Catching up! February Smithsonian National Zoo Visit

Used a snow day on February 16th to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC.  It was interesting to visit it on an off, winter's day.  And there weren't many animals to see.  But still I enjoyed the walk and the animals that were there.

 When there are no live animals, there are always the bronze ones!

 The national zoo no longer hosts Hippopotamus, so this bronze one is the only one you'll see!  They decommissioned the exhibition when they expanded their Asian Elephant collection.

Below are images from the Aviary which is old and outmoded and about to be completely reconceptualized and way overdue.

 The Elephant House is home to 6 female Asian Elephants, 5 of whom are too old to breed.  There are plans to complete the larger renovation of the exhibit to provide for the introduction of a male of breeding age and the hope for future expansion through breeding of the herd.

 Small Mongoose.  Sweet.

 The Western Lowland Gorilla habitat (also shared with a troop of Orangutans) is a well maintained habitat for this near human species.  I learned that a female from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle had recently joined the group for the purpose of mating with one of the National Zoo's males.