The two facilities host about 1,800 animals of 300 different species. About one - fifth of them are endangered or threatened. Most species are on exhibit at the Rock Creek Park campus. The best - known residents are the giant pandas, but the zoo is also home to birds, great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic animals, small mammals and many more. The SCBI facility houses between 30 and 40 endangered species at any given time depending on research needs and recommendations from the zoo and the conservation community. The zoo was one of the first to establish a scientific research program. Because it is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo receives federal appropriations for operating expenses. A new master plan for the park was introduced in 2008 to upgrade the park 's exhibits and layout.
how many animals are in the smithsonian zoo
about 1,800 animals of 300 different species