Smithsonian's National Zoo

An animated banner with twinkling lights, animal silhouettes and text that says ZooLights, powered by Pepco. Free Admission. Nov. 23-Jan. 1

We Save Species

Admission is Free

Grounds: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Now open late for ZooLights!

Exhibit Buildings: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Amazonia opens 10 a.m.

Dining & Shopping: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Zoo News

Bei Bei in the snow

Nov. 30, 2018

The Panda House is Getting a Makeover

The New Year will bring in some new changes to the panda house. Beginning Dec. 5, the panda house at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat may occasionally close during weekday mornings to allow for the installation of a brand new exhibit!

Nov. 30, 2018

Creature Feature: Red Panda Scent-Marking

Did you know that red pandas have a unique way of picking up scents left by other red pandas? Get the scoop from Asia Trail keeper Mariel Lally.

Nov. 30, 2018

New at the Zoo: Red-Eyed Tree Frogs

Hop on down to the Reptile Discovery Center to see the Zoo’s newest—and most colorful—creatures: red-eyed tree frogs! Get the scoop on the Zoo’s amazing amphibians from assistant curator Matt Evans.