- Discovery
The Zoo is a great place to discover and appreciate diverse
and unusual creatures from tiny leaf-cutter ants to huge elephants. Learning about other species by watching their
behavior can offer us new insight into ourselves.
- Imagination
Finding out about the survival strategies that different
animals have stretches the imagination. Check
out how orangutans walk along the suspended O Line,
how giant pandas use their “thumbs,” and how
naked mole-rats are like honeybees.
- Young Animals
Seeing young animals learning to adjust to their new environment
and interacting with their mothers can be a life-affirming
experience. Our animal youngsters are irresistible and entertaining.
Check out the panda cub, young western lowland gorilla, Sumatran tiger cubs, sea lions, Asian elephant, and other young animals at the Zoo. more
- Ice Cream and Souvenirs
Being at the National Zoo is a great excuse to eat ice
cream and bring home plush animals.
- Watching Local Wildlife
Walking down paths to less popular areas of the park or
taking a break on a bench puts you among thousands of plants,
trees, and animals like chipmunks, squirrels, ducks and
many other bird species. Meet the animals who call the Zoo
home, along with the Zoo’s more permanent residents.
- A World of Animals
Be a wildlife biologist in Washington, D.C.! You can watch
and learn about wild animals from all over the world in one place.
- Great Exercise
Walking along the paths visiting animals is good for you! Many local residents
walk and jog through the Zoo daily, keeping fit while enjoying views of tigers, lemurs, elephants, gibbons, pandas,
sloth bears, and other animals that spend most of their
time outdoors.
- Supporting Great Causes
Visiting helps support the Zoo’s mission to study,
celebrate, and help protect animals—at and outside of
the Zoo. Money raised through your visit goes to many worthwhile
causes, including species and habitat conservation and improving
Zoo facilities for animals and visitors.
- FUN
There’s something about the Zoo that brings out
the kid in all of us. Having fun is important at every age!
- Admission is free!