<P> The two facilities host about 1,800 animals of 300 different species . About one - fifth of them are endangered or threatened . Most species are on exhibit at the Rock Creek Park campus . The best - known residents are the giant pandas , but the zoo is also home to birds , great apes , big cats , Asian elephants , insects , amphibians , reptiles , aquatic animals , small mammals and many more . The SCBI facility houses between 30 and 40 endangered species at any given time depending on research needs and recommendations from the zoo and the conservation community . The zoo was one of the first to establish a scientific research program . Because it is a part of the Smithsonian Institution , the National Zoo receives federal appropriations for operating expenses . A new master plan for the park was introduced in 2008 to upgrade the park 's exhibits and layout . </P>
<P> The two facilities host about 1,800 animals of 300 different species . About one - fifth of them are endangered or threatened . Most species are on exhibit at the Rock Creek Park campus . The best - known residents are the giant pandas , but the zoo is also home to birds , great apes , big cats , Asian elephants , insects , amphibians , reptiles , aquatic animals , small mammals and many more . The SCBI facility houses between 30 and 40 endangered species at any given time depending on research needs and recommendations from the zoo and the conservation community . The zoo was one of the first to establish a scientific research program . Because it is a part of the Smithsonian Institution , the National Zoo receives federal appropriations for operating expenses . A new master plan for the park was introduced in 2008 to upgrade the park 's exhibits and layout . </P>
how many animals are in the smithsonian zoo
how many animals are in the smithsonian zoo
about 1,800 animals of 300 different species
about 1,800 animals of 300 different species