Inauguration Weekend Hours and Parking
The National Zoo will remain open to the public during the four-day inauguration weekend, January 17-20, 2009, but will implement an early closing on Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20. On those days, the buildings will close at 4 p.m., and the park cleared with gates closed by 5 p.m., with the exception of the Connecticut Avenue vehicle gate.
Friends of the National Zoo members will be able to park free during the daytime hours when the Zoo is open, but beginning at 5 p.m. each night (January 17-20), a $25 parking fee will be charged to both members and nonmembers using the Zoo’s parking lots for evening and overnight parking. Nonmembers who may have parked at the Zoo during regular hours but leave their car on the premises after 5 p.m. will pay the amount due on the parking lot ticket in addition to the $25 after-hours fee.
Please note: In case of inclement weather, the Zoo’s first responsibility is to clear walkways, animal enclosures, and emergency roads. Parking lots will be plowed as the last priority.
