Neighborhood News

This letter was sent to the Zoo Neighborhood Council April 8, 2025.

On March 30, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC) held its first meeting of 2023.

Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, delivered these remarks at the Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall event on March 15, 2023.

A reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton entry pass inquiry.

A response from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute regarding the hours of the bike path on its property.

On Jan. 26, 2022, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo held a meeting with new Zoo Director Brandie Smith and the Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC). Detailed minutes of the meeting follow below.

Members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council received this correspondence Sept. 16, 2021.

Beginning today, June 30, the Smithsonian has approved an increase in the amount of visitors the Smithsonian’s National Zoo can admit daily, and an increase in our building capacities.

The Smithsonian announced today that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, along with seven other museums, will reopen to the public soon. We are thrilled to welcome you and your constituents back to the Zoo Friday, May 21.

We write to inform you of the news that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), an independent nonprofit organization, are dissolving their 63-year partnership.

Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, all Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, Nov. 23.

An update from Associate Director of Communications and Exhibits Pamela Baker-Masson regarding fall 2020 happenings at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo opens to the public on July 24. There will be two media opportunities. All media must register to attend. Parking is limited and television crews will be prioritized.

Today, the Smithsonian announced that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen to the public on Friday, July 24. All other Smithsonian museums will remain temporarily closed to the public.

The Smithsonian will reopen two of its facilities to the public Friday, July 24: the National Zoo in Northwest Washington, D.C., and the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport. These locations will reopen with...

This update from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Director Steve Monfort was sent to members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council May 26, 2020.

As part of consultation, the Smithsonian is soliciting public comment on the deconstruction, storage and reconstruction of the Reptile House portico. Written comments are welcome for a 30-day period.

Smithsonian's National Zoo Director Steve Monfort shares with neighbors the Zoo's plans for 2020 spring break security and upcoming events.

On Monday, Feb. 10, Smithsonian’s National Zoo officials attended a Woodley Park Community Association meeting organized by councilmember Mary Cheh from 7 to 8 p.m. at Stanford (2661 Connecticut Ave, NW). In this meeting, presenters and WPCA members discussed safety and security at the Zoo following...

An update from Zoo director Steve Monfort regarding plans to implement additional security measures doing ZooLights.

An update from Zoo Director Steve Monfort regarding ZooLights security.

This newsletter was sent to the Zoo's surrounding community and neighbors on Sept. 25, 2019.

On Sept. 4, 2019, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo held its inaugural meeting with the Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC). Detailed minutes of the meeting follow below.

Read a copy of the testimony the director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute gave before House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on June 4, 2019.

Springtime at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has arrived, and we are looking forward to warmer weather, longer days and many exciting events.

On March 7, 2019, the Smithsonian's National Zoo received combined preliminary and final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission for its perimeter fencing plan focused on improving pedestrian safety.

As part of our community, we'd like to invite you to visit the Zoo's bird plateau to learn more about Experience Migration.

The safety and security of the visitors, staff and animals are the No. 1 priority at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The Zoo will host a public meeting on Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m.