Reviews
Get ready for a hike up a fairly steep hill so plan your visit accordingly!! Always fun to go visit the animals and the animal houses! My favorites have always been the Amazonia and the Bird House!! Also love that the elephants have way more room to walk around the majority of the zoo! They've done some great reconstruction of the whole area! I've been coming here since I was 6 so I know it's changed a lot! Animals seem to be very well taken care of! And if you are at an animal house they may even show you when they feed the animals! I know one time one of the researchers let me and my nephew touch a horseshoe crab and we watched when they fed a spider that's not encased!! So thrilling!! Love this place forever! And it's free!!!!!!! Thank you everyone that works at the zoo for all your hard work!!!
5
7 years ago (04-06-2018)
This is a moderately sized zoo with a mix of your more standards zoo animals (tigers, elephants, zebra, monkeys) and some more exotic varieties available due to its Smithsonian linkage. Giant pandas are the most famous example, but there are also cheetahs, great apes, and a variety of lesser known cats. There is a nice mix of stuff for kids with stuff to amuse adults as well.
Most importantly: There is no entry fee.
The zoo is large enough for a full morning or afternoon (or more of you actually want to take it slow and enjoy everything). The selection of food is acceptable but not impressive. Bringing lunch isn't a bad idea. Beverages and restrooms, however, are plentiful and convenient.
Parking is available, but pricey. Metro is nearby. You should prefer the Cleveland Park stop unless you really like walking up hills. Of course, the zoo itself is on a hill, so you can still get your hill climbing fix.
5
7 years ago (09-06-2018)
A wonderful zoo to visit with young kids, provided the weather cooperates. We visited on an overcast day, and the only problem was the absence of sufficient overhangs to shelter from the rain. Otherwise, the park was a treat. The animals seemed fairly depressed with life, but the pandas were active and vibrant. The food was expensive but surprisingly good - we had the whole cheese pizza as it was the most economical option for a group of 4 adults. The public facilities were clean and well maintained despite the rush.
5
7 years ago (16-05-2018)
This is one of my favorite zoos. I'm amazed at how many animals they can fit into this zoo. The variety of animals is wonderful, even if they can't always be found. The habitats are spacious so the animals are happy. I especially love the volunteer who wait in certain areas and answer questions about the animals. It's like the animals have their own groupies. Parking price is reasonable, but highly recommend having a car full to reduce price per person.
5
7 years ago (08-05-2018)
This is one of my favorite zoos. It's very well laid out and easy to navigate, there's good food, and the panda exhibit is awesome. Even though when I went it was hot and packed, it was still fun and everyone at the panda exhibit got to see the pandas and take pictures. I also liked how there was a good amount of shade (which doesn't do much, but at least it's something!). Also, it was very cheap to rent a wheelchair for the other people who were with me.
5
7 years ago (24-05-2018)
