The Zoo's main entrance is in the 3000 block of Connecticut Avenue, on the west side of the Zoo. There are also entrances on the east side, off Beach Drive (Rock Creek Parkway) and at the junction of Harvard Street and Adams Mill Road.
There are 18 designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities in two of the Zoo's paid parking lots, Lot B and Lot D. Lot B is located in the middle of the Zoo. All paths slope uphill from Lot D, which is at the east end of the Zoo.
All public buildings at the Zoo have at least one accessible entrance.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for temporary use by visitors within the Zoo from the information stations at the Education Building or Lion/Tiger Building. Loans are first come, first served. A deposit is required. For information, call (202) 673-4717.
Like all Smithsonian facilities, the Zoo allows assistance animals. However, such animals must be removed from any area if they disturb Zoo animals.
The Zoo occupies a hillside rising 180 feet above Rock Creek. More than three miles of paths slope downhill from the Connecticut Avenue entrance. Some paths are quite steep and can be slippery when wet. Steep-grade symbols mark difficult parts of the pathways.
Olmsted Walk, the main path, goes past all the animal houses except the Bird House and "Amazonia." It is gently sloping in most places.
The Valley Trail goes through the steepest part of the Zoo. Wheelchair users should be especially cautious.
There are no assistive listening devices available.
The information desk at the Education Building is not accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.
The Mane Restaurant, which serves fast food and snacks year-round, is accessible.
Carts and seasonal buildings provide additional food service, depending on the time of year. Of these seasonal buildings, the Panda Cafe and the Pop Stop are accessible. The Panda Plaza Hot Dog Stand and the Valley Ice and Reptile Ice facilities are not accessible.
All public restrooms are accessible. All public telephones are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Telephones near Parking Lot B and Lot D are amplified.
All banks of water fountains at the Zoo are accessible.
Two free learning centers teach about animals, zoos and conservation. In addition to books and activities, there are many touchable items. ZOOlab is located in the Education Building. The Reptile Discovery Center in the Reptile House features a number of hands-on devices.
Accessibility features are marked on the Zoo's plan and brochure.
The Zoo publishes a "Guide for Disabled Visitors" in large print. It also publishes "Get Rollin'," a self-guided tour for people using wheelchairs. To obtain a copy of these brochures, or to obtain information about learning center hours, zoo programs, demonstrations, classes and workshops, call (202) 673-4717, or write to:
Friends of the National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Visitors may arrange for sign-language, oral or cued-speech interpreters by calling (202) 673-4954 two weeks in advance.
The Zoo is located halfway between two stops on the Red Line. If you are coming to the Zoo, use the Cleveland Park Station. The Connecticut Avenue entrance is approximately a quarter-mile south--and downhill--from the station.
When leaving the Zoo, go approximately a quarter-mile south--and downhill--to the Woodley Park-Zoo Station.