Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Last Chance
Oryx and gazelle reproduction programs
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 22, 2021
Going, Going…Coming Back?
The scimitar-horned oryx and the dama gazelle once thrived on the grassy plains spanning northern Africa. But threats such as overhunting, drought, and competition from domestic cattle led to massive losses for both species. Are there signs of hope? Reintroduced oryx are thriving in the wild, and producing wild-born young—the first in nearly thirty years. Increased protection is helping to maintain the last small populations of wild dama gazelle.
Helping the Herd
Zoo staff are global leaders in studying oryx and gazelle. We use science and knowledge to put the best pairs together and work with organizations around the world to increase the populations under human care. The result? Diverse, healthy animals that are the foundation for future, larger herds. Our success goes even further—for the first time since 2000, oryx range freely in their native habitats.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.
Location. 38° 55.904′ N, 77° 3.261′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker can be reached from Olmsted Walk, 0.1 miles east of Connecticut Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ostrich (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Optimism for the Oryx (about 300 feet away); Farmers and Felines (about 300 feet away); Olmsted Walk (about 400 feet away); Max Kampelman (about 400 feet away); Saving Species Through Science (about 500 feet away); Red Pandas (about 500 feet away); The Scoop on Poop (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 22, 2021
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.