Become a Friend of the National Zoo (FONZ).