Smithsonian National Zoo Articles on National Zoo reptile house renovation and elephants

[DavidBrown]

The Washington Post has an interesting article on the transformation of the National Zoo's reptile house ("Reptile Discovery Center") into a more conservation-oriented organization.

National Zoo’s Reptile Discovery Center adds endangered species, emphasizes preservation - The Washington Post

There is also a Washington Post story on the demonstration of problem-solving skills by their young male elephant, apparently a break-through in elephant cognition studies:

National Zoo elephant has an ‘aha’ moment - The Washington Post

 

[snowleopard]

That is a very interesting article about the revamped Reptile House, and now with 83 species and almost 400 specimens the focus on more endangered animals is a noteworthy decision. I also found out that the quarantine period for snakes is 90 days, much longer than the traditional 30 days for other reptiles and amphibians.