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!
![Andean bear cubs Sean and Ian explore their outdoor habitat.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20230322-817a1715-001rp-andean-bear-sean-ian-teaser.jpg?itok=GefLjgqN)
Zoo Neighborhood Council Meeting Minutes: March 30, 2023
On March 30, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC) held its first meeting of 2023.
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Zoo Director's Remarks From the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall Event (March 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, 2023.
![Pedestrian entrance to the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Connecticut Ave.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20210617-skipbrowndsc00527.jpg?itok=oMzgDoNC)
Reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Entry Pass Inquiry
A reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton entry pass inquiry.
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Response to Cyclists' Request to Extend Zoo Bike Trail Hours
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Zoo Neighborhood Council Meeting: Jan. 26, 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.
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Autumn Update from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council received this correspondence Sept. 16, 2021.
![Pedestrian entrance to the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Connecticut Ave.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20210617-skipbrowndsc00527.jpg?itok=oMzgDoNC)
Zoo Visitation Update
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 at Zoo's entrance wearing a tie dye print face mask. Lion statue wearing face mask.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/lionstatuemask.jpg?itok=DyfR5WR7)
Smithsonian's National Zoo to Reopen May 21
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 and your constituents back to the Zoo Friday, May 21.
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Smithsonian's National Zoo and FONZ to Part Ways
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Smithsonian's National Zoo Will Temporarily Close to the Public Starting Nov. 23
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, Nov. 23.
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Zoo Fall Update 2020
An update from Associate Director of Communications and Exhibits Pamela Baker-Masson regarding fall 2020 happenings at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
![Lion statues at the Zoo's entrance are sporting tie-dyed face coverings. Lion statue at Zoo's entrance with face covering.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/2020-00102_copy.jpg?itok=EvrEIZCT)
Smithsonian’s National Zoo Public Opening
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.
![The Smithsonian's National Zoo reopens to the public on July 24. The entrance gate at the Smithsonian's National Zoo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/zoogateimage.jpg?itok=Dg3ujme_)
Zoo Neighborhood Council Update: July 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, July 24. All other Smithsonian museums will remain temporarily closed to the public.
![The Smithsonian's National Zoo reopens to the public on July 24. The entrance gate at the Smithsonian's National Zoo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/zoogateimage.jpg?itok=Dg3ujme_)
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Udvar-Hazy Center To Reopen July 24 With New Safety Measures
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 Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport. These locations will reopen with...
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Zoo Neighborhood Council Update
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.
![The Reptile Discovery Center's main entrance and portico. A schematic drawing and several photos showing the Reptile Discovery Center's cracking portico](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/rdc-portico-photos.png?itok=gjroZe5f)
Conserving Architectural Heritage: Deconstruction, Storage and Reconstruction of the Reptile House Portico
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Smithsonian’s National Zoo Security and Spring Updates
Smithsonian's National Zoo Director Steve Monfort shares with neighbors the Zoo's plans for 2020 spring break security and upcoming events.
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Woodley Park Community Association Meeting: Feb. 10, 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, NW). In this meeting, presenters and WPCA members discussed safety and security at the Zoo following...
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Dec. 5: ZooLights Security Update
An update from Zoo director Steve Monfort regarding plans to implement additional security measures doing ZooLights.
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
ZooLights Security Update
An update from Zoo Director Steve Monfort regarding ZooLights security.
![two-toed sloth clinging to a tree branch](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/two-toed-sloth-adopt-hero-2019.jpg?itok=NgGiSIW0)
Fall 2019 Community Newsletter
This newsletter was sent to the Zoo's surrounding community and neighbors on Sept. 25, 2019.
![Zoo entrance with icon banners.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/mal_9125.jpg?itok=TBP-kGd1)
Zoo Neighborhood Council Meeting: Sept. 4, 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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/zoo-entrance.jpg?itok=ZgrQjvMN)
Zoo Director Testifies Before Congress on Biodiversity
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.
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Spring 2019 Community Newsletter
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.
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Perimeter Fencing Update and Pedestrian Safety
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 pedestrian safety.
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New Zoo Exhibit: Experience Migration Preview and Update
As part of our community, we'd like to invite you to visit the Zoo's bird plateau to learn more about Experience Migration.
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Perimeter Fencing and Security Plan
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.