Breakfast at the National Zoo - Something Fun in Washington

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties DC AB15253

Did you ever wonder what the orangutans at the zoo really eat for breakfast or whether the seals play with their balls before it opens to the public and all the crowds arrive? In celebration of the Smithsonian Associates’ 50th anniversary year, you can find out! You can have breakfast with 50 of some of the National Zoo’s most popular, unusual, and sweetest animals as part of the Smithsonian Associates anniversary celebration from 8 am to 11 am on Saturday, September 19.  This is a great event whether you are a Washington native or newly relocated to Washington or Chevy Chase, MD! 

This annual Breakfast at the Zoo is popular event that offers Smithsonian Associates members the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the National Zoo’s animals before it opens to the public.  Imagine having a breakfast buffet and dancing to the DC area musical group, The Grandsons Jr., on the Lion and Tiger Hill!

Then you can go on a scavenger safari to locate 50 different animals on exhibit throughout the zoo.  Finding the panda and elephant are easy, but can you find a naked mole-rat or the screaming hairy armadillo? As you are searching, the zoo keepers will let you peek in some of the animal houses along your trek.

This special event is open only to Smithsonian Associates members, Smithsonian staff, and their guests. The Smithsonian Associates Program has been offering more than 100 educational and cultural programs a month for the residents of the greater Washington, D.C., area for fifty years.  This is a great way to learn new things and experience the best of Washington DC's culture in an evening or a weekend. The National Zoo offers so many wonderful events each year, such as Zoo Lights, and Brew at the Zoo.  It is not just a Zoo but a wonderful part of the Washington community. 

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 10.  Children under 4 are free.

If you want even more behind the scenes fun, you can join the Smithsonian Associates at the $175 level and above.  Those associates have guaranteed seats in the VIP Pavilion with a special breakfast menu, activities and gifts for children. Donors at the higher levels receive even more perks at this event.  

Remember, as Paul Simon said in At the Zoo

Someone told me
It’s all happening at the zoo
I do believe it
I do believe it’s true

It’s a light and tumble journey
From the East Side to the park
Just a fine and fancy ramble to the zoo
Bus you can take the crosstown bus
If it’s raining or it’s cold
And the animals will love it
If you do, now

Somethin’ tells me
It’s all happening at the zoo
I do believe it
I do believe it’s true

The monkeys stand for honesty
Giraffes are insincere
And the elephants are kindly, but they’re dumb
Orangutans are skeptical
Of changes in their cages
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum

 

Zebras are reactionaries,
Antelopes are missionaries
Pigeons plot in secrecy
And hamsters turn on frequently
What a gas!
You gotta come and see
At the zoo
At the zoo

Comments (16)

Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

  The zoo is soooo much fun...ours has a weekend of AlaCarte with restaurants from throughout the area....meet the animals...enjoy the meal...mmm

Jul 22, 2015 10:11 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

This event sounds like so much fun and something I would truly enjoy.  I haven't been to our Cleveland Zoo in years.

Jul 22, 2015 10:17 PM
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Lise: This is an event that I would put on my calendar...I always enjoy visiting the zoo and seeing all the exotic animals.

Jul 22, 2015 10:33 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Lise. This sounds like so much fun. I would love to go.

Jul 22, 2015 10:33 PM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

What a fun idea. I miss having little kids to take to things like this. Our Wild Animal Park does a "roar and snore" which is an overnight camping adventure within ear shot of the animals. Very cool. 

Jul 22, 2015 11:33 PM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

What fun.  I assume they eat people food alot.  Our hometown has a zoo and I do remember the bakery on State St. that made brown bread exclusively for the animals at the zoo.

Jul 23, 2015 12:14 AM
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I have been to the National Zoo Lise. A great chance for some photos too.

Jul 23, 2015 12:20 AM
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Oh boy Pancakes with a Panda, omeletes with an orangatang how fun!

Jul 23, 2015 01:00 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner - I feel the same way. My son and his wife are having a baby this summer - I am looking forward to having a munchkin to take to events like this again. 

Jul 23, 2015 01:46 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Marco Giancola = very alliterative! I am impressed -

Jul 23, 2015 01:46 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good information for area residents and visitors.

Dolores and I always enjoy our visits to the National Zoo. We are FONZ members.

Jul 23, 2015 02:20 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Roy Kelley and you are truly awesome! I just rejoined the smithsonian associates.  Maybe the FONZ is next!

Jul 23, 2015 11:59 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Lise.  We don't have a zoo around here.  In fact I believe the nearest one is about a three hour drive.  

Jul 23, 2015 07:54 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

This sounds like so much fun.Wish they did something like that here so I could go with the grandbabies!

Jul 23, 2015 11:23 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Saturday morning Lise. It has been ages since I have visited the Nashville zoo. I believe that you have sowed a seed and I may do that tomorrow.

Jul 24, 2015 07:05 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

What a great back to school event for parents and kids alike! Who would not want to have breakfast and visit the pandas? What a great activity Lise!

Jul 25, 2015 10:41 PM