Zoos
Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill
📍 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008🌐 nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/great-cats
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
Quick Facts
💡 Did You Know?
- The Great Cats Exhibit features a circular design with multiple viewing areas, allowing visitors to observe lions and tigers from many different vantage points throughout the enclosure
- The exhibit includes a moat separation system between visitors and the big cats for safety
- The exhibit also features prairie dogs as part of the animal viewing experience alongside the main big cat attractions
- The attraction offers free entry to visitors as part of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- The exhibit hosts special educational events such as World Cat Day celebrations with interactive activities, expert-led presentations, and hands-on educational components for visitors
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit during cooler months or early morning hours to see lions and tigers more active; during hot weather they rest in shaded areas, limiting viewing opportunities
- The exhibit is designed as a giant circle with multiple viewing areas—plan to walk the full loop to find the best vantage points for observing the animals from different angles
- Free entry makes this an excellent value for families; check for special animal celebration days (like World Cat Day) that offer interactive activities, touch-and-feel exhibits, and expert Q&A sessions
- Don't miss the Prairie Dogs area while viewing Lions and Tigers Hill—reviewers specifically mention this as a worthwhile secondary attraction in the same location
- Bring kids prepared with educational questions—experts are present during special events to share facts and knowledge about the big cats and endangered species conservation
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