Nutrition Member Tours
Go behind the scenes with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Department of Nutrition and discover how expert staff care for and feed more than 2,100 animals each day.
On this exclusive guided tour, members will meet Zoo Nutrition experts, tour the Zoo's commissary, and learn how staff design diets to keep animals healthy and thriving. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak directly with commissary staff and nutritionists about the challenges and rewards of planning meals for species that range from tiny amphibians to massive mammals.
This tour is available to Benefactor Circle ($1,000) members and up.
- Reservations are required.
- Tour participants must be ages 9 and older.
- All attendees in your reservation should arrive in a single group.
- Each reservation may include up to 5 total attendees.
Questions about the tour? Looking to upgrade your existing membership to participate? Email [email protected] or call 202-633-2922.
Want a tour but don't have a membership? Find out how to become a member.
Explore More Member Tours
| Membership Level | Animal Facts | Nutrition | Behind the Scenes | Science and Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Circle | ✓ | |||
| Benefactor Circle | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Director Council | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Explorer Council | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ambassador Council | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
To upgrade your membership, please contact Zoo Membership at 202-633-2922 for assistance.
Animal Facts ›
Join a guide from the Zoo to learn about our wild and wonderful residents!
Science & Research ›
Visit our Conservation Biology Institute campus in Front Royal, Virginia, for the scoop on the site’s husbandry science and research.
Behind the Scenes ›
Explore what it takes to keep the Zoo's 2,100+ animals happy and healthy with a sneak peek into our animal care spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you’re planning to park at the Zoo, you should reserve your Parking Pass ahead of your visit. Member parking benefits may be used for this event. Benefits must be used in advance online; they cannot be redeemed onsite.
Day-of Parking Passes can be purchased onsite for $40 while space is available. Parking Passes are non-refundable and exchanges are subject to availability.
No. Members can walk through the Zoo’s pedestrian entrances without reserving Entry Passes. Simply present your membership card on your phone or provide a copy printed from home.
Please note:
- Your membership allows up to six people (including named cardholders and regardless of age) to enter without reserving a pass.
- You must provide a valid ID that matches the name of the cardholder to access membership benefits.
Please call our team at 202-633-2922 to upgrade your membership. Phones are monitored Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each qualifying membership includes one tour during each year of membership.
You are welcome to reserve space for up to five total individuals, including yourself.
Yes. For this tour, all participants must be at least 9 years old.
We suggest members be prepared to walk up to 1 mile and be able to walk up and down stairs. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes.
This tour meets outside of the Think Tank. Each group will then walk to the Nutrition Department.