The National Zoo, Washington D.C.

The National Zoological Park, commonly referred to as the National Zoo, stands as one of the United States' longest-standing zoos. It operates under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution and does not impose an admission fee. Established in 1889, its primary mission is to provide engaging encounters with animals while also generating and disseminating knowledge to safeguard wildlife and their natural habitats.

The National Zoo encompasses two distinct locations. The first is a 163-acre urban park situated within Rock Creek Park in Northwest Washington, D.C. The second campus is the sprawling 3,200-acre Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, nestled in Front Royal, Virginia. The latter features an impressive variety of natural flora, including 180 tree species, 850 woody shrubs and herbs, 40 grass species, and 36 bamboo species.

Across these two facilities, there is a collective population of approximately 2,700 animals, representing 390 different species. Most of these captivating creatures are on display at the Rock Creek Park campus. While the renowned giant pandas are perhaps the most famous inhabitants, the zoo also accommodates a diverse array of animals, ranging from various birds, great apes, big cats, and Asian elephants to insects, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic species, small mammals, and more.

In collaboration with the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), a non-profit organization, the zoo regularly hosts annual fundraising events such as ZooFari, Guppy Gala, and Boo at the Zoo. Additionally, they organize free events like Sunset Serenades and Fiesta Musical. The proceeds generated from these initiatives play a pivotal role in supporting critical areas such as animal care, conservation science, education, and sustainability efforts at the National Zoo.