Located in northwest Washington, the 163-acre National Zoo features roughly 2,000 animals from about 400 species, about one-fifth of which are endangered. Guests can see cheetahs, lions and zebras at the African Savanna Exhibit, or California sea lions, gray seals and brown pelicans in the Seals and Sea Lions Exhibit. Arguably the zoo's most popular draw, giant pandas have found a home at the zoo for over 30 years. Giant panda Tai Shan is the most recent addition to the family, born July 2005 to parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.
The zoo has several facilities available for private events, including the Lion-Tiger Hill and Great Cats Exhibit for up to 2,000 guests, the Great Meadow for up to 1,000 guests and the Fujifilm Gian Panda Habitat available for up to 240 guests. The National Zoo is open daily, April to October, from 6 AM to 8 PM, and daily, November to March, from 6 AM to 6 PM. Zoo parking is $10 for one hour, $15 for two to three hours and $20 for over three hours.
