The DC Traveler » National-Zoo

Happy Birthday Smithsonian

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:12:00 +0000

This week in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian turned 162 years old.

The Smithsonian Institution was based on a gift of James Smithson, a British scientist, who left his entire estate to the United States of America in 1827. His gift of over 100,000 gold sovereigns, or $500,000, (just under $9.5 million in today’s dollars) required the government to establish the Smithsonian Institution, to “increase and diffusion of knowledge."

An act of Congress in 1846 expanded the growth of collection into the world’s largest museum complex (16 museums) with over 140 million objects and the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

The Smithsonian museums include:

Anacostia Community Museum
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Arts and Industries Building
Freer Gallery of Art
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of American History
National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of Natural History
National Portrait Gallery
National Postal Museum
S. Dillon Ripley Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian Institution Building
Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo)
The National Gallery of Art (affiliated)

Happy Birthday Smithsonian!!

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Visit the National Zoo Without Every Leaving Home

Mon, 07 May 2007 10:34:00 +0000

The National Zoo has close to 20 live cameras set up around the zoo where you can watch a variety of animals live on the web.

While at times the animal may not always be in full view, you’ll can get some great views when they are active.

Zoo cam include animals such as cheetahs, black-footed ferrets, gorillas, a flock of pink flamingos, crocodiles and even a view into a microscope to watch live micro organisms.

On the ElephantCam, you can watch the daily Asian Elephants training session at 11:00 a.m.

Here are some of the more interesting zoo cams:

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Post from: The DC Traveler

It’s Carnival Time at the National Zoo

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:14:41 +0000

Here’s your chance to not only enjoy Mardi Gras Brazilian style, but to help save the Brazilian rain forest at another Carnival/Mardi Gras event in DC.

Professional samba instructors and a live samba band will help you enjoy dancing Rio-style at Carnaval at the National Zoo.

Enjoy international foods and Brazilian cocktails, participate in a silent auction were just watch the professional psalm the dancers entertained. Plus you can get up close with some of the zoo’s favorite residence.

This even it is geared towards young professionals, but all are welcome (must be 21+).

Carnival and Brazilian Dance Party
National Zoo
Picnic Pavilion and Mane Restaurant
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20008

Date and Time – Saturday, February 17, 8:00 p.m. to midnight

Tickets – $75.00, $60 of which is tax deductible are available online.

Nearest Metro subway station – Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park – Red Line and a three block walk.

Photo credits: flickr
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Post from: The DC Traveler