The National Zoo to Install Security Fencing, Consolidate Entrances

The National Zoo to Install Security Fencing, Consolidate Entrances

The National Zoo is looking to improve security with new measures such as security fencing.

The Smithsonian National Zoo will be boosting security by consolidating the amount of entrances to the park as well as adding security perimeter fencing to currently open areas, according to a new plan approved by the National Capital Planning Commission last week.

The National Zoo has been trying to update security measures for the park for over six months. An earlier proposal to build security checkpoints at the entrances of the zoo received public backlash and forced a delay on the vote to seek more feedback form the community. 

Residents at the time argued that free, unrestricted access to the park is what makes it such a special part of the city. Too much security, the argument goes, destroys fundamental character of the National Zoo. 

The original plan was born at the height of fear of vehicle ramming attacks last year and an increase in security at other Smithsonian facilities around the D.C. area.

The new plan would consolidate the zoo's 13 pedestrian entrances to six total entrances. Three that are official entrances to the zoo and three that serve as more informal entries that provide access to main parking lots.

The zoo also wants 4,205 feet of fencing around the zoo to "close gaps in the perimeter," according to the proposal. Ornamental black fencing resembling what already exists inside the zoo will be used "in any area that can be seen by the public, and chain-link fencing will be used in areas in dense vegetation or otherwise hidden from view."

A spokesperson for the zoo said conconstructiontruction on the fencing will begin sometime in 2019.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

  • TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement Today

    Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Read Now

  • Body-Worn Cameras on the Rise

    On the evening of Oct. 29, 2024, the owner of 300 Guard based in Houston, was shot while on duty at a convenience store. He returned fire. He was wearing a plated vest and thankfully recovered in the hospital. Read Now

  • Brazil Port Enhances Surveillance and Supports Wildlife Conservation with Sustainable Technology

    Ferroport, which operates the iron ore terminal at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has deployed state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras from Axis Communications to enhance nighttime security and visibility, while decreasing environmental impact and prioritizing sustainability. With cutting-edge technology, the port now has precise surveillance cameras that capture high-quality nighttime images, while reducing the amount of artificial lighting that negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.