Smithsonian National Zoo’s Focus on DEI and Climate Change
The Trump administration has targeted the promotion of far-left messaging and agenda items within the Smithsonian Institution. In response, the Smithsonian National Zoo has implemented its own ‘woke’ messaging over recent years. The Zoological institution in Washington, D.C., receives around 2 million visitors annually and coordinates global conservation research in over 40 nations. It prioritizes issues such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and climate change.
Emphasis on DEI and Environmental Justice
The Smithsonian National Zoo discusses gender equity, civil liberties, and justice as crucial elements for peace and prosperity. It connects these to resource use and climate change impacts. An article from 2021 by seabird ecologist Autumn-Lynn Harrison and coral biologist Mary Hagedorn argues for bolstering climate action by addressing health and education inequities worldwide.
One direct way to bolster climate action is by addressing inequities in health and education around the globe. – Harrison and Hagedorn
The zoo promotes DEI, LGBTQ, and environmental-justice initiatives, exemplified by almost 400 search results on climate change impacts covering topics such as vernal pools, salamanders, and coral nurseries.
DEI Strategies and Programs
The Smithsonian’s 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Report outlines several DEI programs at the National Zoo. These encompass diversity-oriented internships, LGBTQ family programming with rainbow-themed animal enrichment, and encouraging inclusive language in the zoo and aquarium professions.
The zoo contributed to the formation of the Association of Minority Zoo and Aquarium Professionals. This aims to boost minority representation through networking and mentorship. Craig Saffoe, Smithsonian curator, has articulated the need for increased diversity within the zoo field and has taken personal action to address this issue.
Visitor Accessibility and Community Outreach
In response to political pressure, the Smithsonian announced the removal of the Office of Diversity. Despite this, it continues prioritizing visitor accessibility. Listings on its website reference DEI activities in various roles, such as Elliott Ferguson from Destination DC advancing both tourism and DEI discussions.
The National Zoo also partners with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which emphasizes DEI throughout its operations. It remains accredited by AZA, meeting necessary standards for accessible and welcoming environments.
LGBTQ Family Programming
Since 2018, the zoo has hosted International Family Equality Day to enhance outreach to the LGBTQ community with events featuring animal interactions, music, games, and community features. The program expanded partnerships with organizations such as the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community and Rainbow Families in 2024.
Critics argue that conservation efforts have been compromised by DEI and climate alarmism. Independent Women’s Forum Director Gabriella Hoffman speaks out against mixing scientific conservation with political ideologies that may affect zoos negatively.
Global Conservation Efforts
Beyond AZA affiliation, the Smithsonian is linked with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This organization advocates for gender-responsive conservation policies and inclusive participation across various demographics.
The zoo collaborates with the Zoological Society of London on the recovery of oryx using a justice-based conservation approach. Smithsonian Zoo’s spokesperson affirms the institution’s mission to connect millions with wildlife and advance global conservation.
Hoffman warns about activism targeting zoos, advocating that they prioritize species conservation without political interference.