Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
National Zoo Stories
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, February 17, 2025
1. National Zoo Stories Marker
The National Zoo was established in 1889 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.
[Captions:]
Look throughout the Zoo for more stories about our history, science, and conservation efforts.
Entering the Zoo in the early 1900s meant crossing through Rock Creek.
Postcard showing early Zoo buildings and scenes, 1897
The original Monkey House in winter, c. 1910
Schoolchildren visiting the Zoo, 1898
Erected by Smithsonian National Zoological Park Conservation Biology Institute.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment
this page online
Location. 38° 55.866′ N, 77° 3.003′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It is on Olmsted Walk 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.
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: Rebuilding in the Wild (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian's National Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elephant Community Center (about 400 feet away); House Remodeling (about 400 feet away); A Trail Transformed (about 400 feet away); Bald Eagle (about 500 feet away); A Capital Bird (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Other markers no longer nearby. Rebuilding in the Wild (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named House Remodeling (was about 400 feet away but has
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, February 17, 2025
2. National Zoo Stories Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
