Washington Zoo

Also known as the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington National Zoo was founded in 1889 and it covers an area of 163 acres. As with all Smithsonian museums, entry is free. Perhaps the best known attraction are two giant pandas, donated to the zoo by the Chinese government following Richard Nixon’s trip to China in 1972. When I visited in June 2009, extensive development work was taking place at the zoo.

At the entrance of the zoo looking in

Zebra ...

Giant panda ...

... and a big queue to see the panda!

Finally, wise old elephants