The water/fog misters are hard at work in this photo, and the different vantage points into the red panda enclosure ensure that zoo visitors get an opportunity to see the little red critters wherever they are. Having said that, there are numerous tiny holes for the red pandas to duck into if they choose to seek out some privacy from Washington's millions of tourists.
This is definitely the best Red Panda exhibit I've ever seen, especially when its lush with plants. There are plenty of climbing areas for the Red Pandas and yet no needed mesh to keep them in. The misters and the realistic limestone add nice touches to the exhibit as well.
The entire Asia Trail area of the zoo is brilliant, and easily the best part of the whole zoo. I'm sure that Elephant Trails will also be excellent, especially as it is a 4 year process to create the habitats (2007-2011). Surely with $45 million and 4 years worth of construction the zoo can come up with something fantastic for elephants.
I'm surprised the National Zoo doesn't have much discussion on it....I've heard its one of the best zoos in the United States from other zoo-going people.
The National Zoo was in decline for years, and there were a lot of deaths in the animal collection. It is only recently that money has been poured into the place, and the brilliant "Asia Trail" area will hopefully see the rebirth of the zoo. The seal/sea lion pool is getting upgraded, the lion/tiger grottoes are being redeveloped, and of course the mega-expensive elephant paddocks should be impressive. The red panda exhibit in this photo cost a huge amount of money, but those are certainly some pampered pandas!
