Bison and the National Zoo

In 1886, the Smithsonian sent its Chief Taxidermist, William T. Hornaday, to Montana to collect bison for a display, but he was shocked by how few he saw. Although he killed some animals for the display, he also collected live bison to establish a herd and housed them behind the Smithsonian Castle, where they became popular with the public. Hornaday believed a national zoo was needed to protect endangered species such as bison, and in 1889 Congress created the National Zoological Park for the advancement of science and the instruction and recreation of the people. In 1890, the Zoo became part of the Smithsonian, and in 1891 it opened to the public at its current site in Rock Creek Park, where its first animals included a black bear, a bald eagle, a panther, and American bison.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States