U.S. News Names National Zoo Among Best In Nation

We love the National Zoo as much as anyone. And while folks in D.C. may not be shy about their fondness for our zoo, it’s always nice to get some national recognition. That’s exactly what happened this week when U.S. News & World Report named our zoo one of the 30 best in America.

Here’s what the report said: "The admission-free National Zoo – which sits 2 miles northwest of downtown Washington, D.C., in beautiful Rock Creek Park – was founded in 1889 by former President Grover Cleveland. Today, it's best known for its giant pandas that China gifted the U.S. in 1972. The outdoor and indoor giant panda habitat for Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Bei Bei opened a new exhibit with interactive features and multimedia learning stations about panda biology and conservation initiatives in February 2019. Plus, visitors can listen to daily talks from zookeepers about giant pandas and other species like elephants, lions and gorillas."

Other zoos that made the list: The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona.

The Alaska Zoo, which has rescued abandoned and injured animals, features a facility dedicated to teaching visitors about climate change, the report said. It also promotes bear conservation.

Thotse who enjoy imbibing adult drinks will love the Memphis Zoo, which hosts conservation fundraisers including Pints for Pangolins, Wine for Rhinos and Beers for Bears. Because nothing says “I support animals” like tipping back a few boozy beverages.

Being named one of the 30 best zoos in the country is no small feat. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that represents such facilities across the globe, there are 215 accredited zoos and aquariums in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Those accredited organizations contributed more than $22.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.