Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
House Remodeling
Animal enclosures have changed over time, evolving from mere "housing" to more natural and enriching environments. The Zoo's 2013 renovation of the 1937 Elephant House to an Elephant Community Center makes room for indoor socializing and playing for our growing, multi-generational elephant herd.
The Elephant Community Center (ECC) is a renovated and expanded Elephant House. Skylights open for fresh air, four feet of sand cushions the flooring, and a wading pool has an elephant-operated shower.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 38° 55.892′ N, 77° 3.087′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker is on Olmsted Walk. On the grounds of the Smithsonian National Zoological Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, 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. Elephant Community Center (within shouting distance of this marker); It's Our 125th Birthday! (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (within shouting distance of
this page online
More about this marker.
Captions from photos on marker:
In 1903, this brick building, the original Elephant House, replaced a temporary wooden shed for elephants.
The 'Pachyderm House' replaced the old Elephant House in 1937. The yards of this Elephant House featured moated exhibits for the first time.
The space where elephants once stood, in the Elephant House has been converted to ample and comfortable room for our elephants and renamed the Elephant Community Center.
"This building demonstrates our strong commitment to making sure that Asian elephants are here for future generations."
Dennis Kelly
National Zoo Director
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
