The State of Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the US. It is home to a variety of terrains and with it- different types of flora and fauna. With such a varied ecological system, there are also many conservation efforts, research opportunities and zoos in Washington DC which are geared towards preserving that beauty and ensuring that they live on to tell their tales in the same abode where their previous generations lived and breathed.
10 Amazing Zoos In Washington
Here is a list of best 10 zoos in Washington which one can enjoy with friends and family if they are visiting the area or want to more about how these animals live and breathe right next to us.
1.Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Out of all the zoos in Washington dc, visiting the national zoo in Washington is a must for all visitors in the area. Located in Woodley Park, the National Zoo is home to more than 1500 animals from 300 different species. The Zoo is also a global conservation as well as research center since about 25 percent of its residents are currently on the endangered list. The zoo is represented by the giant pandas who are unfortunately on the endangered list as well. The Panda Cam will allow visitors to look at their shenanigans. There are also a variety of exhibits like the Reptile Discovery Centre, Elephant Trails, Kids Farm, Amazonia, and Cheetah Conservation Station.
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $16 for 3 hours and $22 for more than 3 hours
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2.Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Out of the many zoos in Washington DC, this zoo isn’t like anything else. An absolute treasure for wildlife enthusiasts, this 435-acre area allows visitors to see the animals roaming freely in without bounds, which mimics their natural habitat. Full of wetlands, meadows, and forests. Watching the free-roaming Bison, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, eagles, and bobcats is an experience rarely felt elsewhere. Its famed tram ride is a 50-minute, narrated tour throughout the vast area of the park. But that aside, visitors will be able to walk the forested paths to see more animals who generally hide in their lairs like the gray wolves, Canada lynx, grizzly bear, American black bears, beavers, red foxes, and other animals.
Location: 11610 Trek Drive E. in Eatonville
Timings: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $23 for adults, $21 for seniors (above 65) $15 for children (5 years to 12 years), and $11 for children (3 years to 4 years)
3.The Whale Museum
Opened in 1979, this was the first museum in the nation which was specifically devoted to a particular species- Orcas, also known as Killer Whales. The museum, apart from offering entertainment also promotes the preservation of the Salish Sea Ecosystem by research and education. There are also additional programs like The Gray Whale Project, a field trip to the Lime Kiln State Park and the Orca ID Lab to make the tour better. There are a lot of interactive exhibits and activities for kids but its highlight is the several whale carcasses perched right on the ceiling. This is done to give the visitors an idea regarding the size of the Orcas.
Location: Friday Harbor, WA
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (above 65) and students $5 for children (6 years to 17 years)
Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History
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4.Cougar Mountain Zoological Park
Nestled right on Cougar Mountain northern slope, the zoo offers panoramic views of Lake Sammamish and The Cascade Mountain Range and this 11-acre zoo aims to conservation need and knowledge through education. One will be able to see Bengal Tigers, Madagascar Lemurs, various endangered birds and more in here. There are 32 animal exhibits which concentrate on the endangered species like wolves, reindeer, wallabies, macaws, cranes, Lemurs, cougars and such. There is a glass wall tunnel which allows visitors to watch the tigers from close proximity. There are bronze animal sculptures the light the zoo on display, the Wildlife Tracks Library will allow anyone to identify a beast through its tracks.
Location: 19525 SE 54th, Issaquah, Washington 98027
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $14.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors (above 65), $11.5 for children (2 years to 12 years)
5.Cat Tales Zoological Park
This USDA licensed zoo falls under Class C, which means that it aids in protecting and rescuing big cats. It is home to about 2 black bears, 27 big cats, and 7 parrots. Founded in 1991, Cat Tales also teaches Zookeeping. There are rare white tigers present here as well. The zoo is small and consists of square wooden huts or cages for the animals. But each animal’s story is told during the exhibit. The animals one can see are bobcats, Bengal tigers, panthers, lions, and bears. The staff is well informed and eager to help.
Location: Mead, WA USA 99021
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (above 62 and students), and $5 for children (3 to 12 years)
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6.Poulsbo Marine Science Centre
The main focus here is to educate children by various programs. There are fish tanks along with a small pond where kids can touch sea life. There is also an arts and crafts room along with a small auditorium which plays educational movies. The area is small but the programs are high quality and very diverse.
Location: 18743 Front St. NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370
Timings: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $29.5 for adults (above 13 years), $19.95 (for 4 years to 12)
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7.Olympic Game Farm
Disney’s favourite place to shoot documentaries, the game farm features expansive areas where visitors can view the common and not very common animals up close. There are Fallow and Sika deer, Zebras, Foxes, wolves, Elk, llamas, bison, emu, big cats, prairie dogs, peacocks and more. Visitors might just be in a treat to see a grizzly bear waving their humongous paws at the passing cars.
Location: 1423 Ward Road, Sequim, Washington 98382
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $15 for adults (above 15 years), $13 (for 6 years to 14), and $13 for seniors (above 55)
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8.Clouded Leopard Research and Conservation Project
As the name suggests, this zoo in Washington dc is dedicated to the conservation of clouded leopards and their environments and they encourage education initiatives in various countries to bring awareness to the conservation issues. Using fundraisers and other promotional activities they try to raise awareness.
Location: 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily) Time may vary depending the season and days
Entry Fees: $18 for adults (13 to 64 years), $17 for seniors (above 65), and $14 for kids (5 to 12 years), and $10 for toddlers (3 to 4 years)
9.Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Visitors will be able to witness amazing views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Olympic mountains. There are peacocks, sea lions, penguins, walrus and wolves all at one place. This 29-acre zoo is small enough to allow visitors to get in close proximity to them since the keepers stroll the ground sixty various animals in tow. The aquarium is a beauty from all sides and with its touch tank, one will be able to feel these exotic creatures more keenly. There are jellyfish, sea urchins, sea stars, eagle manta rays, hammerhead sharks and other various creatures of the ocean.
Location: 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma WA 98407
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $18 for adults (13 to 64 years), $17 for seniors (above 65), and $14 for kids (5 to 12 years), and $10 for toddlers (3 to 4 years)
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10.Wolf Haven International
Here, Wolves, wolf dogs, foxes, and coyotes receive care from compassionate people. There are more than 200 wolves in care who have are rescues and visitors will be able to know about them through 50-minute guided tours which have to be reserved first. There are trails where one can indulge in a self-guided walk through the prairie. Wolfhaven wants to continue its conservation efforts to improve the numbers of these animals.
Location: 3111 Offut Lake Rd. SE Tenino, Washington 98589
Timings: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Daily)
Entry Fees: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors (above 62) students and active military, and $7.50 for kids (4 to 12 years)
Further Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Washington DC In 2022 That Will Take You Back In Time
The list of Zoos in Washington DC doesn’t end here but these 10 enlisted will give you a close glimpse of the wildlife species. So, if a USA vacation is on your mind, then customize your USA holiday with TravelTriangle and make sure to not miss out these conservation parks!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Washington DC
What is the parking fee at the Smithsonian Zoo?
Parking costs $25 at the zoo. If you have a membership parking is free. It comes with limited space for parking which gets filled early, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
Can you bring own food to the Smithsonian Zoo?
You can pack own food and drinks that are non-alcoholic. But they must be disposed of in trash and not be littered inside the zoo.
What is the size of the Smithsonian zoo?
The zoo spreads across a land of 163 acres and houses a variety of animals from 360 species.
Can you take your pets to the Washington Zoo?
Dogs or any other pets are not allowed inside the zoo as there are no separate kennels to keep them during your visit.
How many zoos are there in Washington DC?
There are 10 best zoos in Washington DC amongst the rest. They house more than 300 species and at least 1500 animals from all around the world.
What are the best kid-friendly zoos where you can pet animals in DC?
The National Zoo has a farm with the wild as well as farm animals. Roer’s Zoofari and many other zoos are located close to DC that are kid-friendly.
Can a stroller or a wheelchair be rented at the zoo?
It can be rented for price details of which are provided at the kiosks available at the zoo.
Can you host events at the zoo?
You can host picnics and meetings at the zoo. There are many social and fun events happening at the zoo all the time.
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