National Zoo

The National Zoological Zoo was born out of a conservation effort to preserve species native to North America. Frederick Law Olmsted was first tasked with the job of preparing plans for the zoo within Rock Creek Park (02837) in 1895. Twenty years later his sons Olmsted Jr. and John Charles Olmsted returned to the project to make further improvements. Designated as a place of cultural importance its place “in the line of most convenient communication between the present most fashionable quarter of the city and its largest and finest public park and promenade. So situated, and having been ordained and being maintained by Congress it will take rank with the more dignified and monumental capital affairs of the Nation.” [FLO_1887_LOC-FLOP-SF-Washington D.C_im.6] The uneven terrain of the site proved to be the ideal landscape to create structures for a variety of animals. The 166-acre site, purchased by Congress, featured three bodies of water and 55 individual habitats.