goSmithsonian - February 2009 - (Page 64) N AT I O N A L Z O O L O G I C A L PA R K National Zoological Park The National Zoo—home to more than 2,000 animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, Komodo dragons and wattled cranes— is an international leader in wildlife conservation and education. A 163-acre urban oasis, the Zoo is located in Rock Creek Park in the heart of Washington, D.C. HIGHLIGHTS Tai Shan, a giant panda, is a must-see. THE BASICS HOURS: April 1 to Oct. 31 Grounds are open 6 to 8. Buildings are open 10 to 6. Nov. 1 to March 31: Grounds are open 6 to 6. Buildings are open 10 to 4:30. The Zoo is closed December 25. Admission is free! ADDRESS: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW PHONE: General Information: 202.633.4800 FONZ Membership: 202.633.3034 WEB: nationalzoo.si.edu goSmithsonian.com METRO: The playful giant panda Tai Shan, and his parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are a delight to watch in their Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat, designed to mimic the animals’ native rocky, lush terrain in China. “Asia Trail” begins at the Connecticut Avenue, NW, entrance and takes visitors to the habitats of six species: the giant pandas, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters, fishing cats, sloth bears and clouded leopards. At the “Elephant House,” the 7-year-old Asian elephant Kandula frolics in his daily bath at 10:30. At “Amazonia,” a 15,000-square-foot rain forest habitat, check out sunbitterns, poison dart frogs, and watch a 7-foot-long arapaima and other Amazonian fish get fed during weekend demonstrations. In “V alley Trail,” view daily demonstrations when zoo keepers interact with seals and sea lions. Watch beavers and river otters frolic in their pools. At the “Reptile Discovery Center,” get an up-close look at fascinating lizards, snakes and African panThe sea lion demonstration is at 11:30. cake tortoises. Investigate the thought process of orangutans at the renowned “Think Tank” exhibition. Parking is available for a fee. • Free wheelchairs are available at the park’s information booths. Zoo visitors can dine at the Mane Restaurant and a number of snack facilities, or enjoy several picnic areas. goSmithsonian.com 64 MEHGAN MURPHY; JESSIE COHEN Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park stations (RED LINE) metro ® M ● Woodley Park TIPS • Wear comfortable shoes for the hilly terrain. • Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members receive free parking and discounts at Zoo shops and on stroller rentals. http://nationalzoo.si.edu http://www.goSmithsonian.com http://www.goSmithsonian.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.