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National Zoo

National Zoo

Hours

clock

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (Mar. 15–Sept. 14)
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (Sept. 15–Mar. 14)
Closed Dec. 25

Location

location

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC

map View Floor Plan

ticket Free entry passes required

Visit Website external

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About

Founded in 1889, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to more than 2,100 animals representing almost 400 different species.

Highlights

Giant pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Aldabra tortoises, Panamanian golden frogs, sea lions, orangutans, daily animal demonstrations.

MetroAccess

To provide an address for MetroAccess Paratransit, please use 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.

Metrorail

Metro Stations: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park

We encourage the use of Metrorail and Metrobus.

Nearest Accessible Metro Entrance:
Cleveland Park
East side of Connecticut Ave., north of Ordway St. NW

Check Metrorail's Elevator and Escalator Service Status page for service disruptions.

Parking

See Zoo parking information »

Reserved parking near the museum can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.
Note: ParkWhiz is a third-party vendor (ParkWhiz Privacy Policy).

Dining

The Smithsonian's National Zoo offers a variety of dining options located throughout the park. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and snacks into the Zoo.

Hours subject to change due to weather

Elevation Burger at Mane Grill
(near Tiger/Lion Hill)
Hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, vegetarian burgers, vegan burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fries, and milkshakes.
Opens at 10:30 a.m.

Zoo Market Café
(outside the Small Mammal House)
Zoo Market Café featuring offers delicious, made-to-order sandwiches and wraps featuring Boar’s Head® meats, fresh salads, hot breakfast sandwiches and Bird Friendly® coffee. Or, indulge your sweet tooth with gelati, Italian ice, frozen custard and cookies! Vegetarian options available. 
Hours vary based on weather and park attendance

Sbarro
(Panda Plaza)
Pizza, stromboli, hot dogs, chicken tenders, soft drinks.
Opens at 9 a.m.

Auntie Anne's & Carvel
(Panda Overlook, Mane Grill (weekends only))
Soft pretzels, pretzel dogs, frozen lemonade, Carvel ice cream, soft drinks.
Hours vary based on weather and park attendance

Food Trucks
Ben & Jerry’s, Bootheel Bar B Que, Dippin’ Dots, Dolci Gelati, Popcorn Wagon, Vintage Views
Hours vary based on weather and park attendance

Shopping

Gift shops are located inside the Visitor Center, at Panda Plaza, and near the Great Cats exhibit. Outdoor gift kiosks can also be found throughout the park. Can’t get to the Zoo? Visit the Smithsonian’s online store and see what’s available!

See Getting Here for information on accessible parking and public transportation.

Accessibility Information and Programs

  • Smithsonian accessibility for visitors
  • Museum accessibility details

Disability access service requests: [email protected]

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    Asia Trail Added

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    Asia Trail

    Giant pandas, red pandas, Asian small-clawed otters, clouded leopards, fishing cats, and sloth bears are the residents along Asia Trial.

    January 24, 2025 – Indefinitely

    National Zoo

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    Bird House Added

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    Bird House

    The Bird House and the surrounding bird plateau focuses on the cyclical journeys of migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds.

    March 13, 2023 – Indefinitely

    National Zoo

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    Claws and Paws Pathway Added

    Claws and Paws Pathway Removed

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    Claws and Paws Pathway

    Meet binturongs, bobcats, Pallas' cats, and porcupines.

    May 27, 2022 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Naked Mole-Rats on the Move Added

    Naked Mole-Rats on the Move Removed

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    Naked Mole-Rats on the Move

    The naked mole-rats at the National Zoo are having a blast in their new, multistory habitat with more than 25 feet of connecting tunnels.

    September 1, 2018 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Our Voices in Saving Species Added

    Our Voices in Saving Species Removed

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    Our Voices in Saving Species

    A gallery of photos and stories from staff spearheading research programs at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, here at the Zoo in Washington, D.C., and in more than 25 countries across the globe.

    January 1, 2016 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    American Trail Added

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    American Trail

    American Trail is where Zoo visitors can learn about animals native to the U.S. and Canada, many of which have come back from the brink of extinction and are thriving thanks to conservation efforts.

    September 1, 2012 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Elephant Trails Added

    Elephant Trails Removed

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    Elephant Trails

    As part of the Zoo's campaign to save Asian elephants, this expanded and transformed home for the Zoo's Asian elephants provides new indoor and outdoor space.

    September 3, 2010 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Kids' Farm Added

    Kids' Farm Removed

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    Kids' Farm

    At the Kids’ Farm, children of all ages have an opportunity to meet and greet cows, alpacas, hogs, donkeys, goats, chickens, and fish.

    June 12, 2004 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Great Cats Added

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    Great Cats

    Some of the top predators on the planet live at the Great Cats exhibit—African lions and Sumatran tigers.

    October 1, 1998 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Reptile Discovery Center Added

    Reptile Discovery Center Removed

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    Reptile Discovery Center

    The Reptile Discovery Center is an interactive exhibition that features some 70 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    May 1, 1994 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Amazonia Added

    Amazonia Removed

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    Amazonia

    Venture to Amazonia and get up close to the animals that thrive along the Amazon River—the largest river basin in the world.

    November 18, 1992 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Small Mammal House Added

    Small Mammal House Removed

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    Small Mammal House

    Meet more than 35 species as they move, eat and play in enclosures that mimic their wild habitats.

    April 1, 1983 – Permanent

    National Zoo

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    Primates Added

    Primates Removed

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    Primates

    The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to over a dozen species of primates.

    April 15, 1981 – Permanent

    National Zoo

  • View all exhibitions
  • Red Panda

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Andean Bear

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • California Sea Lion

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Alpaca

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Lowland Gorilla

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • American Flamingo

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Oriental Fire-bellied Toad

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Sumatran Tiger

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • African Lion

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Sloth Bear

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Naked Mole-rat

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Fishing Cat

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Orangutan

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • African Lion

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Flagtail Characin

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Asian Elephant

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Hereford Cow

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • American Beaver

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Maned Wolf

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Allen's Swamp Monkey

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Cuban Crocodile

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Red-spotted Newt

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Electric Eel

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Fly River Turtle

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Komodo Dragon

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Prehensile-tailed Porcupine

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Roseate Spoonbill

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Sand Cat

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • African Clawed Frog

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Blue-billed Curassow

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
  • Fennec Fox

    Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
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