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Neighborhood News

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, we're committed to working with our local community. We'll post updates on Zoo projects to this page as they happen. If you have any questions or concerns, please email our neighborhood inbox at NZP-CommunityOutreach@si.edu. Thanks for being our neighbor!

The Bird House entrance invokes the slate gray and rusty brown plumage of the sandhill crane, which visitors can see on the Plateau.
Apr. 05, 2023
On March 30, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC) held its first meeting of 2023. 
Mar. 15, 2023
Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, delivered these remarks at the Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall event on March 15,...
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Jan. 11, 2023
A reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton entry pass inquiry.
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Oct. 27, 2022
A response from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute regarding the hours of the bike path on its property. 
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Feb. 02, 2022
On Jan. 26, 2022, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo held a meeting with new Zoo Director Brandie Smith and the Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC). Detailed minutes of the meeting follow below.
The entrance gate at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Sep. 16, 2021
Members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council received this correspondence Sept. 16, 2021. 
Pedestrian entrance to the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Connecticut Ave.
Jun. 30, 2021
Beginning today, June 30, the Smithsonian has approved an increase in the amount of visitors the Smithsonian’s National Zoo can admit daily, and an increase in our building capacities.
Lion statue wearing face mask.
Apr. 23, 2021
The Smithsonian announced today that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, along with seven other museums, will reopen to the public soon. We are thrilled to welcome you...
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Feb. 04, 2021
We write to inform you of the news that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), an independent nonprofit organization, are dissolving their 63-year partnership.
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Nov. 19, 2020
Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, all Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will temporarily close to the public starting Monday,...
Lion statue at Zoo's entrance with face covering.
Oct. 02, 2020
An update from Associate Director of Communications and Exhibits Pamela Baker-Masson regarding fall 2020 happenings at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
Lion statue at Zoo's entrance with face covering.
Jul. 21, 2020
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo opens to the public on July 24. There will be two media opportunities. All media must register to attend. Parking is limited and television crews will be prioritized.
Jul. 20, 2020
Today, the Smithsonian announced that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen to the public on Friday,...
The entrance gate at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Jul. 20, 2020
The Smithsonian will reopen two of its facilities to the public Friday, July 24: the National Zoo in Northwest Washington, D.C., and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in...
May. 28, 2020
This update from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Director Steve Monfort was sent to members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council May 26, 2020. 
A schematic drawing and several photos showing the Reptile Discovery Center's cracking portico
May. 22, 2020
As part of consultation, the Smithsonian is soliciting public comment on the deconstruction, storage and reconstruction of the Reptile House portico. Written comments are welcome for a 30-day period.
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Mar. 02, 2020
Smithsonian's National Zoo Director Steve Monfort shares with neighbors the Zoo's plans for 2020 spring break security and upcoming events.
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Feb. 13, 2020
On Monday, Feb. 10, Smithsonian’s National Zoo officials attended a Woodley Park Community Association meeting organized by councilmember Mary Cheh from 7 to 8 p.m. at Stanford (2661 Connecticut Ave...
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Dec. 05, 2019
An update from Zoo director Steve Monfort regarding plans to implement additional security measures doing ZooLights. 
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Dec. 01, 2019
An update from Zoo Director Steve Monfort regarding ZooLights security. 
two-toed sloth clinging to a tree branch
Sep. 25, 2019
This newsletter was sent to the Zoo's surrounding community and neighbors on Sept. 25, 2019.
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Sep. 12, 2019
On Sept. 4, 2019, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo held its inaugural meeting with the Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC). Detailed minutes of the meeting follow below.
Jun. 10, 2019
Read a copy of the testimony the director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute gave before House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on June 4, 2019.
Apr. 02, 2019
Springtime at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has arrived, and we are looking forward to warmer weather, longer days and many exciting events.
Mar. 08, 2019
On March 7, 2019, the Smithsonian's National Zoo received combined preliminary and final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission for its perimeter fencing plan focused on improving...
Oct. 20, 2018
As part of our community, we'd like to invite you to visit the Zoo's bird plateau to learn more about Experience Migration.
Jul. 18, 2018
The safety and security of the visitors, staff and animals are the No. 1 priority at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The Zoo will host a public meeting on Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m.