Now more than ever, we need your support. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today!
Security-Access Plan FAQs
The safety and security of the visitors, staff and animals are the No. 1 priority at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The Zoo has an existing perimeter that currently has 13 pedestrian entrances. To improve the Zoo’s overall security and visitor experience, the number of pedestrian entrances will be decreased to three—Connecticut Avenue, the lower Zoo (Harvard Street) and the bus parking area near giant panda habitat. These are the three entrances that the vast majority of visitors use now. Read the full statement.
PLEASE NOTE: Public comments can be submitted to the Smithsonian via NZP-CommunityOutreach@si.edu.
Will I go through bag searches every time I go to the Zoo?
Not in the immediate future. However, we anticipate that during high-visitation periods or when there is an increased threat level, security at these entrances will include bag checks and additional screening as needed. This is in line with what the Zoo has done for the past four years.
The Zoo is reducing the pedestrian entrances from 13 to three. Where are the three entrances?
How will reducing the number of entrances make the Zoo safer?
Will there be long wait times to enter the Zoo?
Can you clarify what the Smithsonian is asking of National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)?
May I read the proposal?
How much fencing is being added? Where will it change the look and feel of the park like setting of the Zoo?
The Zoo is an outdoor park that is not like any other Smithsonian museum. Was this taken into account when the Smithsonian developed this proposal?
What is the timeline for this project?
Phase 1, which covers the additional fencing, will start construction in 2019.