The zoo was established in 1889 by an Act of Congress for the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people.
The Asia Trail exhibit is designed to simulate the rugged, rocky terrain of the mountains in China and the Himalayas.
The zoo’s Amazonia exhibit features a 50,000-gallon aquarium tank housing over 20 species of fish.
It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), focusing heavily on endangered species breeding programs.
The zoo grounds serve as an official botanical garden with thousands of individual plants and trees tagged for conservation purposes.
The park was designed in collaboration with landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City's Central Park.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, located in Washington, D.C.'s Woodley Park neighborhood, is a 163-acre facility housing over 2,200 animals across 400 species. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, it functions as a center for conservation, research, and public education. The zoo is notable for its historic Asia Trail and the Great Ape House. It maintains an extensive collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can observe diverse habitats including the Amazonia exhibit, which features a simulated tropical rainforest. The zoo grounds are characterized by hilly terrain and mature trees. It is one of the few major zoos in the United States that remains free to the public.
The elevated boardwalks of the Asia Trail provide excellent sightlines for animal photography.
Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes, as the zoo is located on a significant hill and requires extensive walking.
Check the official Smithsonian app or website for daily animal demonstration times and keeper talks.
Bring a refillable water bottle to use at the multiple hydration stations located throughout the park.
Attempting to see the entire park in under two hours, as the steep incline and size make this difficult.
The park is generally open daily except for December 25th.
Stay on marked pathways, keep a respectful distance from enclosures, and do not feed the animals.
