National Zoo

We've been fortunate to be able to make frequent visits to the National Zoo over the past 15 years.  During this period the Smithsonian has aggressively transitioned the zoo from an early 20th century bars and buildings zoo to one that is both animal and visitor friendly.  Today was the first visit for Lucas.

Lucas had a great time, he especially enjoyed all the great places to walk on and explore

Both the lion and tiger areas had very playful young.

and mellow adults.

The zoo has built a very unique Elephant walk.  Over a half mile long, the Elephants are free to roam.

Everyone comes to the National Zoo to see the Pandas.  This is the new cub.

Everywhere you walk in the zoo the predominant vegetation is bamboo.  For good reason,  Pandas spend 16 hours per day eating, and about the only thing they eat is bamboo stalks.  The zoo tries to stay self sufficient since bamboo is not a real popular US food crop.

Snack time!

Maybe other zoos have this but we haven't seen it before.  It's an Orangutan walk.  A high group of wires the Orangutans can use to traverse good portions of the zoo from one of their pens to another.  There are electrified wires that keep them from dropping down into the crowd to say "hey".

This guy worked very hard to go visit his "woman" pictured in the next shot.

A Smithsonian tradition...the Merry Go Round.

Heading home after a fun day.