Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Elephant Community Center
Elephant Trails
A "Green" Home for a Herd
Elephant Trails is a high-tech, environmentally friendly facility designed for the unique needs of an Asian elephant herd.
Historic Building
Completed in 1937, the Zoo's Elephant House has seen many changes over the years. But historic features, like the original floor medallions, have been preserved.
Designed to be "Green"
We designed Elephant Trails to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. These guidelines help architects create more efficient, "green" buildings.
Recycled and Responsible Materials
We've used environmentally friendly materials in our building: steel has recycled content, wood is sustainable, plants are non-toxic and mechanical systems save energy.
Geothermal Heating
Wells pump warm water from deep underground to help heat the walls and floors of our building when it's cold outside. We save energy and it costs less to heat the building.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 38° 55.877′ N, 77°
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 the North Atlantic Region, 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: House Remodeling (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian's National Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); Feeding Times at the Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); It's Our 125th Birthday! (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Panda (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Pandas (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wang Dajun (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Another marker is no longer nearby. House Remodeling (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . The Elephant House at livingnewdeal.org. (Submitted on December 1, 2024.)
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 1, 2024
3. The Elephant House
The 1937 Elephant House was later converted into the facade of the current Elephant Community Center.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 1, 2024
4. The Elephant House original artwork
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on December 1, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
