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The next phase of Elephant Trails construction is about to get under way. On March 17, we will be closing the Elephant House to the public for an expected two to three weeks, while construction crews reconfigure one section and build temporary office space for our elephant-care staff. We know our guests enjoy seeing the animals up close in the Elephant House, but this brief closure is necessary for the safety of our animals, staff and visitors. more

Who's Home at the Elephant House?

The Elephant House is home to:

• Three Asian elephants, a calf born in 2001, his mother, and another female.
  Elephant Fact Sheet  Meet the Elephants Elephant Cam
• One Nile hippo, native to East Africa.
  Hippo Fact Sheet
• Two pygmy hippos, native to West Africa.
  Pygmy Hippo Fact Sheet
• Two male capybara, which are the largest of all rodents, and are native to Central and South America. They are semi-aquatic.
  Capybara Fact Sheet

These animals have a choice between indoor and outdoor space during most of the day. Check the hours for building and grounds.

Murals at the Elephant House

When you visit the Elephant House, be sure to enjoy the animal murals throughout the building. Students at Walt Whitman High School's Arts Program, in Bethesda, Md., designed and created the mosaics during the 1988-1989 school year.

A New Home for Elephants

The National Zoo's Elephant House was built in the 1930s. While it was once a beautiful building, it no longer meets the needs of its residents.

Asian elephants will get a new home called Elephant Trails, part of the Zoo's campaign to save Asian elephants.