Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian's National Zoo News 2024

The Zebra yard (at least, the one between the Cheetahs and the Ostrich) was also empty during my visit from back in May. There is definitely work going on near the Africa trail and I vaguely remember seeing signage stating the Zebra yard will be redeveloped.

I was surprised to hear the Bison moved out. But then again, their exhibit wasn't good, so I hope they eventually renovate the space to house a smaller species.
 
That's so mysterious, since there was so much fanfare about adding the bison exhibit only 10 years ago and bison were the species that partially inspired the founding of the zoo. It is a pretty small exhibit, though very centrally located. I wonder if it's partly related to the panda exhibit renovations and expansions, since they're right near it?

That whole front entrance area of the zoo is going to be weird now with the Africa Trail, giant panda complex, and bison yards all either empty or largely empty and only the Asia Trail available to visit.
 
The zoo has updated the Africa Trail exhibit page on their website to include some information about the renovations.

Renovations will start in Fall 2024 and are expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

What’s Happening at Africa Trail?
  • This “renewal” project will revitalize the current look and feel of the exhibit, which offers close encounters with inspiring animals that thrive in African ecosystems.
  • Renovations to the exhibit’s behind-the-scenes areas include roomier indoor animal stalls, radiant heated floors, upgraded ventilation and environmental systems, and other upgrades that enable staff to continue to administer world-class care to the Zoo’s residents.
  • Outdoor renovations at Africa Trail will provide enhanced opportunities for visitors to get up close with the animals. Major construction projects like ground leveling and improved fencing structures will offer guests better views to see the animals in their habitat areas. The installation of new shade structures, dens, enrichment feeders and other comforts will give Africa Trail’s wildlife more ways to interact and engage with their surroundings.
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E Maximus said:
I do not. I believe the addax were sent to St Louis’ animal care park. Unsure where the Zebra and Ostrich went however I do know it was not to their Front Royal campus.
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When I conversed with a keeper a year or so ago, she stated that a majority would be sent to other facilities. Once complete, new individuals, not necessarily past residents, would fill the new space.
 
The zoos new pandas are officially on their way to Washington.

They’re cute, cuddly and coming to America: China’s newest panda diplomats headed for Washington

Two giant pandas are on their way from China to Washington’s National Zoo, kicking off a much-awaited return of the beloved bears to the American capital.

Bao Li and Qing Bao, both three years old, left the giant panda research base in Dujiangyan, a city near the bears’ native habitat in the mountains of southwest China, on Monday night local time. They will board a specially charted FedEx Boeing 777 cargo jet dubbed the “Panda Express” and take off for Washington in a few hours.
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New murals, hammock, cameras await National Zoo’s new giant pandas

Once the pandas arrive, zoogoers will have to wait several weeks for a chance to see the bears. They will be quarantined for at least 30 days to reduce the risk of introducing parasites or disease to other animals. Then they’ll get a little more quiet time to get used to their habitat and zookeepers.

The revamp of the panda house includes new indoor murals showing scenes of misty mountains, new panda climbing structures made out of black locust timber, and new flooring. New viewing glass has been installed. Higher fences have been built, and the air conditioning has been upgraded.

The renovation priorities were safety and security, Smith said. “We increased the height of the fence,” she said. “We decreased the depth of some of the pools. … One of the biggest projects was a smoke evacuation system in the [panda] house.”
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I know it's a longshot but I'm praying the international attention to Moo Deng inspires the zoo to bring pymgy hippos back. Given DC's history with Billy and his descendants, it would not only be appropriate to have them back. I suppose they don't fit neatly in any of the current exhibit themes, though.
 
Evy said:
I know it's a longshot but I'm praying the international attention to Moo Deng inspires the zoo to bring pymgy hippos back. Given DC's history with Billy and his descendants, it would not only be appropriate to have them back. I suppose they don't fit neatly in any of the current exhibit themes, though.
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Even though Pygmy hippos will probably not make there way back to the zoo, with construction happening at Africa Trail this would be a great location to make a Pygmy hippo exhibit along with some other African animal species. Another possibility would be to maybe have them be near think tank if there would be room avalible(even though as I said earlier the chances for Pygmy hippos to come back are low).
 
 
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