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The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in the United States, located within Washington, D.C.'s Woodley Park neighborhood. The 163-acre zoo, which was founded in 1889, is operated by the Smithsonian Institution and is open to the public every day except Christmas Day. Visitors can observe more than 2,700 animals across nearly 400 species, including Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, giant pandas, Aldabra tortoises, and Panamanian golden frogs. Animal meet-and-greets are offered daily, along with sloth bear feedings and elephant training sessions. A free shuttle operates throughout the zoo daily to parking areas, and several cafes and restaurants serve cuisines to suit all diets and age groups. Annual free special events include the ZooLights holiday celebration, which illuminates the park in beautiful lighting displays throughout evenings in November and December.

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, Phone: 202-633-4888

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