February 19, 1999

Everyone likes a good deal, and Washington's 163-acre National Zoo is one of the best deals in town, with free admission and a diverse array of exhibits to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages.

For APA members attending the annual meeting in downtown Washington, D.C., in May, the National Zoo is especially appealing because it is only a short subway ride from the central meeting area. Given Washington's propensity for fabulous weather in May, a brief escape to the zoo may be just what annual meeting participants, including spouses and children, are looking for.

Established more than a century ago, the zoo houses thousands of animals representing about 500 different species, from the familiar to the rare and endangered. The zoo, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, also has a successful breeding program, and among the animals born there are giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, and Komodo dragons. Bird lovers will enjoy the huge open-air aviary, which houses many exotic species of birds. A number of elephants make themselves at home with such entertaining activities as pumpkin smashing (in season, of course).

The zoo also has a rare giant panda from China, Hsing-Hsing, who will have been at the Zoo for 27 years this April; he sadly lost his mate, Ling-Ling, in December 1992. The two had been together for 20 years, according to a Zoo spokesperson. They had five cubs together, but all died in infancy from incurable infections. Zoo officials hope to reestablish a breeding program in the future.

Given that the readers of Psychiatric News are likely to have a special interest in the workings of the mind, the zoo's Think Tank, which explores the nature of thinking in the animal world, may be of special interest. The orangutans are actually becoming computer literate!

Speaking of orangutans, visitors may wish to get into the swing of things by watching these remarkable, intelligent primates swing from building to building on overhead cables known as the OTS-or Orangutan Transportation System.

Those in the mood for a more cold-blooded approach to the animal world should make their way to the zoo's Komodo dragon exhibit. These extraordinary lizards reach 12 feet in length and are able to dismember pig carcasses with ease. The zoo's breeding program for these rare reptiles is the first successful breeding program in the West for these real-life dragons.

Of course, none of these fauna could exist without the subtle interactions between the plant and animal world, and for an instructive ecology lesson on this intricate web, drop by the zoo's Pollinarium. It is fair to say that the vast, intertwined matrix of plant and animal life is the true "World Wide Web."

Some of the zoo's exhibits are so popular that officials caution visitors to expect a wait. Among these are Amazonia, which simulates a tropical river and forest; the Reptile Discovery Center, which gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with reptilian and amphibian friends; and the Invertebrate Exhibit, which provides an unusual perspective on creatures ranging from ants to octopi. The Invertebrate Exhibit is open only Wednesday through Sunday.

Visitors hoping to see these exhibits are encouraged to preregister through Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) to confirm admission. That number is (202) 673-4955.

A limited number of 90-minute guided tours of zoo highlights are available on weekend mornings only with advance reservations by calling (202) 673-4954.

A thorough tour of the zoo takes at least three hours, but there are many places to rest along the way. Whether contemplating a 90-minute highlights tour or a leisurely visit, wear comfortable shoes.

Although May weather in Washington, D.C., is usually delightful throughout the day, the best time to see the animals is in the morning, as even on nice days animals tend to snooze when the sun is high. And because of that hot sun, it is wise to bring a hat or sunscreen. If the weather is rainy, visitors may want to consider following the Olmsted Walk, which tracks most of the zoo's indoor exhibits.

Strollers can be rented, but pets are prohibited. There are many picnic tables and grassy areas to down a snack or lunch. Although food is sold at the zoo, the selection is limited, so visitors may want to bring their own.

Some of the most fascinating observations require sitting back on a bench and relaxing near an exhibit. As always, nature, even captive nature, moves at its own pace and with its own logic and cannot be rushed.

The zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., with grounds open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and buildings from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May through mid-September. Parking is very limited, so take Washington's clean and safe subway system, Metro, using the Red Line either to the Woodley Park/Zoo stop or to the Cleveland Park stop. One insider's tip is that although the two stops are about equidistant from the zoo, the Cleveland Park stop is a level walk, while the Woodley Park/Zoo stop is a rather steep uphill climb.

Visitors may wish to schedule their time at the zoo to coincide with the following feeding and training times:

Feeding, Training Schedule:

10:30 a.m.: Marabou stork feeding behind the Bird House

11 a.m.: Panda feeding in the Panda Yard; Meet-a-kiwi in front of the Bird House on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only

11:30 a.m.: Elephant training in the Elephant Yard; Sea lion demonstration in the Sea Lion Pool

3 p.m.: Panda feeding inside the Giant Panda House

There are also other demonstrations throughout the day in the Invertebrate Exhibit and the Think Tank. Schedules can be obtained at the information booth. Also, visitors may want to check at the booth for updates since schedules can change.

More information is available at the zoo's Web site, www.si.edu/natzoo/.