| The National Zoo, part of the
Smithsonian institution, boasts a 163-acre zoo, with more than 400
species of animals. The zoo is part of the larger national park, Rock
Creek. As with all other Smithsonian institutions, admission to the Zoo
is free. The zoo is famous for its panda pair of Mei Xiang
and Tian Tian. The zoo is funded mainly by tax dollars and
has more than 2 million visitors a year. The zoo was founded in 1889 by famed American naturalist William T. Hornaday, who was concerned by the disappearance of native species of the United States, mainly bison. His dream was to create a place where breeding of these endangered species could take place so native animal species wouldn't be lost. The Zoo continues his wishes by having a large animal breeding program.  coming soon! View Washtington D.C. Zoo in a larger map |
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