National Zoological Park is a 163-acre (71-hectare) zoo maintained by the Smithsonian Institution along Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. The zoo was founded in 1889. It exhibits hundreds of different species (kinds) of animals. Wherever possible, animals, plants, and other living things are presented together in natural settings. Millions of people visit the zoo every year. The zoo provides educational services to the public and conducts scientific research in animal behavior, ecology, zoo biology, animal reproduction, and exotic animal medicine. Conservation of endangered animal species is a major research focus.
