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. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work. A significant day of the year for for this entry is March 2.
Location. 38° 55.644′ N, 77° 2.745′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It is at the intersection of Olmsted Walk and North Road on Olmsted Walk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
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: Olmsted Walk (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Easter Monday (about 400 feet away); Scientists on the "Hunt" (about 600 feet away); Forests Without Food? (about 600 feet away); Maned Wolf / Przewalski's Horse (about 600 feet away); Black-footed Ferret / Giraffe (about 600 feet away); Lions and Tigers (about 600 feet away); Prairie Dogs (about 600 feet away). 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 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 273 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
