Traveling Thursdays~ Smithsonian's National Zoo

Today, we are venturing into the wonderful world of animals! During the fall, we took a little trip to the Smithsonian's National Zoo located in Washington, D.C. The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, a museum and research complex. It's HUGE!

The National Zoo is 163 acre park home to over 2,000 animals from 400 different species. Their best known residents are Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, Bao Boa, and of course the newest addition to the panda family Bei Bei! When we visited Bei Bei was still rather small so we could only watch her on the Panda Cam.  He was a cutie! He is now out and about for the world to see.

Tian Tian hanging playing in the fallen leaves.

Bao Bao, the big sister, put on quite the show for us that morning. She loved playing it up for the crowd. They are such amazing animals. They are beautiful, strong, and gentle all at the same time.

Of course, we couldn't spend all our time at the Panda yard. We did explore some more and were thrilled to see a variety of animals. The zoo is broken up into 6 different exhibits. You'll find the American Trail, the Asia Trail, Amazonia, the Think Tank, the Cheetah Conservation Center, and the Kids Farm. You will get to see the Big Cats, Great Apes, Pandas, Asian Elephants, Reptiles, and Birds.

While you travel down the American Trail, you will see California Sea Lions, Gray Seals, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Gray Wolves, Ravens, River Otters, and more.

                           

Otters!

Eagles

The Cheetah Conservation Center was wonderful. The cheetah was enjoying the warm fall day and was prowling about in all her glory. She is absolutely beautiful.

Cheetahs

Along the Asia Trail, you will be able to see Sloth Bears, Fishing Cats, Red Pandas, Clouded Leopards, Panda Bears, and many more animals. 

At the Think Tank, you will get to think about thinking. The interactive exhibit explores 3 different cognitive areas: tools, language, and society. This exhibit combines fun loving orangutans and hands-on activities for a great learning adventure! Unfortunately,we didn't see any orangutans while we were there. They must have been hiding from us.

Amazonia takes you deep into the Amazon River area. This was a must do for Michael. Here you will get to explore the very diverse world of a tropical rainforest. You will discover tropical fish, amphibians, reptiles. and birds.

The Kids Farm is like a petting zoo. It's great for younger kids and children who live in the city. Kids can see cows, pigs, goats, alpacas, donkeys, and a barn! The kids didn't want to head over there since we've had a few of those animals. Living in the country allows them to see all of those animals.

In another section of the zoo, you'll find the Big Cats! Lions and Tigers....oh my!

It happened to be feeding time when we were walking by. The ladies seemed to be enjoying their lunch!

The tiger was passed out. He didn't raise his head the whole time we walked around the enclosure. He must have had a late night.

We love heading to the zoo. The staff is amazing and share so much information with the kids. They walked around with educational displays and are always ready to answer their questions. 

Next time you heading to Washington, D.C, be sure to check out the zoo.

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