Congresswoman Norton, hears our pleas, again, and “Urges National Zoo to Evaluate Entry Pass Policy”

On November 1st we had a lively discussion about “I would like to see the zoo rescind the ticket requirement for people entering the zoo on foot.” It seems EHN agrees – from her office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) urged the National Zoo today to reevaluate its policy requiring visitors to reserve passes ahead of time, saying the policy deters both visits from those without access to a smartphone or the internet and spontaneous visits. In addition, the requirement differs from the standard Smithsonian policy of not requiring passes for entry.

“The National Zoo, which is in a residential neighborhood, is popular with both tourists and District of Columbia residents, and both should have easy access to the National Zoo,” Norton wrote. “I am concerned that the entry pass requirement may be limiting access or deterring visits to the National Zoo, especially for people who cannot get online, whether because they do not have a computer or smartphone or are unable to use such devices, for people who want to spontaneously visit and for people who have been led to believe by the website that entry passes are available only online.”

The full letter follows.

January 9, 2023

Dear Director Smith:

I write to express my concern that the National Zoo requires entry passes. I am particularly concerned that, according to the National Zoo’s website, the passes are available only online, though my staff has been informed a portion of the entry passes are set aside for visitors who arrive without passes. It is my understanding the National Zoo is requiring entry passes because it has a shortage of volunteers, even though most Smithsonian museums do not require entry passes.

The National Zoo, which is in a residential neighborhood, is popular with both tourists and District of Columbia residents, and both should have easy access to the National Zoo. I am concerned that the entry pass requirement may be limiting access or deterring visits to the National Zoo, especially for people who cannot get online, whether because they do not have a computer or smartphone or are unable to use such devices, for people who want to spontaneously visit and for people who have been led to believe by the website that entry passes are available only online.

I urge the National Zoo to reevaluate whether entry passes are necessary, and, if they are determined to be necessary, to clarify to the public and to remind staff and volunteers that there are passes set aside for visitors who do not get passes online.

I request a written response to this letter by January 20, 2023.

Sincerely,
Eleanor Holmes Norton”

Ed. Note: Still hoping for those extended zoo loop trail hours too.