The Zoological Park's primary aim was not for the entertainment of people, but for the preservation of endangered animals indigenous to the United States. In addition to conventional animal houses, extensive pastures for grazing were planned along with natural rock quarries to contain bears, a scheme that was unsuccessful. Only two of the original buildings exist today, the Principal Animal House, now the lion house, and the New Mammal House, the present monkey house. The Zoo borders Rock Creek Park with entrances at 3001 Connecticut Ave. It is closed on December 25th.
Admission is free.