Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian National Zoo News 2018

While I would like this, the zoo has way to many plans that will come before this. The parking garage construction and new bird house obviously will come first. Then I imagine the zoo would focus on African species, by expanding into the parking lot. I imagine the zoo would like to add another ABC animal, whether that be giraffe, hippo (unlikely due to high cost) or rhinoceros. Space will be tight though with only 6 acres including the current cheetah complex.

 

Norton: National Zoo security plans 'appear excessive'

https://www.bizjournals.com/washing...orton-national-zoo-security-plans-appear.html

 

There will be an African focus once the garage is completed, and as has been mentioned elsewhere on the forum, it is believed giraffes are returning.

 

I could see the zoo fitting a giraffe-hoostock yard, cheetah exhibit, lion exhibit and not much more. Basically a few exhibits for popular species and a few smaller exhibits for small mammals & birds. It'll likely not be a hoofstock-heavy african exhibit like at many zoos. While this would boost attendance, I would like the zoo to renovate older spaces as well. The Great Ape house comes to mind as an exhibit greatly in need of a renovation. The Reptile House is the other exhibit I feel is in need of work. I found this house to be depressing in my last few visits, with many species in smaller exhibits.

 

Critically Endangered Scimitar-horned Oryx Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Also the zoos last Przewalski's horse did die, don't know how I missed this, but they actually made an article about it.

Elderly Przewalski’s Horse Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

 

The National Zoo is the most transparent of any zoo in regards to animal deaths. Likely due to them being a part of the federal government, but at times this constant news makes it look like the zoo is worse in regards to animal health/welfare compared to other zoos. Even though this is not the case, NZ just is public about it.

 

Statement on National Zoo Security-Access Plan

Security-Access Plan FAQs

 

Plans for new Zoo fence and entrance put on hold

 

AWESOME!

 

Are species like Eld's Deer and Persian Onager available for the public to see at the zoo? I'm going here next summer and it'd be interesting to see these species. I know their conservation center has them, but, of course, that is not available for the public.

 

Neither species can be seen at the zoo sadly.

 

The conservation center is where exactly?

 

Front Royal, VA. It's only open to the public one day a year (usually members only). It's for breeding, research, etc. Mostly large chain link enclosures.

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute - Wikipedia

Conservation

 

Does anyone have a complete species list of the zoo?

 

They used to have a complete species list on their website, it was just a list, but the page doesn't seem to exist now I'd say the website is at least 95% complete though, I personally can't think of anything it's missing, especially with the bird area closed right now.

 

The elephant yard 1 expansion preliminary and final site development plans were approved at the NCPC July 12th meeting.

https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/actions/2...Yard_1_Expansion_Delegated_Action_Jul2018.pdf

 

The zoo updated their statement yesterday.

Also if anyone is in the area on August 1st, you can attend a meeting at the zoo.

"Community Meeting Notice: On Wednesday, Aug. 1, the Smithsonian's National Zoo will host a public meeting that will include a presentation about the Zoo's perimeter fence and security plan and a Q&A. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Zoo's new Conservation Pavilion, located next to Mane Grill."

 

Anyone know the status of the lone remaining titi in Amazonia?

 

A lone male. I saw it on my last visit.