Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lions and Tigers
The Zoo's first permanent animal house building was the Lion House. With three stone sides, the last side was hastily boarded up when construction money fell short. It stayed that way until the current exhibit was built in 1974. Our roomy replacement features large outdoor areas where lions and tigers can swim, run, play or just lie in the sun.
[Captions:]
Our recent baby boom of cubs at the Great Cats exhibit contributes to healthy genetically diverse and self-sustaining lion and tiger populations in zoos across the country.
Standing in the entrance of the old Lion House is William H. Blackburne, the Zoo's first head keeper, who never took a day off during his 52-year tenure.
Inside the Lion House, 1910
The Great Cats exhibit soon after completion, 1974
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.
Location. 38° 55.709′ N, 77° 2.838′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker is on Olmsted Walk, 0.2 miles west of National Zoo Drive Northwest, on the right when
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Prairie Dogs (a few steps from this marker); How to Drink Coffee and Save Birds (a few steps from this marker); Ostrich / Domestic Horse (a few steps from this marker); Maned Wolf / Przewalski's Horse (within shouting distance of this marker); Black-footed Ferret / Giraffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); A Fiberglass Film Star (within shouting distance of this marker); A Book Brings A Dinosaur To Life (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
