National Zoo

Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Today, the Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species.

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False water cobra is so named because when the snake is threatened it "hoods" as a true cobra does. However, unlike a true cobra, it does not rear up, but remains in a horizontal position. Image has sharp head with body a bit blurred. Body is curled and the head is pointed away and at the top of the picture.

False water cobra is so named because when the snake is threatened it "hoods" as a true cobra does. Image has sharp head with body a bit blurred. Body is curled and the head is pointed away and at the top of the picture.

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