The Smithsonian National Zoological Park during COVID-19 - Michelle Larkin

 

A lion statue by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's front entrance wearing a face covering to remind visitors to do the same in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park guests wearing face masks due to COVID-19 in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, 2020.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park guests wearing face masks while social distancing due to COVID-19 in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, 2020.

Visitors waiting in line for Ben and Jerry's ice cream at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, 2020.

Marcelo, 24, pumps out hand sanitizer at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a sign at a closed monkey exhibit reads "Nobody Home" at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Reptile House at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park remains closed in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

The Tiger Tracks remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions as well at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, visitors wait in line in order to enter the Great Ape House exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Visitors waiting in a line in order to enter the Elephant Trails exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Visitors admiring the elephants while social distancing at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C on Nov. 22, 2020.

Sign navigating guests on where to go in the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Signs reminding guests to social distance from other guests in the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

A father and his kids admiring a cow in the Kids' Farm exhibition at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Visitors waiting in line to enter the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's gift shop in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Stuffed zoo animals sit on the shelves of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's gift shop in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Visitors practice social distancing guidelines while they wait to purchase their items at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's gift shop in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 22, 2020.

Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park now remains closed in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 12, 2020.