More
- Classifieds
- Cars
- Deals
- Real Estate
- Rentals
- Shopping
- Obituaries
- Archives
- Topics
- Blogs

In the News

Life at modern zoos

In their effort to satisfy both visitors and animals both, today’s zoos could be creating a new kind of animal: one accustomed to and dependent on humans, but not tame.

5 Seconds

00:00

00:00

Kibibi, a female western lowland gorilla at the National Zoo. No two gorillas’ noses are exactly the same. Researchers use a gorilla’s nose as a way to identify the animal in the wild. North American zoos are estimated to have 341 western lowland gorillas in captivity. In the wild, the western lowland gorilla population is estimated between 100,000 to 200,000; estimates of the other species are thought to be in the hundreds.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Visitors photograph Mandara, a western lowland gorilla.

Visitors photograph Mandara, a western lowland gorilla.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Sarah Johnson, 13, of Montgomery Village, gets a close look at Pandora, the giant Pacific octopus. The life span of a Pacific octopus is just three to five years. Males die several months after mating, while females die shortly after their eggs hatch.

Sarah Johnson, 13, of Montgomery Village, gets a close look at Pandora, the giant Pacific octopus. The life span of a Pacific octopus is just three to five years. Males die several months after mating, while females die shortly after their eggs hatch.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Keith Kessler of Asheville, N.C., observes a tank full of sea anemones. Despite its plant-like appearance, the anemone is a meat-eating animal. Its tentacles are filled with venom, and it injects whatever food happens to swim by.

Keith Kessler of Asheville, N.C., observes a tank full of sea anemones. Despite its plant-like appearance, the anemone is a meat-eating animal. Its tentacles are filled with venom, and it injects whatever food happens to swim by.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Mike, a roseate spoonbill in the Amazonia exhibit, chases and snaps at Tina. When spoonbills are ready to mate, they go through involved courtships that include, among other activities, exchanging nest materials. North American zoos are estimated to have 379 in captivity. The global population is estimated at 175,000.

Mike, a roseate spoonbill in the Amazonia exhibit, chases and snaps at Tina. When spoonbills are ready to mate, they go through involved courtships that include, among other activities, exchanging nest materials. North American zoos are estimated to have 379 in captivity. The global population is estimated at 175,000.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Batang, an orangutan in its enclosure.

Batang, an orangutan in its enclosure.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

A white-cheeked gibbon at the zoo.

A white-cheeked gibbon at the zoo.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Large-cats keeper Kristen Clark trains a lion to let her hold its tail, which is necessary when conducting blood tests.

Large-cats keeper Kristen Clark trains a lion to let her hold its tail, which is necessary when conducting blood tests.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Lions watch as Clark gets their food. Lions live in groups, or prides. When a male enters a new pride, it will kill any cub that cannot run from it. North American zoos are estimated to have 250 lions in captivity. In the wild, the population is estimated at 30,000 to 100,000.

Lions watch as Clark gets their food. Lions live in groups, or prides. When a male enters a new pride, it will kill any cub that cannot run from it. North American zoos are estimated to have 250 lions in captivity. In the wild, the population is estimated at 30,000 to 100,000.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Clark tosses a dead rabbit to the lions.

Clark tosses a dead rabbit to the lions.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Visitors on the bridge at the elephant enclosure.

Visitors on the bridge at the elephant enclosure.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Elephant manager Marie Galloway washes Asian elephant Kandula. A bucket holds the elephant’s rewards for finishing the bath. An elephant can emit communications at a frequency so low that the human ear cannot detect hear them. These messages can travel for miles to other elephants. North American zoos have an estimated 150 Asian elephants. In the wild, the population of Asian elephants is estimated between 30,000 and 50,000.

Elephant manager Marie Galloway washes Asian elephant Kandula. A bucket holds the elephant’s rewards for finishing the bath. An elephant can emit communications at a frequency so low that the human ear cannot detect hear them. These messages can travel for miles to other elephants. North American zoos have an estimated 150 Asian elephants. In the wild, the population of Asian elephants is estimated between 30,000 and 50,000.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Elephant manager Marie Galloway, right, takes blood from Ambika, an Asian elephant, with the help of keeper Matt Chambers.

Elephant manager Marie Galloway, right, takes blood from Ambika, an Asian elephant, with the help of keeper Matt Chambers.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Xavier Simpson, 12, far left, Imani Green, 5, second from left, and Sky Nelson, 8, share a friendly moment with an orangutan, Iris. Although orangutans are solitary animals, young orangutans may nurse for six years and stay close to the mother until she has another baby. North American zoos are estimated to have 216 orangutans. In the wild, the estimated population for orangutans is 57,000: 50,000 for Bornean, and 7,000 for Sumatran orangutans.

Xavier Simpson, 12, far left, Imani Green, 5, second from left, and Sky Nelson, 8, share a friendly moment with an orangutan, Iris. Although orangutans are solitary animals, young orangutans may nurse for six years and stay close to the mother until she has another baby. North American zoos are estimated to have 216 orangutans. In the wild, the estimated population for orangutans is 57,000: 50,000 for Bornean, and 7,000 for Sumatran orangutans.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Primate keeper Amanda Bania gives Kibibi a cardiac ultrasound to get her comfortable with the device for future use.

Primate keeper Amanda Bania gives Kibibi a cardiac ultrasound to get her comfortable with the device for future use.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Mandara, a western lowland gorilla, rests in the Great Ape House. Despite roots in Africa, “These guys grew up in D.C. and know what air conditioning is,” keeper Erin Stromberg says. “Given the choice, they’ll go sit in it.”

Mandara, a western lowland gorilla, rests in the Great Ape House. Despite roots in Africa, “These guys grew up in D.C. and know what air conditioning is,” keeper Erin Stromberg says. “Given the choice, they’ll go sit in it.”

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

A visitor watches one of the orangutans negotiate the O Line, a network of cables that lets the animals travel over the main visitor walkway.

A visitor watches one of the orangutans negotiate the O Line, a network of cables that lets the animals travel over the main visitor walkway.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Featured Photo Galleries

Homeowner David Firth tries to beat back a brush fire heading towards his home at Bettas Road and Low Drive as wildfire burns Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 in Cle Elum, Wash. The fire jumped the line they were trying to make but still stands after being sprayed with water trucks and further efforts to beat it back with the help of several neighbors volunteering. (AP Photo/The Seattle Times, Bettina Hansen) SEATTLE OUT, USA TODAY OUT, MAGAZINES OUT, TELEVISION OUT, NO SALES . MANDATORY CREDIT TO: BETTINA HANSEN/THE SEATTLE TIMES.

Residents evacuate as wildfires rage through the West

This year’s wildfires are more numerous and have gotten bigger than last year’s, an official says.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Protesters gather outside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks is staying on August 16, 2012 in London, England. Mr Assange has been living inside Ecuador's London embassy since June 19, 2012 after requesting political asylum whilst facing extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Julian Assange granted political asylum by Ecuador

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was granted asylum on Thursday by Ecuador, raising the possibility of a diplomatic showdown between British...

Chase Culp of Houston checks his clown makeup before the performance of Circus Smirkus on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Montpelier, Vt. Circus Smirkus, based in Greensboro, Vt., is an award-winning international youth circus founded to promote the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus.(AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

India Independence Day, Syrian air strikes, Western wildfires, plastination and more in the day in photos

News and feature images from around the world.

Cast member Charisma Carpenter poses at the premiere of 'The Expendables 2' at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California August 15, 2012. The movie opens in the U.S. on August 17. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)

Eye on entertainment

Charisma Carpenter, Chuck Norris, Lionel Richie, Joe Jonas, Nelly, Alice Cooper and other celebrities.

US President Barack Obama drinks a Guinness beer at The Dubliner pub on March 17, 2012 in Washington. Obama went to the bar to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Hoppy days are here again

President Obama is making clear his love for beer on the campaign trail as he attempts to ferment a coalition of the swilling.

Scanned from Post archive. Washington Senators baseball players Goose Goslin, Manush, Kukel. 9/21/1933. No other info. TWP Photo.

The last time Washington was this good . . .

The Nationals have had the best record in baseball in August, starting to erase memories hardened by decades of mediocrity. Here are clues to...

Montreal Washington, of Kansas City, pets the dog she adopted, Friday, Aug. 10, during 'Tackle Pet Homelessness' at the Kansas City animal shelter in Kansas City, Mo.. Washington plans on naming the pit bull, Alexandra. The shelter is at capacity and is offering a $25 adoption special for all dogs 25 pounds or more. For the month of August, all cats are 'name your own price' and kitten adoptions are $50. (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Allison Long)

Homeless and adopted dogs, sand kittens, snow leopards and more in animal views.

Amazing creatures from around the world.

LEWISBURG, WV - AUGUST 11: ( EDITORS NOTE: Image was created using the iPhone 4s with Snapseed's vintage filter) Two young boys sip a drink at the West Virginia State fair on August 11, 2012 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. People from across the region travel to the fair, which is celebrating its 88th year, and hosts various events including equestrian and livestock demonstrations along with a full compliment of carnival rides. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

iPhone snapshots at the West Virginia State Fair

An iPhone captures the fun at the West Virginia State Fair, in its 88th year. All images were created using the Snapseed photo-editing app&rsquo...

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Loading...

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.