Visited 25 Oct 09. Enjoyed the walk through Rock Creek Park to get there, the coffee shop on the walk down to the Red Line. Leaves were turning, cool temps. But the walk through the zoo itself was strange. Expected to see a great animal attraction around every corner. Didn't happen. Primate area was nice. That was about it. 1... more

They call this a zoo??? This was a joke. There were very few animals to see. Half of the exhibits were closed for renovation... Funny, if you read back to reviews from 2006 the same exhibits were "closed for renovation" 3 years ago!! We went to this zoo expecting something of "national zoo" calibur. We were very sadly disappointed by... more

We visited the Zoo March 2008 and LOVED it. Despite the very chilly weather, saw loads of animals indoors and out. It is worth it even simply to see the pandas, a rare opportunity since they are not in every zoo. Very clean, plenty to see-spent 4 hours there and couldn't get enough. I would recommend going very early, as... more

Get there early, wear comfee shoes, take your camera & enjoy your self more

This a great place to go w/ kids. There is plenty of space to run around and there is a kid's farm with a giant pizza to climb on. The grounds open very early (maybe at 6 am). If your kids are early birds like mine, its a good time to go because it is very quiet. The buildings don't... more

The National Zoo has one of the coolest things I have ever seen at a zoo...the O-line. The O-line is a series of ropes and towers (looks kind of like telephone wires) where the orangutans can travel from one part of the zoo to another...right above your head. It is beyond cool and something you really should see, if you... more

The main attraction are the Pandas. Also the Apes were good...and their rope climbing and pose is cool. I was looking forward to the Elephants, but disappointing that they are closed until 2011. The best thing is it is free. Also get there early to get free parking on the road during weekends to save on parking. more

What a disappointment. Where are the animals?? I really wish I had read reviews before planning to spend a precious day in DC at this zoo. Most exhibits are closed. We were just shocked that we walked and walked around a zoo SEARCHING for animals. It's not just that they were sleeping, I would understand that. PLEASE use your time... more

Terrible time, these animals are living horribly, you cant enjoy yourself because you can see the horror in their faces, the staff is awfull, way too crowded, 20 for parking. If you want an amazing zoo experience come down to North Carolina to our asheboro zoo, said to be one of the best in the country. more