Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian National Zoo News 2022

According to the website, the zoo is now closed Mon-Wed and open Thurs-Sun, still 8 AM to 3 PM. Additionally, the three largest indoor exhibits are closed: Amazonia, the Reptile House and the Small Mammal House.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
The import of the 2 elephants from Rotterdam has been confirmed by way of a recent government permit application.
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I'm guessing Maharani is getting too old and can't conceive with Spike? Which elephants from Rotterdam are coming? Hopefully, they're young cows.
 
Sarus Crane said:
I'm guessing Maharani is getting too old and can't conceive with Spike? Which elephants from Rotterdam are coming? Hopefully, they're young cows.
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The zoo is still actively breeding Spike and Rani so let’s hope for the best. The Rotterdam cows are on the younger side, the mother Trong Nhi was born in 2003 and her daughter, Nhi Linh, was born 2013.
StoppableSan said:
Source?
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Applicant: Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC; Permit No. PER0017129
The applicant requests a permit to import two female captive-bred Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) from the Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam, Netherlands, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. This notification is for a single import.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...ngered-species-receipt-of-permit-applications
 
Please note that this is a permit to REQUEST a transfer of 0.2 Asian elephants to National, not that they have been given the approval to do so. There are other permits listed along with the Notice of Receipt of Permit Applications so depending on public comments and Agency policy, nothing is definite - although these requests are quite frequent and routine.

There is typically a 60-90 day review period for such permits after a Notice is published in the Federal Register, so a decision should be made by spring.
 
Animals R AMAZING! said:
The zoo is still actively breeding Spike and Rani so let’s hope for the best. The Rotterdam cows are on the younger side, the mother Trong Nhi was born in 2003 and her daughter, Nhi Linh, was born 2013.

Applicant: Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC; Permit No. PER0017129
The applicant requests a permit to import two female captive-bred Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) from the Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam, Netherlands, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. This notification is for a single import.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...ngered-species-receipt-of-permit-applications
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Correct, I was not going to say so as not to scupper the deal.
 
Minutes from a January, 26th meeting between the zoos new director and the Zoo Neighborhood Council.
Zoo Neighborhood Council Meeting: Jan. 26, 2022

"Dr. Smith discussed upcoming construction projects, including ongoing maintenance to the 133-year-old Zoo. In 2022, the Zoo is heavily investing in infrastructure repairs at its boiler plant, commissary, horticulture and maintenance buildings, as well as shoring up the public walkway at the Great Cats exhibit and several animal holding areas that are behind the scenes. New animals (including binturongs, addax, and an ostrich) will join the Zoo’s collection, and habitat renovations at the Cheetah Conservation Station will improve visitors’ animal viewing and enhance their overall Zoo experience."
 
Andrew_NZP said:
Minutes from a January, 26th meeting between the zoos new director and the Zoo Neighborhood Council.
Zoo Neighborhood Council Meeting: Jan. 26, 2022

"Dr. Smith discussed upcoming construction projects, including ongoing maintenance to the 133-year-old Zoo. In 2022, the Zoo is heavily investing in infrastructure repairs at its boiler plant, commissary, horticulture and maintenance buildings, as well as shoring up the public walkway at the Great Cats exhibit and several animal holding areas that are behind the scenes. New animals (including binturongs, addax, and an ostrich) will join the Zoo’s collection, and habitat renovations at the Cheetah Conservation Station will improve visitors’ animal viewing and enhance their overall Zoo experience."
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I'd assume the binturongs'll either be in the Small Mammal House or in one of the fishing cat exhibits...? And what would these renovations to the Cheetah Conservation Station entail, if this means no drastic redux for the reintroduction of a certain tall, spotted mammal that's been missing from the zoo since the late 2000s?
 
StoppableSan said:
I'd assume the binturongs'll either be in the Small Mammal House or in one of the fishing cat exhibits...? And what would these renovations to the Cheetah Conservation Station entail, if this means no drastic redux for the reintroduction of a certain tall, spotted mammal that's been missing from the zoo since the late 2000s?
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If you meant cheetah I must observe that ATM the zoo should have at least 3 individuals on their animal collection (as of 2021). It is possible these are off exhibit.

Admittedly though all the breeding is centered on the CRC facility only where on average around 30 cheetahs are maintained.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
If you meant cheetah I must observe that ATM the zoo should have at least 3 individuals on their animal collection (as of 2021). It is possible these are off exhibit.

Admittedly though all the breeding is centered on the CRC facility only where on average around 30 cheetahs are maintained.
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He means giraffes.
 
As to masterplans: Out of sheer interest I tried searching out for a Strategic or Master Plan. That sounded easier than it was and perhaps to no avail. I found only these 2 documents (amongst which a facilities renewal plan describing several alternative concepts and as such a more general document I believe):
facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution
(pages 70-71 give a ATM state in time)

The second document dealt with parking lots more like and left none the wiser and was more interesting from the perspective of visitor circulation and facilities and access map.
https://www.ncpc.gov/files/projects/2017/7911_Submission_Materials_Oct2017.pdf

The third document dates back from the millenial period and documents standards of animal care and management. I just cannot download it here (from my work place).

Does anyone have the masterplanning document per chance available?
 
Don't get your hopes up for giraffe - she's talking about some minor upgrades such as pathway improvements and visitor viewing. Similar to renovations that occured a number of years ago by the cheetah exhibits and what just occured at Asia Trail last summer.

Giraffe would be slated to go in the current Parking lot A, but without a garage (which was shelved) and any long term plan for visitors arriving by car, giraffe are a long way off.
 
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