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The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution and does not charge admission. Founded in 1889, its mission is to "provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats".
The 163-acre park in the heart of Washington, D.C., is home to approximately 4,000 animals representing nearly 400 species. Almost a quarter of the animals at the National Zoo are endangered species, including, Asian elephants, North Island brown kiwis and western lowland gorillas.
National Zoological Park, zoo in Washington, D.C., that was established under the Smithsonian Institution by acts of the U.S. Congress in 1889 and 1890, when a site in the wooded valley of Rock Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River, was purchased.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. 4,627 reviews. #73 of 643 things to do in Washington DC. Zoos. Closed now. 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Write a review. About. A park-like zoo containing 4,000 animals and 500 different species.
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Frederick Law Olmsted, the premiere architect of the day, designed the Zoo within Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington, D.C., which officially opened in 1891. Shaped by Science. The Zoo has continued its legacy of saving species started by Hornaday throughout its more than 130-year history.
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National Zoological Park. Originally conceived by its founder, William Temple Hornaday, as a place in which to house endangered species and to conduct research, the National Zoological Park was established by an act of Congress in 1889.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution and does not charge admission. It began in 1889 and wants to be a leader in animal care, science, education, sustainability, and visitor experience. It is also called the National Zoo. The Zoo has two campuses.
