Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian's National Zoo News 2024

I hope that the zoo brings back not only Pygmy Hippos (Bison exhibit) but also Grevy's Zebras. The zoo's history has 3 iconic species with Asian Elephants (Dunk & Gold Dust), Grevy's Zebra (Dan) & Pygmy Hippo (Billy). I really hope the zoo brings these species back because even though its the not the same it was 50-100 years ago I always see the zoo with the same level of prestige like the other Smithsonians and it'd be great for the zoo to pay homage to its history!

I'm pretty sure that fan favorites like Lesser Kudu and Northern Ground Hornbills will be coming back. I think it would be good to combine the former Addax and Hartmann's Mountain Zebra yard into one multispecies exhibit with Dama Gazelle, Scimitar Horned Oryx and a large bird species to showcase what they do at SCBI and showcase conservation in the Sahara region.

Also there's a big empty grassy area on the side of the hill near the Asian Elephant exhibit that I think could be great for an ungulate species like Takin, Bactrian Camels or Pere David's Deer. My first suggestion would be Eld's Deer but they don't do well on public dispaly which is why the species didn'ty do well at places like Disney and Sedgewick etc.

I'm looking forward to seeing the front of the historic Reptile House being restored. I haven't seen it looking how it does normally since 2016.
 
I hope that the zoo brings back not only Pygmy Hippos (Bison exhibit) but also Grevy's Zebras. The zoo's history has 3 iconic species with Asian Elephants (Dunk & Gold Dust), Grevy's Zebra (Dan) & Pygmy Hippo (Billy). I really hope the zoo brings these species back because even though its the not the same it was 50-100 years ago I always see the zoo with the same level of prestige like the other Smithsonians and it'd be great for the zoo to pay homage to its history!

I'm pretty sure that fan favorites like Lesser Kudu and Northern Ground Hornbills will be coming back. I think it would be good to combine the former Addax and Hartmann's Mountain Zebra yard into one multispecies exhibit with Dama Gazelle, Scimitar Horned Oryx and a large bird species to showcase what they do at SCBI and showcase conservation in the Sahara region.

Also there's a big empty grassy area on the side of the hill near the Asian Elephant exhibit that I think could be great for an ungulate species like Takin, Bactrian Camels or Pere David's Deer. My first suggestion would be Eld's Deer but they don't do well on public dispaly which is why the species didn'ty do well at places like Disney and Sedgewick etc.

I'm looking forward to seeing the front of the historic Reptile House being restored. I haven't seen it looking how it does normally since 2016.
The zoo has plans for that big grassy yard, however it isn’t an ungulate or hoofstock. As for the the African trails I do agreee but it will remain the same until atleast after 2030-2040 after its update that’s ongoing. The zoo seems to be very much take its time with updates which is a shame given its history.
 
The zoo has plans for that big grassy yard, however it isn’t an ungulate or hoofstock. As for the the African trails I do agreee but it will remain the same until atleast after 2030-2040 after its update that’s ongoing. The zoo seems to be very much take its time with updates which is a shame given its history.
Perhaps a proper tiger enclosure?
 
More along the lines of apes
Orangs or gorillas?

I believe this is the plan that is being referenced?
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Source

These plans are at least 10 years old and the zoo is in the process of creating a new master plan (or at least they were as of March of last year) so who knows how accurate this is nowadays.
 
Since now that Banteng have been uplisted to Critically Endangered & the Bison exhibit is uninhabited I think it’d be the perfect opportunity to have a 1.3 Javan Banteng group go there. Also, if the zoo decides to not bring back Grevy’s Zebra, Common Eland, Roan or Greater Kudu could go there. I think it’d be great if the zoo chose different species that aren’t on display at the Natural History Museum so visitors to DC can see different species whether they go to NZP or NMNH.
 
I believe this is the plan that is being referenced?
gEBcVXo.png

Source

These plans are at least 10 years old and the zoo is in the process of creating a new master plan (or at least they were as of March of last year) so who knows how accurate this is nowadays.
Indian Rhinos for the area on the map or another species? The current Prezwalski Horse exhibit used to house Black Rhinos in the past.
 
I believe this is the plan that is being referenced?
gEBcVXo.png

Source

These plans are at least 10 years old and the zoo is in the process of creating a new master plan (or at least they were as of March of last year) so who knows how accurate this is nowadays.
Similar plans I’m referencing. The zoo’s set to release their version of a master plan in the “near future” I use quotations because as all things with the government timelines change quite frequently.
 
Since now that Banteng have been uplisted to Critically Endangered & the Bison exhibit is uninhabited I think it’d be the perfect opportunity to have a 1.3 Javan Banteng group go there. Also, if the zoo decides to not bring back Grevy’s Zebra, Common Eland, Roan or Greater Kudu could go there. I think it’d be great if the zoo chose different species that aren’t on display at the Natural History Museum so visitors to DC can see different species whether they go to NZP or NMNH.
Amazing suggestion but the limiting factor would be the outdated barn that once housed bison is far too small and inadequate to house Javan Bateng. It has barely 2 and a 1/2 stalls and little to no heat. If anything it be better off housing domestic yak or highland cattle. The zoo does have some cool plans for that whole area that should be in development before 2030 so long as the funding is available.
 
Amazing suggestion but the limiting factor would be the outdated barn that once housed bison is far too small and inadequate to house Javan Bateng. It has barely 2 and a 1/2 stalls and little to no heat. If anything it be better off housing domestic yak or highland cattle. The zoo does have some cool plans for that whole area that should be in development before 2030 so long as the funding is available.
Do you know if the plans are the same ones that were posted here are or are completely new? Also why is the bird house not open now? I don't think that Avian flu will really have an effect on indoor birds. For example, in winter 2022 when I was there the National Aviary was open.
 
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Do you know if the plans are the same ones that were posted here are or are completely new? Also why is the bird house not open now? I don't think that Avian flu will really have an effect on indoor birds. For example, in winter 2022 when I was there the National Aviary was open.

All of Asia Trail is closed due to the pandas so Bird Plateau is also indirectly closed. With Africa Trail under construction and the bison gone, the upper Zoo is empty.
 
Do you know if the plans are the same ones that were posted here are or are completely new? Also why is the bird house not open now? I don't think that Avian flu will really have an effect on indoor birds. For example, in winter 2022 when I was there the National Aviary was open.
They’re similar to these and all of Asia trail is closed because of pandas. They have outdoor access and are not out of quarantine yet.
 
They’re similar to these and all of Asia trail is closed because of pandas. They have outdoor access and are not out of quarantine yet.
So the upper viewing area of Elephant trails near the bridge that overlooks the holding yard is completely closed off and you can only see them from indoors and the yard with the big pool???
 
And from American trail elephant outpost if they’re in yard 4 with the bridge that goes over it and aren’t at the top.
Its ridiculous that they have to close off the ENTIRE Asia Trail and bird house. Why not just erect one of those 6-8 ft non see through construction type fences like at theme parks so people can't see them from the paths. They're erecting anti-riot fences around DC so why not add a non-visible barrier to allow visitors to see the other animals???
 
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