Woodley Park

Back in early November we learned about the new later zoo hours effective Jan. 1st. Some folks are pretty pissed and a petition has been launched to reverse the decision:

“Proposed change of National Zoo opening time to 8 AM eliminates a safe place to exercise before work. Keep the 6 AM opening time, which makes the Zoo a fitness resource for all the surrounding Washington DC neighborhoods. Walkers and runners are happy to help keep the Zoo secure by reporting anything unusual to the Zoo police.”

Previously:

via FONZ

From an email:

“Tickets are on sale now for the Smithsonian National Zoo’s first BrewLights, to be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 5 to 9 p.m. BrewLights, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will take place during ZooLights – DC’s brightest holiday celebration. Local favorites such as Brooklyn Brewing and Hellbender Brewing Company will be joined by popular DC restaurants including Smoke and Barrel and Meridian Pint.

Guests will get into the holiday spirit as they stroll through the bright lights of ZooLights and into private BrewLights event areas, including Elephant Community Center, Elephant Outpost, Great Meadow, Great Cats Circle and Picnic Pavilion, enjoying holiday cheers along the way. In addition to sampling great hops, guests will receive a souvenir light-up holiday tumbler, three pours of craft brew, savory samples from local restaurants, and complimentary “Snow Tubing” rides.

Tickets are available now at FONZ.org/zoolights. Tickets are $45 for FONZ members and $55 for non-members. Proceeds for BrewLights benefit animal care and conservation at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and around the world. Now that’s something worth toasting!

This is event is for adults 21 years of age and older. Children of any age will not be permitted into the private event sites. BrewLights will be held rain or shine.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Ian Livingston

Thanks to a reader for sharing a letter from the Director of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park:

“Beginning January 1, 2016, the Zoo’s hours of operation will be modified so that our gates will open later and close a little earlier.

You’ve heard me state that the safety of the National Zoo’s guests, staff, and animals is my number one priority. We constantly think about safety as well as improvements that will allow our team and vendors to move freely around the park during early morning hours. From animal food deliveries and vet appointments to supply drops and grounds maintenance, this critical early morning work ensures that your Zoo runs smoothly and is prepared for visitors. The new closing hours enable us to protect and safeguard our visitors and animals, especially when it gets dark earlier in fall and winter.

We’ve evaluated the impact of these changes on our neighbors and community. We’re aware that joggers and walkers use the park for recreation, and that commuters use the North Road as a shortcut— although it is not a public road. Knowing that we will frustrate some of our neighbors, changing the Zoo’s open hours was a very difficult decision.I hope that you will appreciate and support my decision knowing that I cannot, and will not, compromise on safety issues. Moreover, this adjustment will enable the Zoo to use our time and resources in the most efficient manner possible.

The change will allow us to open our animal houses one hour earlier, giving our visitors more access to see animals, which is the primary reason people come to your great National Zoo.”