Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian's National Zoo News 2024

DavidBrown said:
What is in the current master plan exhibit-wise other than renovating the animal houses? Did they give up on trying to bring back giraffes and rhinos at some point?
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The giraffe saga has long been discussed in these threads, but the simple story is this: without a long range and strategic parking solution, the proposed location for an expanded "Africa" zone which would include giraffes, is the northern most parking lot - just north of the cheetahs.

The Zoo has also fielded these questions to which their typical response is: we'd love giraffes, but "not within our reasonable lifetime" is what one zoo official was quoted as saying.
 
I started to write something longer but I don't want to engage in speculation. Certainly if they are renovating the space directly above the Invertebrate building it would be a good idea to consider the future of that space, even if nothing is done immediately.

NAIB Volunteer said:
The giraffe saga has long been discussed in these threads, but the simple story is this: without a long range and strategic parking solution, the proposed location for an expanded "Africa" zone which would include giraffes, is the northern most parking lot - just north of the cheetahs.

The Zoo has also fielded these questions to which their typical response is: we'd love giraffes, but "not within our reasonable lifetime" is what one zoo official was quoted as saying.
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Are there any particular threads I should check if I want to know more? Just past news threads for certain years? I know they've been gone for a while, I believe they still had giraffe on my last visit to the facility, but I'd still be interested to read more.
 
JVM said:
I started to write something longer but I don't want to engage in speculation. Certainly if they are renovating the space directly above the Invertebrate building it would be a good idea to consider the future of that space, even if nothing is done immediately.


Are there any particular threads I should check if I want to know more? Just past news threads for certain years? I know they've been gone for a while, I believe they still had giraffe on my last visit to the facility, but I'd still be interested to read more.
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I would highly doubt they'd keep that in mind during renovation. Seems to me it'd be turned into keeper spaces, holding, or simply storage and left at that.

The giraffe/ parking discussion can be found in the news threads over the years, but not sure exactly which one(s) - it's been brought up every year it seems so you might have to do some digging
 
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NAIB Volunteer said:
I would highly doubt they'd keep that in mind during renovation. Seems to me it'd be turned into keeper spaces, holding, or simply storage and left at that.
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I said "future of the space" intending to be inclusive of decisions such as turning it into a keeper or holding area. I wasn't trying to hint at a revival of the old habitats if it sounded that way. I promise you I am not that naive. Just thought if they were working directly above it might be wise to decide.
 
NAIB Volunteer said:
As expected, the Reptile Discovery Center looks to be the next historic animal house at the Zoo due to be renovated.

A summary from their somewhat recently published Notice:

"The Smithsonian Institution (“Smithsonian”) is providing this Notice of a Pending Solicitation. The formal Solicitation will be Posted on or about January 2024. The Smithsonian will be seeking Proposals for a firm-fixed-price Architect-Engineer Multidiscipline Contract that would provide planning, design, construction document and construction phase services for the renewal of the current Reptile House (also known as the Reptile Discovery Center) into the Amphibian Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC) at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, DC.

Objective: To provide planning and design services for the Amphibian Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC), an approximately $60 million multi-year, major renovation of a highly visited historic building; NZCBI has 1.8 million visitors annually. The renovated facility will provide exciting and engaging reptile and amphibian exhibits, education opportunities, animal holding spaces, visitor amenities including public restrooms, staff offices and support spaces. These program elements will reflect NZCBI’s commitment to animal and staff welfare and well-being. The renovation is expected to include the replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire detection and fire protection systems. This includes animal smoke control, aquatic animal life support systems, IT and security. Improvements or upgrades include structural, building envelope, public circulation and exhibit viewing. This project will provide new interpretive exhibit design, accessible and inclusive design within the building and adjacent site, vertical transportation, and abatement of hazardous materials. Additional site work to include several exterior animal exhibits, including a dedicated Komodo dragon facility, storm water management, utility upgrades, landscape design, and renovation of the adjacent information/food service Kiosk. The main entrance portico that has been removed and stored by Smithsonian is to be conserved and reinstalled. The scope of work awarded under this solicitation includes the confirmation of programming, studies, concept design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and A/E Construction Phase Services, as well as services to achieve at a minimum USGBC LEED Gold, and possibly SITES certification and other sustainable certifications."
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They recently posted the solicitation for the project which provided a rough timeline:

"This announcement is for the selection and award of an Architect-Engineer Multidiscipline Contract that would provide planning, design, construction document and construction phase services for the renewal of the current Reptile House (also known as the Reptile Discovery Center) into the Amphibian Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC) at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, DC. The National Zoological Park Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Reptile House, built in 1931, is a contributing resource. The Reptile House is approximately 35,000 square feet. The planning, design and construction documents phase is expected to start in the fall of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2026. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by the end of 2029."
 
tigris115 said:
Honestly, empty exhibits (within a reason) would be a great opportunity for education. Let people in. Sorta the same principle as how Vienna kept some rly old cages up
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Taronga let people into their old giraffe exhibit when the giraffes were moved elsewhere in the zoo prior to their exhibit's renovation, around 2018. They also let people into the lion exhibit when the lions were off display after their escape in 2022.
 
Jambo said:
It's a female calf!

She was born on the 26th of January to Jack and Janet, but spent a month bonding with mum before moving on display.

Reported on socials.
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Maybe it's only early in the morning, but the calf has been given access to the outside exhibit. I have seen a few photos within the past week.
 
blospz said:
Maybe it's only early in the morning, but the calf has been given access to the outside exhibit. I have seen a few photos within the past week.
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Yes, it seems it went on display sometime a week ago (a month after its birth).
 
I visited DC last week and went to the zoo. I first went to the Africa Trail and saw that they are doing construction in the Lesser Kudu/Abyssinian Ground Hornbill exhibit. Looks like they're adding some anthills and removing some trees in addition to adding the new hornbill barn next to the kudu barn. I hope the zoo will bring back Grevy's Zebras. Hopefully, they will update the signage or add a new one highlighting the history of their famous former zebra Dan who I wrote about last year for International Zebra Day.

Lesser Kudu Exhibit (Undergoing Renovation)

Lesser Kudu Exhibit (Undergoing Renovation)

Taken on 3-15-24.

Not only was it great to see the Cherry Blossoms around the Tidal Basin and the Saucer Magnolias behind the Smithsonian Castle but it was a real treat to see the spectacular blooms at the zoo! I was unaware that there were a couple of Saucer Magnolias on the zoo grounds. One is to the left of the Small Mammal House and the other I saw is right by the outside exhibit for the Think Tank exhibit. Plus I saw an incredible pink Cherry Tree at peak bloom right by the Elephant Trails pool.

Small Mammal House With Spring Blooms

Small Mammal House With Spring Blooms

Taken on 3-15-24.
Cherry Tree In Bloom

Cherry Tree In Bloom

Near the elephant exhibit. Taken on 3-15-24.

Other than a 30% chance of rain, the weather was perfect and many of the animals were active. It was so warm I regretted bringing a jacket. I was glad I finally got to see one of the Sloth Bears up and about. Other animals in Asia Trail were active including the Fishing Cats and Asian Elephants. The Przewalski's Wild Horses were out on exhibit. I heard they recently came back to the zoo. Are the ones at the zoo post-reproductive individuals who have retired from SCBI? It might explain their very bland-colored winter coats.

Przewalski's Wild Horse

Przewalski's Wild Horse

Taken on 3-15-24.

In the Reptile Discovery Center, I was able to see the Komodo Dragon and Taylor's Cantil pacing and slithering around their exhibits. I was hoping that the front archway with the pterosaurs and toads as columns would've been up but it looks like I missed it by a few months. Looking forward to seeing it again when it's fully renovated. I've never seen an Aldabra Tortoise as big as the one I saw. It was huge and later found out he weighs over 500 lbs!!!

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Taken on 3-15-24.

At Great Cats, the one male Lion was up pacing which according to some zoo visitors I overheard they don't get to see that often. I guess they like to sleep. I remember back in 2016 they had a pride. Does the zoo now only function as a male holding facility for the African Lion SSP? It was cool seeing the zoo's lions and then the next day seeing Theodore Roosevelt's Lion up close at NMNH. Plus I saw the construction for a new exhibit nearby. I wonder what it'll hold?

Feline Exhibit Under Construction

Feline Exhibit Under Construction

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Taken on 3-15-24.

Overall I had a nice fun visit. If you're ever in DC for the Cherry Blossoms remember you can catch more spring blooms at the zoo!
 
I heard people saying that construction area behind Great Cats was only for infrastructure, but it really does look like it's starting to become an exhibit with those arches and columns! It would be really great if they brought back one of the smaller cat species that used to live near there.

I wonder if the anthills in Africa Trail will camouflage infrastructure elements or hint at what species will ultimately go there.
 
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