Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Dublin Core
Title
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Description
In addition to the specific projects detailed in the connected project pages, the WPA and the CWA both did extensive general work on the National Zoo.
From 1933-34, CWA work included: “Minor construction and improvements…to buildings, cages, fences, pools, electric lines, pipes, drainage, roads, walks, trails, etc.; Revise plans for Bird House; Cataloging library; Grading and sodding; Construction of service road; Laying 6 inch water main; New foundation to warehouse; Wild Horse Shelters; Condor Cage; Permanent shelters for Antelope and Wild Sheep; Building brick smokestack.”
From 1936-41, WPA work included: “Improve National Zoological Park in the city of Washington, DC, by reconstructing present and constructing new walks, cages, paddocks, fences, sewers, pipelines, roads and structures, cleaning and grading grounds; improve National Zoological Park including clearing, grading, sodding, seeding, planting, reconstructing and constructing walks, retaining walls, curbs, manholes, cages, paddocks, feed barns, pipe lines, roads, and parking areas, removing lines and poles, excavating, removing Buffalo Hill, demolishing and removing smoke stack, constructing feed house; Rehabilitate and improve facilities at the National Zoological Park, including rehabilitating benches, roads, walks, and bear dens; improving quarry areas; providing and installing benches; appurtenant and incidental work.”
From 1933-34, CWA work included: “Minor construction and improvements…to buildings, cages, fences, pools, electric lines, pipes, drainage, roads, walks, trails, etc.; Revise plans for Bird House; Cataloging library; Grading and sodding; Construction of service road; Laying 6 inch water main; New foundation to warehouse; Wild Horse Shelters; Condor Cage; Permanent shelters for Antelope and Wild Sheep; Building brick smokestack.”
From 1936-41, WPA work included: “Improve National Zoological Park in the city of Washington, DC, by reconstructing present and constructing new walks, cages, paddocks, fences, sewers, pipelines, roads and structures, cleaning and grading grounds; improve National Zoological Park including clearing, grading, sodding, seeding, planting, reconstructing and constructing walks, retaining walls, curbs, manholes, cages, paddocks, feed barns, pipe lines, roads, and parking areas, removing lines and poles, excavating, removing Buffalo Hill, demolishing and removing smoke stack, constructing feed house; Rehabilitate and improve facilities at the National Zoological Park, including rehabilitating benches, roads, walks, and bear dens; improving quarry areas; providing and installing benches; appurtenant and incidental work.”
Creator
Tina David
Source
https://livingnewdeal.org/projects/washington-d-c-national-zoo-washington-dc/
Date
10/11/19
Rights
Creative Commons
Language
English
Place-Based Stories Item Type Metadata
Date
10/11/19
Format
-Photograph
-Video
-Video
Narrative
Although the National Zoo was not created specifically for the New Deal, the updates on the framework and improvements for the overall quality were made from the New Deal in the mid-late 1930's. The CWA and PWA helped upgrade the quality of the zoo which provided jobs for those who were involved in those government funded programs. The National Zoo provides stories about how mankind endangered several species and it also offers a way to help conserve these closely endangered species. This site has been a huge educational and cultural part of America because people come from far and wide to look at the variety of animals, including rare/almost extinct ones. The educational aspect of the zoo still remains strong today, during my visit I encountered many middle school students on a field trip. They were working on a worksheet while being able to interact with animals and view their habitats first hand. This proves that throughout the years, the zoo has become a great, not to mention free, educational resource for the public.
Collection
Citation
Tina David, “Smithsonian National Zoological Park,” HIST 390 The Digital Past: A Cultural New Deal, accessed September 18, 2026, https://jessicadoeshistory.com/cnd/items/show/231.