National Zoo
The National Zoological Park was conceived by William Temple Hornaday and established by an act of Congress in 1889. The Smithsonian’s collection of living animals was originally intended to aid taxidermists’ studies, but Smithsonian Secretaries Spencer F. Baird and Samuel P. Langley helped expand the small menagerie’s purpose. Today it houses over 2,000 animals of around 400 different species. Most of the postcards in this gallery show animals from the zoo, but a couple also have correspondence.
Black and white postcard of a gazelle from the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. The image is off-center, to the left. The front of the postcard has a white border, and the postcard is unused. c. 1907-1930, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 47, Folder: 16, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07212 (front) and SIA2013-07213 (back).
Color envelope containing a booklet of eleven assorted postcards from the National Zoological Park. The left side of the front cover shows an image of a door with a stegosaurus above it, and the right side has space for an address. The back cover of the envelope shows a lion reposing in his enclosure. c. 1907-1930, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 47, Folder: 16, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07212 (front) and SIA2013-07213 (back).
Color postcard of a Komodo Dragon at the National Zoological Park. The Komodo Dragon is sitting on top of a pile of rocks, and a park guard is standing to its right. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Komodo Dragon, a young specimen of the largest of all Lizards." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07822 (front) and SIA2013-07823 (back).
Color postcard of four European brown bears at the National Zoological Park. A mother bear and her three cubs are standing on and in front of rocks. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the bears: ""Molly", a European Brown Bear has been the mother of 26 cubs in the zoo." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07838 (front) and SIA2013-07839 (back).
Color postcard of a maned wolf at the National Zoological Park. It is standing in an enclosure. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the wolf: “Maned Wolf from South America. One of the most beautiful and rarest of the dog family.” This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07840 (front) and SIA2013-07841 (back).
Color postcard of a mother and baby llama at the National Zoological Park. They are standing in front of trees. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about llamas: "The Llama has been domesticated by Andean Indians since prehistoric times." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07826 (front) and SIA2013-07827 (back).
Color postcard of a mother and baby hippopotamus at the National Zoological Park. The young hippopotamus is sitting on the ground next to its mother, who is standing up. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Five babies were born to this Hippopotamus during her life in the zoo." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06625 (front) and SIA2013-06626 (back).
Color postcard of a giant Anolis lizard at the National Zoological Park. The giant Anolis is sitting on a tree branch. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Giant Anolis from Cuba. Related to the common American Chameleon." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06627 (front) and SIA2013-06628 (back).
Color postcard of a wart hog at the National Zoological Park. It is standing on a bed of straw. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the wart hog: "Wart Hog from East Africa, captured in Tanganyika [Republic of Tanzania] by the Smithsonian-Chrysler Expedition." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07834 (front) and SIA2013-07835 (back).
Color postcard of Soko the chimpanzee getting a pedicure at the National Zoological Park. Head Keeper William "Blackie" Blackburne is sitting outside of Soko's enclosure, and Soko is sitting with one of his legs through the cage to allow "Blackie" to trim his nails. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the image: "Soko, the chimpanzee, having his nails trimmed." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07820 (front) and SIA2013-07821 (back).
Color postcard of two elephants in their enclosure at the National Zoological Park, showering themselves with dust. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the elephants: "Indian Elephant "Babe", retired from the circus; Sumatran elephant "Kechil"." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. Indian and Sumatran elephants are both subspecies of the Asian Elephant. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07824 (front) and SIA2013-07825 (back).
Color postcard of three Barbary sheep standing on an artificial cliff at the National Zoological Park. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the scene: "Barbary sheep from North Africa on artificial rock-work." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07836 (front) and SIA2013-07837 (back).
Color postcard of the Great Flight Cage in the Bird House at the National Zoological Park. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the Great Flight Cage: "This cage contains a collection of about 50 species of birds from all parts of the world." This postcard is a freestanding version of the one from the booklet of eleven assorted National Zoological Park postcards. 1935, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 65, Box 16, Folder: Postcards, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07818 (front) and SIA2013-07819 (back).
Color postcard of a tiger at the National Zoological Park. The tiger is mid-stride, walking in its enclosure. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Tiger—Distinguished by wavy black stripes on body. A member of the Cat Family and rivalled only by the Lion in size, strength and ferocity. Habitat, Asiatic Continent." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06607 (front) and SIA2013-06608 (back).
Color postcard of a camel at the National Zoological Park. The camel is standing in front of trees surrounded by fences. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Camel—The "Bactrian" Camel [is] distinguished by two humps. Its native home was Central Asia. It is an important beast of burden in Southern Siberia and in Mongolia. The "Arabian" Camel is larger than the "Bactrian" Camel and has only one hump. It is one of the oldest of Domestic Animals; it will carry a load of 500 pounds 25 miles a day without drinking. Camels live up to 50 years." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06601 (front) and SIA2013-06602 (back).
Color postcard of a lion at the National Zoological Park. The lion is laying down in its enclosure. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Lion—Called the "King of Beasts". A member of the Cat Family; found in Africa and Asia. Characterized by majestic appearance, great strength and ability." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06611 (front) and SIA2013-06612 (back).
Color postcard of a giraffe at the National Zoological Park. The giraffe is standing in its enclosure. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Giraffe—The tallest of all mammals sometimes growing to a height of 20 feet. Inhabit open country and brouse [sic] on tall trees. Can gallop at over 30 miles an hour. Found only in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06613 (front) and SIA2013-06614 (back).
Color postcard of a seal at the National Zoological Park. The seal is perched on a rock in the water. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Seal—A carnivorous marine mammal found commonly on the coasts of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Seals are very inquisitive animals. They are the main food of the Eskimo and are valuable for their skin and oil." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06599 (front) and SIA2013-06660 (back).
Color postcard of a group of six penguins at the National Zoological Park. The penguins are in an enclosure, parts of which can be seen containing mounds of snow. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Penguin—The Flight-Less Sea Bird; their wings are incapable of flexure and in the water are used as paddles. The Penguin belongs to the Southern Hemisphere and can be found in the most desolate parts of Antarctica. They feed on fish and crustacea." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06609 (front) and SIA2013-06610 (back).
Color postcard of a European brown bear at the National Zoological Park. The bear is standing up in its enclosure. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Bear—European Brown Bear; found over the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Countries they hibernate in the winter. They are omnivorous and particularly fond of honey." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-01240 (front) and SIA2013-01241 (back).
Color postcard of two chimpanzees at the National Zoological Park. They are crouching in front of a blue fence. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Chimpanzee—An African Anthropoid (man-like) Ape. The popular interest in this Ape lies in its resemblance to man, physiologically and anatomically. A forest animal living in small family groups; spend most of their time in trees. Occasionally stand upright but walk on all fours." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-01238 (front) and SIA2013-01239 (back) .
Color postcard of the Great Flight Cage, now part of the Bird House, at the National Zoological Park. Various birds are perched beside a waterfall and the pool below it. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Great Flight Cage—A group of Great Birds in all their majestic and colorful splendor." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06605 (front) and SIA2013-06606 (back).
Color postcard of a group of Barbary sheep at the National Zoological Park. The sheep are standing atop rocks, and trees are in the background. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Barbary Sheep—A group of Barbary Sheep living in an atmosphere recalling their native habitat." The front of the postcard has a white border. Barbary sheep are actually a type of caprid, which is a goat-antelope rather than sheep. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06605 (front) and SIA2013-06606 (back).
Color postcard of a zebra at the National Zoological Park. The zebra is in its enclosure. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Zebra—The African striped member of the horse tribe. Zebras occur in large herds and are preyed upon chiefly by lions." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06615 (front) and SIA2013-06616 (back).
Color postcard of a rhinoceros at the National Zoological Park. The rhinoceros is standing in its enclosure with its head lifted towards the sky and its mouth open. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Rhinoceros—A large massively built animal allied to the elephant and distinguished by one or two horns, composed of modified hairs, on the nose. Habitat, Tropical Africa and Asia." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06623 (front) and SIA2013-06624 (back).
Color postcard of a bald eagle at the National Zoological Park. The eagle is perched upon a rock. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Bald Eagle—A rare specie; bird of prey of the Falcon Family. Noted for its strength, size and keenness." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06603 (front) and SIA2013-06604 (back).
Color postcard of a polar bear at the National Zoological Park. The polar bear is walking in its enclosure in front of boulders. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Polar Bear—Confined to the Arctic region and distinguished by its white fur and stiff bristles on the feet. A very active animal, feeding on seals, walruses and fish." The front of the postcard has a white border. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06621 (front) and SIA2013-06622 (back).
Color postcard of a group of alligators at the National Zoological Park. The alligators are mostly surrounding the pool in their enclosure, but there is one alligator visible in the water. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note: "Alligator—The American Crocodile, best described as a large Lizard-like Amphibian Reptile. Found in the Southern States of North America up to 12 feet in length." The front of the postcard has a white border. Contrary to the information on the back of this postcard, alligators are not amphibians—they are reptiles. In addition, alligators are not American crocodiles; alligators belong to the family Alligatoridae, while American crocodiles belong to the family Crocodylidae. This postcard is part of a pack of "18 Selected Post Cards 25¢ National Zoological Park Washington, D.C." Today there are only fifteen postcards in the pack. 1948, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 16, Folder: 6, Negative Numbers SIA2013-06619 (front) and SIA2013-06620 (back).
Color postcard of four lion cubs at the National Zoological Park. They are all lying down in front of a blue background. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about lion cubs: "Baby Lions are spotted. There may be as many as five in a litter. They tame readily and were it not for the fact they grow big and powerful and might unwillingly do harm they would be nice pets." 1959, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 01-157, Box 1, Folder: Baby Animals and Certificate of Appreciation, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07830 (front) and SIA2013-07831 (back).
Color postcard of three cubs of a white tiger at the National Zoological Park. Only one cub is white. The front of the postcard has a white border. The postcard is unused, but the message side has a printed note about the white tiger: "The first white tiger bred outside of India, is shown with his normal-color litter-mates. The tiger triplets are the first born to Samson and Mohini Rewa, the National Zoo's rare white tiger." 1964, Curt Teich & Co., Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 01-157, Box 1, Folder: Baby Animals and Certificate of Appreciation, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07828 (front) and SIA2013-07829 (back).
Color postcard of a white tiger cub at the National Zoological Park. The cub is on the ground, with pink flowers on the left. The message side has a note about the cub: "Moni, male white tiger, born at the National Zoological Park on March 8, 1970 to Mohini and Ramana. The white color is a mutation and not albinism. White tigers are very rare in collections and none has been seen in the wild since 1951." The message side contains Christmas and New Year’s greetings: "Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from The Reeds. This is An Unorthodox Christmas Card but we love it. He is Certainly too big to romp in Our yard Now! Planning to spend the holidays at My Mother's in Kansas--a family reunion. Mary Alyce was here for Thanksgiving. Very happy at Carnegie. More boy friends than she has time for!! Mark went to Idaho to see Ted's Mother so we've not seen him since August. Dr. [Jean] Delacour was at the zoo Monday. Charming as ever. Seems in excellent health for his years. Ted's bongos Are beautiful. One pair bred the day they arrived so we have hope for the New Year!! Love , Elizabeth & Ted". Theodore "Ted" Reed (1922-2013) was a former director of the National Zoological Park. Elizabeth Reed was his wife. c. December 1970, Capitol Souvenir Company, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 01-157, Box 1, Folder: Baby Animals and Certificate of Appreciation, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07832 (front) and SIA2013-07833 (back).
Color postcard to Ling-Ling the Giant Panda at the National Zoological Park congratulating her on her new baby. The front of the card has a cartoon image of a small panda giving another panda a flower. It is set against a red background with a pink border. The front has a white border and edging. The message side congratulates Ling-Ling on her new baby: "Dear Ling Ling, Congratulations you Precious mama. God bless you and Your New Baby. We think of you all the time and we love you. The Lacey Family". June 24, 1987, Hallmark, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 08-102, Box 1, Folder: Panda Letters 1987-1989, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07880 (front) and SIA2013-07881 (back).
Color postcard advertising the opening of Amazonia exhibit at the National Zoological Park. The caption on the front is "Escape the Urban Jungle," and a man and woman dressed in business clothes are posed in front of jungle foliage. The message side has information about the National Zoological Park and Amazonia. The postcard is unused. c. 1992, Unknown, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Collection 07-053, Box 1, Folder: Amazonia Postcard, Negative Numbers SIA2013-07759 (front) and SIA2013-07760 (back).