WASHINGTON — Be prepared for possible delays entering Smithsonian’s National Zoo during the busy spring break period because of additional security measures.
“Temporary access controls will be up at the zoo from about the end of March to mid-April,” National Zoo spokeswoman Annalisa Meyer said. “We are doing it with safety in mind and that’s our No. 1 priority at the zoo.”
The zoo will have fewer entry gates open. Visitors can expect bag checks.
Temporary fencing will funnel people from parking lots to entry points for security checks that also will be in place at pedestrian access points from Connecticut Avenue and on the far end of the zoo closer to Beach Drive.
Meyer equates the security checks to what happens at other Smithsonian museums or on the National Mall for Fourth of July celebrations.
“We’re checking bags, back packs, strollers and other personal items, along with using other forms of visitor screening,” Meyer said.
Visitors also may be hand-screened with an electronic wand.
For years, the Zoo has implemented additional screenings to correspond with spring breaks and Easter Monday crowds because of outbreaks of violence at or near zoo property during those busy periods.
The zoo is free but parking costs $25.
