The National Zoo

Being from Ohio, I am a sucker for zoos. And given our state boasts three of the top ten zoos in the nation, I think my love is warranted.

#1 – Columbus

#2 – Cincinnati

#7 – Toledo

(http://www.10best.com/TravelAwards/Vote/best-zoos/)

Also, since first seeing the movie Racing Stripes, I have been convinced that I will come home one day to find a zebra in my barn, and while this has not yet happened, I’m not giving up hope… and would never pass up the opportunity to see some zebras. So, when a few WAIP fellows mentioned taking a trip to the National Zoo, obviously, I was in.

I was in love with this elephant. 

The National Zoo recently acquired three new Asian Elephants 

from the Calgary Zoo. You can watch a live feed of them here!

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/elephant.cfm

The National Zoo is known for its Giant Pandas--

like this big guy who was really enjoying some bamboo.

I was in love with this Grevy's Zebra, and wanted to bring her home with me, 

but sadly The Congressional charges $100 a night for pets 

and I am an unpaid intern, so financially, it wouldn't work out. 

Fun Fact: every zebra has a unique set of stripes, 

which are as distinctive as fingerprints. 

This cheetah was snacking on a rabbit!

These creatures somehow escaped their cages.

The allusive Markeezy.... a solitary creature.

While I was a little disappointed to not see Jack Hanna (I guess he only lives at the Columbus Zoo.. who knew?), I would say our trip to the National Zoo was a success. Topped off, of course, by the FroYo we had on the way back to the metro station.

- tori edwards - 

The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo. – Desmond Morris