The Smithsonian National Zoo has woven diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change messaging into its public programming and internal operations over the past several years, according to a review of the institution's own website and published reports. The Washington, D.C. zoo, which draws roughly two million visitors annually and runs conservation research across more than 40 countries, has featured articles and events that critics say go beyond its core scientific mission.
A 2021 article on the zoo's website, written by seabird ecologist Autumn-Lynn Harrison and coral biologist Mary Hagedorn, argued that gender equity and civil liberties are tied to climate outcomes. The piece stated that addressing global inequities in health and education is a direct way to bolster climate action. A search for the term climate change on the zoo's site returns nearly 400 results, including pieces on salamanders, vernal pools, wildfires, and coral nurseries.
The zoo's diversity efforts are documented in the 2023 Smithsonian Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Report, which devotes several pages to the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Programs listed include diversity-focused internships, LGBTQ family programming, and efforts to promote inclusive language within the zoo and aquarium profession. The report states that diversity and inclusion are integral to all aspects of the Smithsonian's operations and key components of its strategic plan.
LGBTQ outreach has been a recurring feature at the zoo. Since 2018, it has hosted an annual International Family Equality Day, a free event with animal encounters, keeper talks, music, and community activities. Staff have created rainbow-themed animal enrichment, including colorful ice cakes for the animals. In 2024, the zoo expanded partnerships with groups such as the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community, SMYAL, Rainbow Families, Brave Trails, and the Smithsonian Pride Alliance. The event included a performance by the GenOUT Youth Chorus and a community picnic. Outside groups referred to the gathering as Gay Day at the Zoo.
The zoo also helped launch the Association of Minority Zoo and Aquarium Professionals, an organization aimed at increasing racial and ethnic minority representation in the field. Smithsonian curator Craig Saffoe, who is Black, wrote in a 2021 Smithsonian Magazine article that he had long been aware of the lack of Black and brown faces in his profession and decided to act on it.
Critics argue such programming is out of step with the zoo's primary purpose. Gabriella Hoffman, director of the Independent Women's Forum Center for Energy and Conservation, said Americans visit zoos to learn about conservation and admire animals, not to be shamed. She said conservation has been infiltrated by elements of DEI, ESG, and climate alarmism, which invites confusion into a space that should be science-first. Jason Hayes of the Heritage Foundation's Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment said taxpayer-funded institutions like the National Zoo have a primary mission of conservation and species management, and ideological messaging can create problems.
The review comes as the Trump administration has pressed the Smithsonian Institution to eliminate far-left messaging and DEI practices. In January 2025, the Smithsonian announced it was eliminating its Office of Diversity, while retaining visitor accessibility efforts. However, several work profiles on the zoo's website as of this week still contain language suggesting DEI remains part of daily activities.