National Zoo Charms an Ordinary Day

Francesca Black, staff writer

Living in Central Virginia offers a multitude of options for day trips. A few hours in any direction lands you by the ocean, in the mountains, or, in my case this week, the big city: the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institute provides free museums and parks including the vast National Zoo in the heart of D.C.

The sprawling park focuses on education and conservation efforts, while allowing visitors to experience animals from around the world.

Since the multiple entrances are integrated into the city, the park feels like a secret garden. The weather was beautiful, and the animals active.

The zoo is broken up into sections based on each continent, which made the experience fluid. The American Trail dipped down into the California sea lion exhibit, while the reptile house boasted a massive komodo dragon.

The zoologists give informative demonstrations throughout the day such as the North American river otter feeding and the
Ruppell’s griffon vulture information session.

The vulture handler surprised listeners by saying, “Vultures can digest a number of harmful pathogens including anthrax and the plague.” In the Amazonia exhibit, guests walk through an open air greenhouse with exotic birds and sloths in the canopy.

The giant panda was a major attraction. The huge bears sat right in front of the glass and tore into their bamboo.

If you are looking for a cheap, informative, and entertaining day trip, the National Zoo is a great destination.