Introduction
Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Washington D.C is one of the largest zoological park in the heart of Washington D.C, United States of America with a whooping 163 acre land cover. The main moto of this zoo is to save the exclusive and rare species from getting extinct.
Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park already has more than 2100 animals which have their home at this park. All these animals represent more than 450 species of animals. The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park a team of experts that include the vets, the scientists, the Police, the keepers and the management team.
Exploring the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park:
The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park has a diverse collection of specieswhich includesthe Giant Panda, the Komodo, the Red Panda, the American Bison,The African Trail Leopards, the Sea Lion and many more show casting the wonders of the world.
Visiting Hours and Holidays
The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park Ground opens every day from morning 8.00 A.M to evening 4.00 P.M in winters and from morning 8.00 A.M to evening 6.00 P.M in summers and the last entry that you can make in the Park is at 3.00 P.M in the noon.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park Exhibits opens every day from morning 9.00 A.M to evening 6.00 P.M.The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park stays open throughout the year making the visitors to make the most of it except 25th December every year.
Entry to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park
While it is notable that the entry to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park is free of cost for all,
its guest visitors including adults, kids and infants yet, one requires passes to enter into the park.
The counter for the passes opens four weeks prior and are booked only on advance basis. For parties and group reservations a prior booking is must to avoid any confusion at last minute.
Though the entry is free but the parking in Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park requires $30 for each vehicle. There is no re-entry allowed in the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park.
How to reach
1. Pedestrian: The ones who are travelling through the Pedestrian streets are allowed to enter through two entrance gates which are situated at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW and Haward Street Bridge.
2. Metro and Buses : Both the metro and the buses have stops just within a five minute walk from the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. The people coming from the metros and the buses can enter through the gate situated at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW.
3. Personal vehicles: People travelling in their personal vehicles can enter through the gate situated at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW which need a prior reservation.
Discovering different Animal Habitats and trails:
| Trails/Animal Habitat | Characteristics |
| 1.Africa Trail | Open from 8.00 am to 6 pm in summers and 8.00 am to 4.00 am in winters. |
| a) Addax | Dessert animalShy and cautiousHas long twisted hornsFound in grey, beige and brown coloursWeigh between 135 to 275 poundsAre herbivores |
| b)Cheetah | Speediest creatures with an average speed of 60 to 70 mphSlender, long legged, blunt/retractable clawsBear black marks over the bodyWeigh between 80 to 130 poundsAre carnivores |
| c)Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra | Bear black and white strips on their bodyHas long face and neck, strong legs, barrel shaped chests, pointed hoovesHeighted at around 4 to 5 ft tallWeigh between 200 to 370 kgAre herbivores |
| d)Lesser Kudu | Striking species of antelopeHave 14-15 white strips running down the bodyHeighted at around 35 to 45 inches tallWeigh between 135 to 275 poundsAre herbivores |
| e)Ostrich | Swift runnersHave long and strong legs, wispy feathersHave big eyes and eyelashesCan continuously run at a speed of 30-37 miles per hourHeighted at around 9to 10 ft tallWeigh between 195 to 295 poundsAre omnivores |
| Trails/Animal Habitat | Characteristics |
| 3. American Trails | Open from 8.00 am to 6 pm in summers and 8.00 am to 4.00 am in winters. |
| a) Bald eagle | Brown with snowy head, neck and tailHeighted at around 8.5 to 9 ft tallWeigh between 6.5 to 15 poundsAre omnivores |
| b)Beaver | Have stocky bodies with yellow brown coat.Have flat board tails.Webbed feet and digital claws enables them to conserve heat.Heighted at around 3 to 4 ft tallWeigh between 35 to 45 poundsAre herbivores |
| c)California Sea Lion | Have fur seals, mane, slender neck, short limbsHeighted at around 8 to 9 ft tallWeigh between 200 to 600 poundsAre carnivores |
| d)Common Raven | Have thick neck and shaggy feathersStrong large feet.Black in colourHeighted at around 22 to 25 inches tallWeigh between 2 to 3.5 poundsAre omnivores |
| e)Red wolf | Reddish tings to their coatsLonger lankier legs, taller ears and tin bodyHeighted at around 4 to 5 ft tallWeigh between 42 to 50 poundsAre carnivores |
| f)Grey seal | Amazing swimmersHave massive necks and shouldersHeighted at around 7.5 to 8 ft tallWeigh between 575 to 600 poundsAre carnivores |
Specialities
The Giant Panda, American Bison, Elephant Trails, Nick, the Sea Lion are the special creatures here in the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park.
Conclusion:
Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park is worth a visit for people of all age groups. One can not only enjoy the animals and their varied species
,but also learn about their habitats, their features, sizes, characteristics and much more.
FAQs:
1) Which animals exhibits are there in the Amazonia Trail Zone?
Ans. Amazonia Zone has animal exhibits like : African clawed frog, Arapaima, Andean Bear,
Banded leporinus, Black pacu, Brazilian rainbow boa, Electrical eel, Flagtail charcin Freshwater stingray to name among a few.
2) Which animals exhibits are there in the Asian Trail Zone?
Ans: Asian small clawed otter, Clouded leopard, Fishing cat,
Northern snakehead fish, Red Panda and sloth bear to name a few.
3) What are more exhibits in Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park?
Ans: Bird house, Great Cats, Primates, Reptiles, Small Mammal House, Kids Farm are some of other zones here.
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