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 | |
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, 1889our 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. It is on North Road. On the grounds of the Smithsonian
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Feeding Times at the Zoo (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named House Remodeling (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 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
Other markers no longer nearby. House Remodeling (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Meet Our Bison (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. There are 2 identical markers throughout the zoo.
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 318 times since then and 15 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.
