
photo by Lorie Shaull
From Smithsonian:
“Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with our research centers and the National Zoo. (more…)

photo by Lorie Shaull
From Smithsonian:
“Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with our research centers and the National Zoo. (more…)

photo by angela n.
From the Smithsonian:
“In the event of a government shutdown, our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain open through at least Monday, Oct. 6. The Smithsonian will use prior-year funds still available to us to remain open. Visit si.edu for updates.”
Stay tuned.

“Dear PoPville,
We’re looking for 350 volunteers for Boo at the Zoo this year!”
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo: (more…)

photo via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the National Zoo:
“A new red panda has officially joined the pack! Carnivore keepers at our Front Royal, Virginia conservation campus are celebrating the birth of an unnamed cub, born to first-time mom Keahi and dad Rocket. Keepers say the cub, born June 22, is doing great. (more…)

photo by Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
From the National Zoo:
“Earlier this spring, giant panda Qing Bao experienced her first estrus cycle—the very short window when female giant pandas are able to conceive a cub. She and male Bao Li didn’t breed this year, but changes in Qing Bao’s behavior and hormones indicate she’s going through pseudopregnancy—the phenomenon where a female panda behaves as if she is pregnant, even though she isn’t.” (more…)

3000 Connecticut Ave, NW previously home to a 7-Eleven
We recently noted the new signage for Mika’s Neopolitan Pizza coming across the street from the zoo but I didn’t realize how close they were to opening. Looking very nice!
AND they’ve applied for a liquor license too:
“A Restaurant serving pizza, pasta, & steaks. Seating for 128 inside the premises. Summer Garden with seating for 40. Total Occupancy Load of the entire establishment is 168.”
Without further ado, that sneak peek: (more…)

A reader reports around 4:15pm: “They’re going in with rifles.”
MPD reports: “Information: There is NO active shooter or threat at the National Zoo. Officers are investigating a report of a fight between two adults.”

via WMATA If you missed our earlier look back on commemorative smartrip cards, you can see them here.
From WMATA:
“Metro is celebrating the return of giant pandas to Washington D.C. through a special SmarTrip card collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Customers can commemorate the public debut of giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo with a new limited-edition SmarTrip card available at select stations beginning Jan. 22.
To purchase the commemorative card, look for specially marked fare vending machines at the following Metro stations: (more…)

photo via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Official word from the National Zoo:
“Drum roll please! 🥁🥁🥁 DC’s newest celebearities are HERE! Our two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, have arrived at the Zoo after landing this morning at Dulles International Airport.”
All I see is a giant Fed Ex advertisement with a photo/drawing of a giant panda so STAY TUNED.