Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

It's Our 125th Birthday!

Smithsonian's National Zoo

— 125 Years —

It's Our 125th Birthday! Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017

1. It's Our 125th Birthday! Marker

Inscription.
The Zoo began 125 years ago out of a concern to save wildlife. The American bison was nearly extinct and other North American animals were threatened. Today, the Zoo cares for about 2,000 animals and saves species from all over the world.

William T. Hornaday, Chief Taxidermist at the Smithsonian Institution, proposed the creation of a refuge for America's vanishing animals. President Cleveland signed a bill establishing the National Zoological Park on March 2, 1889—our birthday. Note the purpose of the new zoo: "for the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people." These goals still guide us today.

Erected by Smithsonian Institution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #22 and #24 Grover Cleveland series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 2, 1889.

Location. 38° 55.911′ N, 77° 3.101′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker is on North Road. On the grounds of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20008, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. Feeding Times at the Zoo (a few steps from this marker); House Remodeling (within shouting distance of this marker); Meet Our Bison (within shouting distance of this marker); Are They Bison or Buffalo? (within shouting distance of this marker); Bison and the Land (within shouting distance of this marker); And Then There Were (Almost) None (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Elephant Community Center (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

More about this marker. There are 2 identical markers throughout the zoo.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017

2. It's Our 125th Birthday! Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.