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…)
Photo by angela n.
Ed. Note: National Museum of American History and National Museum of the American Indian open today too!
Today is a great day: “Welcome back to the Zoo! It’s grrrrrreart to see you. Check out all of the Zoo’s safety and entry guidelines before your visit.” (more…)
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…)
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…)
“Dear PoPville,
Any scuttlebutt on when the zoo will reopen. Now that some of the Smithsonians have started to re open I’m hoping it is just a matter of time?” (more…)
Thanks to Eva for capturing and sending this urgently needed diversion yesterday:
“Caught on panda cam. Xiao Qi Ji ventured up a tree and couldn’t get back down. He dangled from a branch for a few moments as momma hustled over, and then he fell to the ground. (more…)
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…)
So great. To the video: (more…)
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…)
via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Our giant panda cub is on the move! At 3.5 months old, Xiao Qi Ji’s movements are a mixture of crawling and walking. He has been practicing his coordination, though, and he is working on getting his back legs positioned under him and gaining traction on the floor of the indoor habitat he shares with his mother, Mei Xiang. Day by day, his walking skills improve.
…his weight, which is now 13.4 pounds (6.1 kilograms).”
To the video: (more…)