National Zoological Garden, Washington, DC 5/3/26
The Small Mammal house contained species such as the rock hyrax, fennec fox, la plata armadillo, and sand cat. Animals were placed in exhibits featuring branches, vines, stones, and smells to mimic their natural habitat and provide stimuli and entertainment. The exhibit provided information regarding the animals' range, habitat, and diet. There was an interactive display featuring a randomly selected section of an animal’s skeleton. Zoo goers had to identify the phyla and what animal the skeleton was a part of. The Reptile house contained species such as the snouted cobra, kimberly rock monitor, snapping turtle, and Africa plated lizard. For some of the amphibious/aquatic reptiles like the crocodiles, the exhibits had bodies of water to better mimic the animals' natural habitat. The exhibit provided information regarding the animals' range and habitat. There was an interactive display comparing and contrasting the anatomy of a reptile and a mammal. The Amazonian exhibit contained species such as the lateral line, black pacu, arapaima, arrau turtle. To replicate the Amazonian habitat, the exhibit maintains a higher humidity and temperature. The exhibit provided information regarding the animals' relationships with the local Amazonians and their hunting habits. All the halls had aspects geared towards a younger, less knowledgeable audience, and aspects geared towards older and more knowledgeable zoo goers. The zoo provides tours and education programs that allow active learning of species and habitats: for example, children can explore how ecosystems function and how species survive in different habitats through curriculum-based experiences. In addition, specialized exhibits like the Bird House allow visitors to experience bird migration and ecosystem relationships through dynamic displays, conservation storytelling, and practical actions visitors can take to help protect animals. These exhibits connect animal behavior to larger environmental systems and conservation challenges, making ecosystem education experiential and interactive.