Known as the National Zoo, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of the most satisfying zoos in the world. Not only is it among the oldest zoos in the United States, it’s one of the only admission-free zoos in the country. The Smithsonian has stood for many years, too, having been founded in 1889. The whopping size of each campus – 163 acres and 3,200 acres respectively – makes this one of the largest zoos in the world.
Indeed, there is the urban park that is found over at Rock Creek Park, and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. These massive campuses provide us with access to massive numbers of animals. Indeed, you also get to see special parts of nature, including various forms of wood, grass, herbaceous plants, and even bamboo.
Across its two facilities, over 2,700 animals reside here making up some 390 unique species of animals.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park Fun Facts
- The zoo itself houses so many species, but around one fifth of these animals’ hail from endangered species. This provide the zoo with a rotation of animals that need help and protection worldwide.
- The zoo was also one of the first to establish a full-time scientific research program, furthering the cause of helping and caring for the animals who reside here.
- Exhibits from across the world are shown here, including Amazonian, Asian trails, ape houses, and also a giant panda exhibit.
- Exhibits are added all the time, with the likes of the small mammal house, the lemur island, the elephant trail, and the cheetah conservation area proving to be immensely popular.
- Unlike other zoos, the Smithsonian is open every day of the year apart from the 25th December. You can come here at any other point in the year regardless of holidays.
- Many celebrity animals have existed across the time of the Smithsonian, with the most famous arguably being Smokey Bear. He was deemed the “living symbol” of the cartoon who focused on forest fires.
- Two giant pandas were donated to the zoo in 1972, as part of the American visit to China. They made the first giant pandas to spend time on US soil and were called Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park Webcams
Cheetah webcams
The cheetah webcams are very popular and will give you a chance to watch Echo and her beautiful cubs play together. The public voted on the names of the cubs, calling hem Amabala, Jabari, Hasani, and Edindi. They are some of the most popular streaming objects from the zoo, giving you a chance to see these spectacular creatures in a way you simply would not have the chance normally.
View Cheetah webcams.
Lion webcams
Another hugely popular choice would be the lion cameras, where you get to watch the various lions roam around their growing area of conservation. This little private habitat allows them to act to their fullest, meaning you don’t need to worry about needlessly shy lions.
View Lion webcams.
Mole rat webcams
For those who like their animal webcams to be a bit more unique, be sure to look at mole rat webcams. Webcams help us to see these interesting little mammals spending their time across their numerous chambers within the habitat itself.
View Mole rat webcams.
Giant panda cameras
The giant panda cameras are part of the chance for you to see the current residents: Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. This gives you access to the chance to see the pandas in the most exciting way; in a world that feels truly their own. Watch as each panda interacts with one another in total comfort, free from the gaze and glare of the public.
View Giant Panda webcams.
Elephant cameras
The next most important choice for most people would be the elephants, which are known as Spike, Bozie, Kamala, Swarna, and Maharani. They are extremely popular with people who are checking out the zoo, and they tend to make excellent animals to watch on the webcam due to their calm and friendly demeanour.
View Elephant webcams.
Ferret cameras
Without doubt, the ferret is one of the most popular parts of the zoo. Their mother, Potpie, gave birth to a collection of six little kits in the early months of 2020. Now, you can come along and see this happy and feisty little ferret family run around and do their own things. A highly engaging, exciting way to pass the time and see these amazing little creatures at their frenetic best.
View Ferret webcams.