National Zoo Elephant Day

Keeper feeding elephant from behind a safety fence

Join us on Saturday, Aug. 23, for National Zoo Elephant Day, a celebration of Asian elephants and the Smithsonian’s long-standing commitment to their care and conservation. At Pachyderm Plaza, outside the Elephant Community Center (Zoo Map), families can enjoy hands-on activities and hear directly from our animal care experts: 

  • Meet the veterinarians who care for the health of our herd
  • Chat with researchers working across Asia to conserve elephants in the wild
  • Discover just how much an elephant eats with insights from our nutritionists
  • Add your thumbprint to our “Leave Your Mark” conservation pledge poster
  • Explore Little Critters Nature Play with elephant-themed activities for toddlers and young children

Demonstrations and Keeper Chats:

  • 11 a.m. – Elephant Training Demonstration (Outdoor habitat to the left of the Elephant Community Center)
  • 1 p.m. – Meet a Keeper (Outdoor habitat to the left of the Elephant Community Center)
  • 3 p.m. – Keeper Chat (Inside the Elephant Community Center)

This family-friendly event is the perfect time to learn about Asian elephants and the challenges they face in the wild. By caring for our herd at the Zoo and leading conservation projects across Asia, the Smithsonian is helping ensure a future for these incredible animals.