Spring Break at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

This letter was shared with members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council* April 8, 2025. 

Spring is here, and we invite you and your constituents to visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s newest animal ambassadors, from giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao to Amur tiger Vostok and red wolves Kiawah and Redford.  

When planning a visit, bear in mind the Zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last entry at 5 p.m. Guests of all ages must have their own free entry pass, which can be reserved on the Zoo’s website. Visitors without online access can get same-day entry passes at each entrance pending capacity. For those planning to park onsite, we highly recommend purchasing a paid parking pass online in advance. Note that parking is limited and can sell out quickly; onsite parking sales are subject to availability. We recommend attending our daily animal demonstrations, which offer visitors a chance to meet keepers and see our animals up close.   

We are committed to making the Zoo a safe and welcoming place for all to enjoy. Our team is closely coordinating with the Smithsonian Office of Protective Services, the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Park Police and Metro Transit Police to ensure that our anticipated large spring break crowds will be safely and securely managed. 

As in years past, temporary “access controls” will be implemented on high visitation days. Controlled access means the Zoo will conduct checks of bags, backpacks, personal items and strollers, as well as restrict the number of people entering the Zoo. These measures, which may vary by day and event, are similar to procedures used by Smithsonian museums. 

As some of you know, we implemented a new group reservation process in fall 2023 to mitigate bus parking along Connecticut Ave. The data shows bus traffic peaks from late March through early June. With the new system, our park management team saw a significant reduction in the number of buses dropping off and parking on Connecticut Ave.  

Unfortunately, some groups do not follow our policy or relay instructions regarding parking/idling to their drivers. In the same vein, food vendors often pop up outside our gates. We are sensitive to them driving business away not only from restaurants within the Zoo but also neighboring businesses in Woodley Park and Cleveland Park.  

The cooperative agreement between the Zoo and MPD gives Zoo police the authority to patrol the area of Connecticut Ave. between the Zoo’s vehicle entrance and Hawthorne Street. Zoo Police will continue to issue warnings and citations to vehicles that pose issues.  

We monitor and patrol this jurisdiction to the best of our ability. However, Zoo Police’s primary role is to provide a safe and secure environment within the Zoo. At times, they may be unable to break away from their daily duties. If you reach out and they are unable to respond, contact MPD for enforcement. We remain committed to collaborating with our community partners, the Zoo Neighborhood Council and MPD on this issue. 

We have several exciting events happening over the next few weeks, including Easter Monday (April 21), Amphibian Day (May 4) and World Migratory Bird Day (May 10). Your constituents will want to mark these fun experiences on their calendars. We appreciate your partnership in spreading the word about Zoo happenings. Your support is invaluable in helping us connect our neighbors with nature. 

*The Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC) is an informational group that includes representatives from Wards 1 and 3, as well as the Woodley Park, Adams-Morgan, Mount Pleasant and Cleveland Park community/citizens associations. The ZNC serves as an informal sounding board where animal news, events and operations that are of interest to the community are discussed.