The Smithsonian’s National Zoo was created in 1889 and opened its doors in 1891. To celebrate its 130th anniversary, look back at how the Zoo has evolved through the years – from just 15 species on the National Mall to a sprawling Zoo campus in Rock Creek Park and a companion facility in Front Royal, Virginia.
William Temple Hornaday, the first head of the Smithsonian’s Department of Living Animals, standing with a bison calf in 1886. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #SA-815
In 1886, the Smithsonian’s chief taxidermist, William Temple Hornaday, took a trip to the western U.S. and was troubled by what he didn’t see: large herds of American bison. The bison’s near extinction sparked Hornaday’s crusade to prevent endangered animals from disappearing altogether. He became the first head of the Smithsonian’s Department of Living Animals, bringing 15 North American species to live on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall.
The Adams Mill Road entrance to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1910. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #NZP-0883
Fun Fact: Olmsted also helped design New York’s Central Park!
A group of schoolchildren view the first American bison at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1899. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #2003-19498
Zebras grazing at the Conservation Research Center (now called the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute) in 1979. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #96-1377
Giant pandas Ling-Ling (left) and Hsing-Hsing (right) spend time together in their outdoor habitat at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1985.
Thanks to conservation programs and international collaboration, the giant panda’s status has been downgraded to vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
A family of endangered golden-headed lion tamarins at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1986. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #96-1010
Asian elephants Ambika and Shanti at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1973. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #73-6852
A Przewalski’s horse at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 1910. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Image #NZP-0788