National Zoological Park (United States)
The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution and does not charge admission. Founded in 1889, its mission is to "provide engaging experiences with animals and create and share knowledge to save wildlife and habitats".
Front entrance
View at the National Zoo, Washington, D.C., 1909
Elephant fed by a zoo attendant through the bars of a fence at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., c. 1915
Tours and classes at the zoo, 1979
A zoo is a facility in which animals are kept within enclosures for public exhibition and often bred for conservation purposes.
Sea lion and keeper at the Welsh Mountain Zoo
London Zoo, 1835
The Tower of London housed England's royal menagerie for several centuries (Picture from the 15th century, British Library).
The Versailles menagerie during the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century