WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian National Zoo will change its hours of operation beginning next year.
A letter from Director Dennis Kelly shows the exhibit buildings will open and close a little earlier, while the grounds will open later and close earlier than they do now.
As of Jan. 1, exhibit buildings will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing 6 p.m. in the summer when more people are visiting.
The grounds will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing at 7 p.m. in the summer.
In Kelly’s letter, the director says changing the zoo hours was difficult, but opening the animal houses an hour earlier gives visitors more access to see the wildlife.
