Zoo

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo will “not host the Zoo’s traditional Halloween or ZooLights events” However, “Air & Scare” Returns to the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Idit Knaan

From the Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs:

“We made the decision to not host the Zoo’s traditional Halloween or ZooLights events because we didn’t feel we could do them well for multiple reasons and within our COVID safety parameters. Our number one priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals. We all feel hopeful that 2022 will bring new opportunities.”

From an email:

“The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will once again host its annual “Air & Scare” family day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. (more…)

“Smithsonian To Phase Out Timed-Entry Passes and Extend Hours Starting July 20” (with two big exceptions)

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From a press release:

“Starting Tuesday, July 20, the Smithsonian will no longer require timed-entry passes to visit most of its museums. However, free passes will still be required to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Zoo. In addition, museums on the National Mall will return to their pre-pandemic hours, which for most museums is 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (more…)

National Zoo Reopening: “Free Timed-Entry Passes Available starting Friday morning, May 14, at 12:01 a.m.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Zoo:

“Free Timed-Entry Passes Available Beginning May 14

When visitors return to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute May 21, they will find both familiar and new faces as they explore the park. Although the Zoo has been closed since Nov. 23, 2020, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the animal care team reported to work and provided the same level of care for their charges as any other day. Animals newly on view include giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji, Amur tiger Mitas, Przewalski’s horse mother-son duo, Barbie and Cooper, Komodo dragon juvenile Onyx, Andean bear Brienne, American bison Lucy and Gally, California sea lion Charger and North American beaver Poplar, a new wallaby joey and a kudu calf. The Reptile Discovery Center will be open on the weekends, Friday through Sunday.

As the Zoo prepares to reopen to the public, updates have been made to its hours and entry requirements. In addition to limiting the number of visitors, the Zoo is once again implementing required safety procedures and guidelines. These changes include free timed-entry passes, requiring face coverings for all visitors ages 2 and up, (more…)

“Smithsonian To Reopen Seven Museums and the National Zoo in May!!”

By Prince Of Petworth


From a press release:

“The Smithsonian will reopen eight of its facilities to the public in May, starting with the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, Wednesday, May 5. Additional museums and the National Zoo will open Friday, May 14, and Friday, May 21.

All locations will reopen with added health and safety measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors will need to reserve free timed-entry passes for all locations. All other Smithsonian museums will remain temporarily closed to the public.

Reopening Schedule  (more…)

Whoa “Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are announcing the dissolution of our partnership.”

By Prince Of Petworth


via FONZ

Thanks to all who passed on the news from FONZ:

“Today, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are announcing the dissolution of our partnership.

For nearly 63 years, FONZ has been a valued partner of the Zoo, with a team dedicated to providing educational and fun experiences, such as Boo at the Zoo and summer camps, and managing a number of services, from greeting guests to running the retail stores. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has had continued financial impacts on both FONZ and the National Zoo, which required a re-assessment of the longstanding relationship. (more…)

Good Morning “Feisty” Baby Panda

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“This week, we saw the sassy side of our almost 4-month-old giant panda cub, Xiao Qi JI. Around 6:30 a.m. Dec. 16, he and his mother, Mei Xiang, were spending time in their den. While Xiao Qi Ji rested on the floor, Mei Xiang rearranged her nest and played with some pieces of bamboo. This went on for several minutes, when suddenly our little cub let out a loud and feisty bark!”

To the video tape! (sound up) (more…)

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