“Dear Popville,
Since the start of the pandemic, the zoo has required tickets for access. While restricting access aligned with scientific recommendations when less was known about outdoor transmission of COVID and when transmission in the area was high, that is no longer the case. As a primarily outdoor venue, there is no reason to set capacity limits or require walk in visitors to seek a pass. Furthermore, zoo staff report that the current capacity limits the zoo has set for itself are never reached. Given current CDC guidelines and community transmission, there is no basis for continuing to restrict access to this public resource. Read More
photos via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Last week, cheetah Amani moved her cubs into some tall grasses in their yard. Keepers report the family is doing great! Catch up with our cheetah family and don’t miss an adorable clip of Amani practicing picking the cubs up.” Read More
“Photo credit: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoo”
Following yesterday’s crushing news about Rusty the Red Panda passing, unfortunately, comes more sad news from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Our Zoo family is mourning the loss of Luke, a 17 y.o. African lion who was humanely euthanized Oct. 19. He was truly the king of the Great Cats exhibit–gentle with his mates, Naba + Shera, and a patient and protective father to all 13 of his cubs.” Read More
RIP Rusty, photo by Bethany Morlind
Update from Megan Cloherty:
“.@NationalZoo confirms the red panda who passed is ‘our’ legendary escape artist, Rusty.”
Thanks to Elaine for sharing the super sad news: “It appears Rusty, the infamous red panda who escaped the National Zoo in 2013, has passed. A true DC legend.”
Ed. Note: Our Rusty’s mate, Shama, passed away in 2014.
From the Pueblo Zoo on October 18th:
“We are sad to report the unexpected passing of Rusty, the red panda. Read More
Thanks to Alisa for sharing a photo this morning from the newly opened bike path by the zoo. Now you can see why hours should have been extended.
From the Office of Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released a statement on the explanation she received from the National Zoo and the National Park Service (NPS) on the limited hours of the Zoo Loop Trail in Rock Creek Park in the District of Columbia.
The Zoo Loop Trail, which reopened to the public last weekend, is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These limited hours prompted Norton to contact the zoo and NPS for an explanation. The zoo explained that the trail hours are tied to the zoo’s hours of operations to maintain accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, since the trail runs through the zoo’s secondary animal containment perimeter. NPS stated that all other trails in Rock Creek Park remain open from sunrise to sunset.
“As chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I am a strong supporter of bike and pedestrian infrastructure,” said Norton. “I am pleased to receive this prompt explanation from the National Zoo and the National Park Service on why the Zoo Loop Trail has such limited hours, so I can share it with my constituents. I am also glad that NPS affirmed that the other Rock Creek Park trails remain open from sunrise to sunset.”
Update from EHN:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she will meet with the National Zoo and the National Park Service (NPS) to explore options to extend the hours of the Zoo Loop Trail in Rock Creek Park in the District of Columbia. Read More
Camille writes: “Was so excited to use the new Beach Drive Zoo bike path. Not after business hours!”
What levers need to be pulled to get this changed?
via the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“We are sad to share that Daisy, our 13-year-old fennec fox, died Oct. 6. The median life expectancy for this species is 11 years. A few weeks ago, keepers noticed that Daisy was lethargic and not showing an interest in her once-favorite foods: meat, mice and chicken. An exploratory veterinary exam revealed kidney disease and a mass on her liver. Due to her poor prognosis and declining quality of life, the animal care team made the decision to humanely euthanize Daisy. Read More
Fantastic news (finally!!) from the National Park Service:
“The Zoo Loop Bridge on the Rock Creek Park Multi-Use trail will open at 3PM TODAY. The Smithsonian will open the Zoo Loop Trail at 7AM on Saturday. Hours for the Zoo Loop Trail will be 7-5 and controlled by the National Zoo”
Thanks to Greg for sending: “The new bridge and repaved zoo trail look so close! Anyone know when they are scheduled to finally open?”
The National Park Service says (on Sunday): Read More
Thanks to Billy for sending this “photo of a 10 point buck in velvet on the grounds of the National Zoo”
If you spot a hawk, any interesting wildlife or celebrity skateboarder Tony Hawk, and get a good photo please send in an email where you spotted them to [email protected]. Thanks! Hawks around Town is made possible by a generous grant from the Ben and Sylvia Gardner foundation.
