Zoo Scholars Trip:
5/3/2026 8am-1pm:
I recently visited the Smithsonian National Zoological Park with my Scholars program from the University of Maryland, and it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had this semester. Since it was my first time going to a zoo since I was around 5 years old, I was already super excited to experience it again. Since finals were coming up, everyone was eager to get off campus for the day, and the trip gave us a chance to relax, spend time together, and connect outside of classes. Walking through the exhibits with my friends made the experience feel both fun and meaningful.
As we explored the zoo, we saw a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas, lions, elephants, and gorillas. Seeing these animals up close was honestly incredible because I had realized just how fascinating it was to see it up close. One of my favorite parts of the visit was realizing how carefully each exhibit was designed to reflect the animals’ natural habitats. The zoo clearly places a strong emphasis on conservation, enrichment, and education, which made the experience more impactful than I expected.
One exhibit that stood out to me was the Small Mammal House. The four species I found most interesting were the fennec foxes, red ruffed lemurs, slender-tailed meerkats, and naked mole rats. The fennec foxes immediately caught my attention because of their huge ears. I noticed that the zookeepers had provided toys and activities for them, which helps keep the animals stimulated and encourages natural behaviors. The red ruffed lemurs were constantly moving and interacting with each other, showing how social they are as a species. The meerkats were also entertaining because they were always alert and standing upright to observe their surroundings. My favorite animals in the exhibit, however, were probably the naked mole rats because they were somehow both ugly and adorable at the same time. Even though they looked strange, learning about how they live underground in colonies and work together made them surprisingly fascinating.
I also spent time in the Reptile Discovery Center, where I saw animals such as the snouted cobra, Cuban crocodile, pythons, and several species of cobras. The reptile exhibits were especially interesting because they highlighted how different reptiles adapt to their environments for survival. The Cuban crocodile was particularly impressive because of its size and strength, while the snakes demonstrated super cool camouflage. The exhibit included detailed informational plaques that explained each species’ habitat, diet, and conservation status, which made the experience both educational and engaging.
Another major highlight of the zoo was the Amazonia exhibit, which recreated the environment of a tropical rainforest. There, I saw California tiger salamanders, green-and-black poison dart frogs, stingrays, and roseate spoonbills. The roseate spoonbills would constantly fly and land right next to us, which honestly terrified me a little bit because it almost flew into me multiple times. The atmosphere inside the exhibit felt immersive because of the humidity, plants, and sounds of running water. It almost felt like stepping into an entirely different ecosystem. Beyond the animal exhibits themselves, I appreciated how interactive the zoo was for visitors. Outside the reptile exhibit, zoo educators were teaching children about amphibians through games and activities, such as spinning a wheel and answering questions about conservation and habitats. Watching the staff engage with visitors showed that the zoo’s purpose goes beyond entertainment; it also focuses heavily on public education and environmental awareness.
Overall, this trip was more than just a fun day away from campus. It gave me a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. At the same time, it helped me feel more connected to the people in my Scholars program because we were able to share a unique experience together. The visit was both educational and refreshing, and it reminded me how valuable hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom can be.
