National Zoo

The National Zoo, one of the oldest in the United States, is nestled in Washington DC. Spanning a variety of exhibits such as the Asia Trail and the Reptile Discovery Center, the zoo houses over 2,200 animals from 300 species, including elephants, big cats, and rare birds. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and observe these creatures up close. Notable past residents include the giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, the real-life Smokey Bear, and even the first chimpanzee to venture into space.