Go wild at one of the nation’s most popular (and free) zoological parks right here in the nation's capital.
Two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Xing Bao, debut to the public on Jan. 24, 2025.
It’s not all elephants and donkeys in DC. At the National Zoo, visitors can find all sorts of animals that don’t subscribe to party lines. Lions, tigers and giraffes are just some of the 1,500-plus animals that call the 163-acre park home. The zoo’s habitats feature animals from 300 different species and about 25 percent of the zoo’s residents are endangered. All of the animals at the National Zoo – which is also a global research center and conservation center – are cared for by world-class zoologists and veterinarians.
The roster of animals again includes two giant pandas. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, have moved into their new digs at the Zoo, with the public able to view on Jan. 24, 2025 (a member preview runs Jan. 10-19).
The National Zoo is located in DC’s residential Woodley Park neighborhood and, like all Smithsonian museums, admission is free. The main entrance (you’ll know it by the two Instagram-friendly lion statues flanking the gate) is on Connecticut Avenue. The zoo is just a short walk from both the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stops on the Red Line and the L1 and L2 buses drop off right in front of the entrance. Be prepared to do lots of walking! The National Zoo, which is handicapped and stroller accessible, is a large park with 18 distinct areas to explore.
Meet the animals at the National Zoo
You’ll find animals from all over the world in various exhibits that are open like the Elephant Trails, Great Ape House, Cheetah Conservation Station and American Trail. Check out the National Zoo map for specifics.
Special events and programming for the whole family
With world-class zoologists and conservationists on staff, every day offers an opportunity for visitors to learn even more about the National Zoo’s wild residents. Take a self-guided tour of the zoo with the Animal Adventure Guide; spend some time chatting with the animal keepers at the Great Ape House; or get up close and personal with the American farm animals at the Kids’ Farm.
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