I don't believe photos are possible from the public's perspective. They have it blocked off fairly well.
Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian National Zoo News 2020
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Nolie Thornell
Active Member
This is from the livecam in mid-september. Given it was a month and a half ago I am sure it has progressed even more
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I was there last weekend. No photos that I could take, but the barriers are up and cabled as well as the large training section. Nothing else I could see
Furthered by this article, North American migratory songbirds are now a AZA S.A.F.E. Species and zoos are partnering up with the consecration efforts for North American songbirds.
The article of the AZA and North American Songbird Conservation.
AZA Zoos as Partners in the Conservation of North American Migratory Songbirds - NABCI
This is the area that was once the old hippo yard right?
Yes, it was. I do miss seeing Happy or the single boomer ball floating in the pool, but I'm happy that something is being done with the yard for the benefit of Spike and the other elephants.
The zoo has a new male California sea lion named Charger, and a new female North American beaver named Poplar/Poppy. Both came to the zoo this past summer.
Meet the New Kids on the Block at American Trail
Meet the New Kids on the Block at American Trail
The new beaver, Poplar, is rotating with Chipper or Aspen due to introductions. You will only see two of the three beavers right now. I assume this is also in part of Chipper’s age so keepers make sure he accepts Poppy. Chipper is 20 years old and he is the last survivor of his litter. His two sibilings died a long time ago. 20 is very old for a beaver.
Now through November 20th you can vote once per day on a name for the panda cub, with the winning name being revealed on Monday, the 23rd.
Vote to Name the Giant Panda Cub
Vote to Name the Giant Panda Cub
Nolie Thornell
Active Member
Zoo is closing indefinitely on Monday November 23 due to the rising number of cases in the region. In addition to the rising cases I believe they are closing because they aren't making much revenue due to their being so little people at the zoo. I wouldn't be shocked if they remain closed until the spring.....
On the bright side the repavement of Asia Trail should be complete by then along with more updates on the renovated Bird House and Spike's new yard, so... yay for that at least?
I’m not mistaken, only Fonz would be losing revenue with decreased attendance so I personally don’t feel that’s impacting it as much as keeping their staff safe from potential infection. On the bright side, when it does reopen the baby panda will be viewable, as well as the new elephant renovation and potentially P-Horses.
They're federally funded, so despite the typical loss in revenue from food, gift, and events, they're in better shape than other zoos. It costs pretty much the same amount of money to operate a facility, whether they're open or not.
Nolie Thornell
Active Member
The federal funds do not pay for the FONZ employees, the people at the zoo entrances, restaurants, watching the buildings etc. FONZ pays their salaries and FONZ makes money from donations, memberships, parking, and other purchases including from the restaurants and gift shops. Federal funds go towards zookeeper (Federal employees) salaries and animal care costs.
Yes, I know, I'm just saying that they're not closing due to revenue loss. Whether the zoo gets 100 people a day or 5,000, it costs the same amount of money.
Nolie Thornell
Active Member
Yes but when there is only 100 they make less money while still having to pay the same amount of workers. Thus basically losing money
Nolie Thornell
Active Member
When closed they dont have to pay FONZ employees= saving money
However, FONZ doesn’t make the call on whether or not the zoo is closed. That’s left up to the Smithsonian, and in this case the Smithsonian made the decision to close all currently open museums and the zoo as a health precaution. Last thing anyone needs right now is contact tracing back to the zoo, especially considering their pandas public debut is going to be one of the largest spikes the zoo will have seen in attendance I’m several years.