goSmithsonian - February 2008 - (Page 60) N AT I O N A L Z O O LO G I C A L PA R K National Zoological Park The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including many endangered species—from giant pandas and Asian elephants to Komodo dragons and wattled cranes. These creatures inhabit the Zoo’s beautiful 163-acre park—an urban oasis in Rock Creek Park in the heart of Washington, D.C. The Zoo is an international leader in wildlife conservation and education. Open 364 days a year, admission is free. Tai Shan, a giant panda, is a must-see. Highlights The energetic and playful young giant panda, Tai Shan, turns 3 years old on July 9, 2008. Tai Shan and his parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are a delight to watch in their recently expanded Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat, designed to mimic the pandas’ rocky and lush terrain in their native China. THE BASICS Zoo Hours: April 1 to Oct. 31: Grounds are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Buildings are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1 to March 31: Grounds are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buildings are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Zoo is closed December 25. Admission is free! ADDRESS: 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW PHONE: General Information: 202.633.4800 FONZ Membership: 202.633.3034 WEB: www.nationalzoo.si.edu METRO: metro ® “Asia Trail” begins at the Zoo’s entrance at Connecticut Avenue NW and takes visitors to the habitat exhibits of seven species: the giant pandas, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters, fishing cats, sloth bears, clouded leopards and a Japanese giant salamander. At the “Elephant House, the 6-year-old Asian elephant Kandula frol” ics in his daily 10:30 a.m. bath. Nearby, marvel at the beauty and grace of the Zoo’s cheetahs, Draco, Granger and Zabini. At “Amazonia, a 15,000- square-foot ” rain forest habitat, check out scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs and other tropical rain forest creatures. View daily demonstrations by seals and sea lions and watch the busy beavers and river otters frolic in their swimming pools. At the “Reptile Discovery Center, get Sea lion feeding time is 11:30 a.m. ” an up-close look at fascinating lizards, snakes and African pancake tortoises. Investigate the thought process of orangutans at the renowned “Think Tank” exhibition. Tips for Getting Started parking and discounts at Zoo shops and on stroller rentals. MEHGAN MURPHY; JESSIE COHEN Park M ● WoodleyMorgan Zoo/Adams • Wear comfortable shoes for the hilly terrain. • Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members receive free throughout the park. Zoo visitors can dine at the Mane Restaurant or a number of fast-food facilities, or enjoy several picnic areas. www.goSmithsonian.com or Cleveland Park stations (RED LINE) PARKING IS AVAILABLE FOR A FEE • Wheelchairs are available at no cost at information booths 60 http://www.nationalzoo.si.edu http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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