2021 6/17: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

 

The National Zoo occupies a sprawling site with lots of hills to give the animals some separation. When we first entered, we were greeted by a prairie dog digging his tunnels in a transplanted portion of the Southwestern desert. He seemed happy to have the company.

 

Joan loved to see the “affection” that these Queens of the Jungle showed for each other. She didn’t expect to see such apparent tenderness.

The zoo is very proud of its one-year-old baby panda. Its name is Xiao Qi Ji, which means “little miracle,” because he was born to a 22-year-old mother, who was considered too old to become pregnant. The baby panda is one-year

 

Continue on to what used to be the Pension Building and has been renamed to the Building Museum by clicking here.